GARVIN'S EIGHT DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY

Quality characteristics can be analyzed with the help of eight dimensions of product quality management. David Garvin has defined the concept in the form of Eight Dimensions of Quality. These are summarized here:

1. Performance: Performance refers to a product's primary operating characteristics. This dimension of quality involves measurable attributes; brands can usually be ranked objectively on individual aspects of performance.
2. Features: Features are additional characteristics that enhance the appeal of the product or service to the user.
3. Reliability: Reliability is the likelihood that a product will not fail within a specific time period. This is a key element for users who need the product to work without fail.
4. Conformance: Conformance is the precision with which the product or service meets the specified standards.
5. Durability: Durability measures the length of a product’s life. When the product can be repaired, estimating durability is more complicated. The item will be used until it is no longer economical to operate it. This happens when the repair rate and the associated costs increase significantly.
6. Serviceability: Serviceability is the speed with which the product can be put into service when it breaks down, as well as the competence and the behavior of the service person.
7. Aesthetics: Aesthetics is the subjective dimension indicating the kind of response a user has to a product. It represents the individual’s personal preference.
8. Perceived Quality: Perceived Quality is the quality attributed to a good or service based on indirect measures.

Source: Wikipedia

WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEST ENGINEER?

Characteristics of a good Test Engineer:

• A ‘test to break’ attitude,
• An ability to take the point of view of the customer,
• A strong desire for quality, and an attention to detail.
• Tact and diplomacy are useful in maintaining a cooperative relationship with developers,
• An ability to communicate with both technical (developers) and non-technical (customers, management) people is useful.
• Previous software development experience can be helpful as it provides a deeper understanding of the software development process, gives the tester an appreciation for the developers’ point of view, and reduce the learning curve in automated test tool programming.
• Judgment skills are needed to assess high-risk areas of an application on which to focus testing efforts when time is limited.

Important Skills Required:

1. Communication Skill
Customer communication as well as team communication most important for this job. Written communication as well!

2. Technical skill

• Knowledge of Project life cycle,
• Knowledge of Testing concepts,
• Knowledge of testing types,
• Programming languages familiarity,
• Knowledge of Database concepts,
• Test plan idea,
• Ability to analyze requirements,
• Documentation skill,
• Knowledge of Testing tools

3. Leadership Skill

4. Analytical and judging skill

Don’t worry if you don’t have some of the skills mentioned above. You can always learn the things if you have interest. Non-IT personas can also grow fast by gaining necessary skills.