For any project, the big question is: "Is this software ready to release yet?" Explore how to answer that question with confidence, by learning how to define success and how to gain consensus on release criteria.

It's impossible to test everything-even in the most trivial of systems. Tight time schedules and shortages of trained testing personnel exacerbate this problem; so do changing priorities, feature creep, and loss of resources. In many companies, test professionals either begin their work on whichever components they encounter first, or the parts they're most familiar with. Unfortunately, these approaches may result in the delivery of a system where the most critical components remain untested. Or, at the very least, critical components are tested later in the lifecycle when there may not be time to fix the problems found. All of this adds to the risk of a project. One way to overcome every one of these challenges is to employ the use of risk analysis. Rick Craig demonstrates the basics of a usable process for assigning testing priorities based on relative risk.

Want to be a test lead? Ready to take on the responsibilities of test management? Making the transition to a lead, then a management position, takes more than just guts- it takes preparation. This presentation illuminates some of the technical aspects you'll encounter when transitioning to test lead or test manager, including: organizing and managing the testing; working with the project manager and the rest of the project team; and deciding how, when, and what to invest in your test infrastructure. You'll also explore some of the nontechnical aspects such as coaching and mentoring, giving feedback, and providing work direction.

In uncertain circumstances, the challenges facing test managers are numerous and, at times, daunting. Layoffs, reorganizations, restricted resources, and job concerns can contribute to the disruption of the status quo at any given time. So what's a test manager to do? This presentation identifies test management issues and describes tips and techniques on how to better manage yourself and others. It suggests some ways to adjust your management style to have a more effective impact on your staff and guide you all through the difficulties that may arise.