What is involved in test management?

Test management encompasses a wide range of activities that ensure the testing process is effectively organized and controlled throughout the software development lifecycle. The main aspects of test management involve planning, estimating, monitoring, and controlling tests.

Planning is crucial as it involves determining the scope and objectives of testing, conducting risk assessments, and defining the approach and resources required. Estimating involves predicting the time and effort needed for various testing activities, which helps in resource allocation. Monitoring is about tracking the progress of testing activities against the plan to ensure that objectives are being met. Control involves making adjustments as necessary to address any deviations from the plan, ensuring that the testing process remains aligned with project goals and quality standards.

While executing test cases and validating results, creating test oracles, and designing test levels are important aspects of the testing process, they fall under the operational side of testing rather than the overall management of the testing process itself. Test management is fundamentally about the high-level oversight and strategic coordination of those various tasks to ensure a successful testing outcome.