A testing puzzle that asks you identify the problem

Hi Reader,

Last week I discovered a problem I was facing at office and framed it as a puzzle that can help testers in thinking and encourage them to refine their approach to solve any such problems in testing.

There were a couple of Indian testers who took part in it and now would like to share it with you too, for a reason which I have listed below.

In order to know what the puzzle is : Testing Puzzle at office!

Now, you might wonder how important is this to you but you might find it interesting when you know from me that James Bach did crack the puzzle I put up.

Spend time solving the puzzle and if you think you have cracked the puzzle, try looking at the answer in the same blog. ( have a look at the answer only after you make an attempt cracking the puzzle )
Answer: Answering the Telephone puzzle

Good luck and kudos to those who crack the puzzle!

Thanks and Regards,

Pradeep Soundararajan

The 2006 Testing Excellence Award

The "European Testing Excellence Award" is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of software testing within Europe.

EuroSTAR believes there is a need for an award which recognises leadership and contribution in the field of software testing. An award will provide focus to the contribution testing processes and principles make to the success of the products and services in the Information Technology Industry.

A testing excellence award will serve as a vehicle to build a knowledge base of approaches, solutions and the benefits of implementing testing solutions.

We encourage you to think about your colleagues, teachers and mentors within the software testing community, and take the time to nominate someone who has inspired or motivated you or through their work has made your work easier! Lets reward the people that give their time, energy and full commitment to the world of software testing. The submission details are all explained on our web site, so have a read and then tell us all about your testing hero.

The "European Testing Excellence Award" is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of software testing within Europe.

EuroSTAR believes there is a need for an award which recognises leadership and contribution in the field of software testing. An award will provide focus to the contribution testing processes and principles make to the success of the products and services in the Information Technology Industry.

A testing excellence award will serve as a vehicle to build a knowledge base of approaches, solutions and the benefits of implementing testing solutions.

We encourage you to think about your colleagues, teachers and mentors within the software testing community, and take the time to nominate someone who has inspired or motivated you or through their work has made your work easier! Lets reward the people that give their time, energy and full commitment to the world of software testing. The submission details are all explained on our web site, so have a read and then tell us all about your testing hero.


Submit your nomination before October 30th. Click Here for full details.

Becoming an Influential Test Team Leader

The following is an extract from the October issue of STAR Tester Newsletter- written by Randall Rice, Rice Consulting Services, USA. You can view the complete article and newsletter by clicking here and don't forget to subscribe to receive future issues.

Seven Ways to Add Value to Your Team

The essence of leadership is influence. Good leaders are able to influence people to achieve a common goal. As a leader, your sphere of influence extends from yourself to your team and then to others outside of your team.

One of the most powerful ways to influence both your team and the rest of your organisation is to lead your team in doing things that will multiply their value to the organisation. In this article I will suggest some low-cost and achievable things that just about any team can do to greatly multiply value and effectiveness.


Read more...

Six Testing Hats

The following is an extract from the October issue of STAR Tester Newsletter- written by Julian Harty,Google, UK. You can view the complete article and newsletter by clicking here and don't forget to subscribe to receive future issues.

What are some of the hard problems related to software testing?
In my experience these problems range from things like: unclear goals, insufficient support or respect from others, using our limited time effectively, as well as the more fundamental testing techniques, covered in numerous testing books. Like you I expect there are better ways to test, and I'm always on the lookout for ideas from other fields than we may be able to adapt and adopt to enhance our testing.


Read More...

Achieving Software Quality Through Teamwork

The following is an extract from the October issue of STAR Tester Newsletter- written Isabel Evans, Testing Solutions Group, UK. You can view the complete article and newsletter by clicking here and don't forget to subscribe to receive future issues.

"I'm going to buy a magic wand, and then when the Development Manager says to me 'We've finished the build, now can you do the quality stuff' I can just wave the wand and make it happen…"
Thus said a Test Manager, complaining about the way testing was regarded in his projects.

Read More...