Hi.. I will be posting all the testing related stuff here. The content posted here is a collection from different websites.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Decision Analysis and Resolution

We all come across bottle necks every now and then, not just in our works but also in our personal issues….
Then “You must choose …
but choose wisely.”
The higher the risks are depending on the sensitiveness the more you need to take a more conscious decision. Making a good choice
implies analyzing alternatives. Because analyzing alternatives actually is making a comparison, you must have a consistent criteria defined.
Decision Analysis and Resolution
helps us to choose the right path.
Definition:
Book Answer - The purpose of Decision Analysis and Resolution is
to analyze possible decisions using a formal evaluation process that
evaluates identified alternatives against established criteria
In other words
a process to make key decisions in your
organization more objectively and wisely.

Few of the Lessons Learned from the Field:
1. People are generally impatient in decision making
2. Using a formal decision making process is not a
natural act
3. Make sure you have criteria in place for
when to
invoke DAR
4. Just getting started is half the battle
5. Implementing is easy
but institutionalizing takes
time
“There's a difference between knowing the path, and
walking the path.”
Morpheus, The Matrix
Just DAR it

How to perform an effective RCA

Root cause analysis
(RCA) is a method of problem solving that tries to identify the root causes of faults or
problems that cause operating events. Here are some steps to perform an effective RCA process in software
development or testing projects:-
1. Step 1: Define the Problem
What do you see happening?
What are the specific symptoms?
2. Step 2: Collect & Analyze Data
What proof do you have that the problem exists?
How long has the problem existed?
What is the impact of the problem?
Use Pareto Charts
3. Step 3: Identify Possible Causal Factors
What sequence of events leads to the problem?
What conditions allow the problem to occur?
What other problems surround the occurrence of the central problem?
Use tools like Cause & Effect diagram, 5 Whys etc.
4. Step 4: Identify the Root Causes
Why does the causal factor exist?
What is the real reason the problem occurred?
5. Step 5: Recommend and Implement Solutions
What can you do to prevent the problem from happening again?
How will the solution be implemented?
Who will be responsible for it?What are the risks of implementing the solution?