Software Quality Assurance is a continuous set of activities carried out to gain adequate confidence that the software system meets its functional and non-functional objectives. SQA is a collection of activities and functions used to monitor and control a software project so such desired objectives are met.

 

Under waterfall methodology, SQA activities used to be restricted to the system testing and integration testing phases. However, with the advent of Agile Development Methodology, Testing and Software Quality Assurance has taken shape of a continuous improvement activity. Deming’s PDCA cycle Continuous SQA Activities quite accurately depict the role of SQA activities in a project.

 

PDCA Life Cycle

 

 

Plan phase of the objectives of the project are defined. Typically, In Independent Validation and Verification Projects, this phase would typically involve the following activities:

1. Definition and Analysis of High Level Functional Requirements
2. Identification and Definition of Test Processes and Methodologies, Exit Criteria, Regression Strategy, Deliverables, Dependencies, Metrics
3. Organization of the Test Team
4. Definition and Scheduling tests, Selection of Test Tools

In the Do Phase, the environment required for test is created. The test activities are carried out as planned. This phase would typically involve the following activities:

1. Complete System Test Scenarios Formulation and Design.
2. Design / Script and Execute Functional tests
3. Design / Script and Execute non-functional tests –
1. Performance,Stress, Security, Volume, Usability, Conversion, Compatibility, Backup & Recovery, Installation Tests 

Check Phase, monitoring and control activities are carried out to determine whether the testing is proceeding as originally planned. This phase would typically involve the following activities:

1. Review of System Test Results and ensure all tests were executed and resolved.
2. Consolidate Test Defects, Prepare Test Report, Analyze Consolidate Test Metric Graphs
3. Develop Findings / Recommendations
4. Review and Approval of Test Report

Act Phase, the Preventive and Corrective actions are implemented to ensure the test project is on track. This phase would typically involve the following activities:

1. Regression Testing System Fixes 
2. Implement the Preventive and Corrective actions
3. Execute New System Tests
4. Documentation of System Defects.