SERVICE ORIENTED PROCESS MODEL FOR TEST ORGANIZATION PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Abstract

In the end of a product development cycle there is a need to execute integration and verification testing to ensure the quality goals of the product under development. The model of the test organization in the target enterprise has been moved towards an independent test organization which is virtually collaborating with other research and development teams. Those separated teams are dispersed over the globe, and therefore test management has faced new challenges. The research is concentrated on finding answers to how to lead and manage virtual high quality teams in complex integration and verification projects, and how to improve the overall quality of test organization. The study is based on existing literature, researches, journals and articles of virtual leadership and total quality management. The exploratory research method was used together with a questionnaire and interviews of a target group. The literature theories were combined with the results of interviews and observations from of the target enterprise existing methods and processes. As a result of the study, six fundamental issues have been found to affect virtual collaboration. It has been showed that work process is the key enabler for high performance virtual teams. Total quality management models have been researched to find a model which is supporting virtual management. And based on these findings, a service oriented process model has been created, for integration and verification test organization portfolio management. The service oriented process model can be used to improve the overall quality of test organization in the complex virtual research and development business. Further studies could focus on new agile test methods and improve the model created in this thesis.