Um arcabouço conceitual para diagnóstico organizacional a respeito da utilização da automação de testes de software

Abstract

Software is present in all areas of contemporary life. From simple video games to complex air traffic monitoring systems, the risks involved in software failure have never been so serious. Testing is one of the most effective ways to increase the software quality. However, it is a laborious activity that may account for 20%-50% of the total cost of the software development project. The automation of software testing (AST) may represent a viable alternative for reducing this cost. The main benefits of AST are the decrease in test run time, increased quality, and decreased human error during the test process. However, just 20% of software organizations report having achieved the expected benefits from using AST. This dissertation presents a conceptual framework that aims to help organizations reach the objectives expected with the use of AST. The body of knowledge was constructed through two empirical studies: A systematic review of the literature, aiming to identify and characterize factors and practices that positively influence the use of AST and a survey with experts in software testing to assess relevance and impact identified. Finally, the viability of the proposed framework was evaluated through its application in two software organizations and from the perception of participants through interviews. From the studies conducted, 12 critical success factors (CSF) and 46 practices were identified and evaluated as relevant in the use of AST, among them are: the commitment and qualification of the automation team, the level of software testability and the feasibility of the automation project. Finally, a conceptual framework was developed using CSF assistance as a way to evaluate the knowledge of organizations about AST and therefore to suggest the adoption of practices to assist them in achieving the objectives expected with the use of AST. The results show that meeting critical success factors and adopting good practices contribute to the organizations achieving the expected benefits through the use of software testing automation and that the framework developed is feasible and can assist them in this purpose.