ICTTEN808
Manage network testing strategies


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and manage a test regime for evaluation of application software for a telecommunications network.

It applies to individuals with high-level technical skills working as network engineers or senior technical staff within project management roles.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan test effort and develop test strategy for an application software

1.1 Critically analyse functionalities of an application software from the system design document and create test strategy for new telecommunications product line

1.2 Produce steps for test strategy, including attributes of each step according to enterprise policy

1.3 Produce test strategy for evaluating suitability of application software for integration into telecommunications network

1.4 Critically analyse test strategy and identify types of risks that would hinder test performance or reality

2. Plan test strategy for regime

2.1 Produce phases of a test cycle for a test regime according to system design document

2.2 Assess a range of tests required to evaluate performance and functionality of application software and determine tests required to suit the test regime

2.3 Evaluate features of testing tool and debuggers and select an appropriate tool to test software application and detect faults

2.4 Evaluate elements of test plan that cover testing functionality of the application software

3. Design test plan and produce test reviews

3.1 Determine forecast time, effort and cost for low and medium intensity projects to perform testing

3.2 Develop a test case or test scenario with prerequisite states based on requirements to generate expected test results for test plan

3.3 Produce test plan for specific phases based on requirements of project specifications for the application software

3.4 Produce test reporting associated with particular test phases within test plan

3.5 Critically analyse test reports and evaluate impact of test plan on the testing environment

3.6 Manage progress of test plan to minimise risks associated with testing and ensure test compliance with test requirements

3.7 Report any detected defects to product evaluation personnel, and prepare a strategy to manage defects

4. Manage test traceability

4.1 Create a traceability matrix to correlate relationship between marketing requirements and detailed requirements of software product to matching parts of design, test plan and test cases

4.2 Critically analyse testing metrics produced by test tool to manage tracking of defects and plan process improvements based on the metrics

4.3 Produce an evaluation report from traceability matrix to manage defects or failures from the test plan

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

produce steps in developing test strategy

produce test strategy for evaluating suitability of application software

design test plan and produce test reviews

develop a test case or test scenario

produce a test plan for specific phases

produce test reporting associated with particular test phases within test plan

create traceability matrix

produce an evaluation report from the traceability matrix to manage defects or failures from the test plan.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain applications software features and functionalities

summarise configuration of software testing tools

outline creation of a traceability matrix

provide detailed summary of different elements of test plans and risks associated with implementation

outline features of testing tools and debuggers

explain identification of types of risks

consider legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact testing

explain how to manage software defects

summarise management of test traceability

outline phases of test cycles

outline production of test reviews

consider specific workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements that impact activity in terms of safety of self and the public

explain relevant steps in developing test strategy

outline testing procedures and testing cycles for various system applications.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the Telecommunications – Telecommunications Networks Engineering field of work and include access to:

a site where planning and management of a test regime for evaluation of application software may be conducted

software tools currently used in industry

vendor products, specifications, equipment and enterprise policy required for the activity.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.5

Organises, evaluates and critiques ideas and information from a wide range of complex texts

Writing

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.3, 3.7, 4.3

Prepares clear and concise workplace documentation including reports and recommendations incorporating technical language to communicate complex information clearly and effectively

Numeracy

3.1, 3.5, 4.2

Uses numerical information to interpret and evaluate different types of technical data, take measurements and determine cost-effective outcomes

Navigate the world of work

1.2

Adheres to organisational procedures and protocols

Interact with others

3.7

Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with technical personnel in a range of work contexts

Get the work done

1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2

Uses a combination of formal, logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context for complex, high impact activities with strategic implications

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with the digital world and uses this to devise strategies

Implements actions according to a predetermined plan, making adjustments as necessary

Takes responsibility for high-impact decisions in complex situations involving many variables and constraints

May use formal analytical and lateral thinking techniques resolving software, hardware and logistics problems


Sectors

Telecommunications Networks Engineering