Bristol Meetup with BCS and Mark Fewster

In conjunction with the Bristol branch of the BCS (http://www.bristol.bcs.org.uk/?q=node/122)

(Note: Sadly Dot Graham has had to pull out of next week's talk, however her co-author Mark Fewster has very kindly stepped in to talk for us.)

Oh no! Is this yet another approach to Test Automation? Actually, no it isn't. This is about what other peoples' experience with test automation can teach us - how it can help us capitalise on good ideas and avoid potentially useless ones.

A new book by Dorothy Graham and Mark Fewster "Experiences of Test Automation" published in January describes 28 case histories of test automation across a rich variety of application domains, environments and organisations. The book includes success stories, failure stories, and a few so-far-so-good stories.

While every story is different, there are many common elements running through these case studies. In this presentation Mark highlights some of the common themes that span both management and technical issues. For example, the influence managers have over test automation success and failure, the importance of keeping management informed and involved, and the need to match an appropriate level of investment with the desired objectives. Some of the technical issues include attention to testware architecture at an early stage, consistency of working methods to encourage reuse and reduce maintenance costs, and the quality of scripting.

By studying the experience of others we can start or progress our own test automation with a deeper understanding of the important issues, mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities.

Mark Fewster has 30 years of experience in software testing, covering aspects ranging from test management to test techniques and test automation. This includes the development of a test execution tool and its successful introduction into general use within an organisation.

Since joining Grove Consultants in 1993, Mark has provided consultancy and training in software testing, particularly in the application of testing techniques and test automation. He has published papers in respected journals and is a popular speaker at national and international conferences and seminars.

Mark has served as Programme Secretary on the committee of British Computer Society's Specialist Interest Group in Software Testing (BCS SIGiST) and has also served on the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB). He is currently helping the ISTQB in defining the expert level certification for test automation.

Mark has co-authored two books with Dorothy Graham, "Software Test Automation” published by Addison-Wesley and their most recent book “Experiences of Test Automation” published by Pearson Education.