Test plan update

"The top management was feeling that when there are any changes in the technology being used, development schedules etc, it is a waste of time to update the Test Plan also from time to time. Instead, they are emphasizing that you should put your time into testing than working on the test plan. Your Project Manager asked for your opinion. You have argued that Test Plan is very important and you need to update your test plan from time to time. It is not at all a waste of time and testing activities would be more effective when you have your plan clear. Explain with some metrics; how you would support your argument to have the test plan in place all the time."?

Answer
Testing is a process and needs planning; too. The test plan serves as a contract between QA and the project team. It serves as the foundation for the QA team. If you don't plan, plan to fail. QA will not be able to verify the test coverage of the new technology if it is not addressed in the test plan. Further, the test plan will address how the technology will be tested in regards to test factors and if the technology will negatively impact other features.

Without a test plan, we don’t know
a) What we are going to do
b) How we are going to do it
c) How long will it take
d) Resources required
e) Cost
Without a documented test plan
a) The test can not be verified
b) Coverage can not be analyzed
c) The test is not repeatable
d) Test can not be controlled
e) Test plan is a tool to verify or confirm requirement
f) Review of test plan can identify gaps and missing or vague requirement
g) Test plan ensures that each requirement is testable
h) Planning helps in selection of test cases
i) Test plan is a dynamic document like any other plan
j) Test plan defines overall testing objectives and approach
k) Test design defines what is selected to test and describes expected results

Or
If we keep the Test Plan up-to-date, it will enable:

a) Keep a track of all deliverables as defined in test plan with any slippages in their schedules. If any slippages are occurring, take preventive actions. Also enable to estimate h/w and manpower resources/efforts, based on technological changes.

b) Test progress S curve (plan, attempted, actual test cases) shall give a fair indication of the status of testing activity.

c) Technological changes might lead to changes in test strategies. An updated test plan would enable effective testing coz strategy would be well defined and updated

d) Ascertain when the testing activity should stop

e) Estimate correct value of Code coverage (Percentage of lines of code executed per total lines of code) and take necessary action to test components that cover less code
f) Serve as a basis for testing a similar kind of application in future