Software Testing - Risk Testing
Software development is completed by following numerous phases which includes requirement analysis, design, documentation, implementation, testing etc. All these are part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Apart from these phases, various other activities are performed in the SDLC. It should be noted that development and maintenance of the software involves risks at each juncture. Most of the organizations focus on the fact that the risks involved in the software are identified, and mitigated so that they do not pose threats in the later stages of the SDLC.
What is Software Risk?
The risks are the unknown incidents in the software that have a probability of occuring in the future. These incidents are not guaranteed to take place. In case, these unknown incidents occur in the software it leads to loss in the overall project. The detection and management of risks are very crucial steps at the time of software project development as they determine the failure and success of the project.
Types of Software Risks
The different types of software risks are listed below −
1. Schedule Risks
They are related to the time related risks involved in the software. The incorrect schedules hamper the software development, and delivery. They mainly denote slow progress which indicates that the project is running behind a committed time frame and there may be a delayed software delivery. If these types of risks are not handled properly, they lead to the project failure, and directly affect business. The schedule risks are mainly due to the reasons listed below −
- Wrong time estimation
- Improper resource alignment
- Improper tracking of resources
- Changes in project scopes
- Inappropriate requirement analysis
2. Budget Risks
They are related to the budget related risks involved whenever the budget has surpassed. They mainly denote that the financial resources of the project are not distributed, and managed properly. If these types of risks are not handled properly, they lead to the project failure. The budget risks are mainly due to the reasons listed below:
- Wrong budget estimation
- Unplanned expansion of project
- Bad management of budget
- Additional unplanned expenses
- Improper tracking of budget
3. Operational Risks
They are related to the risks involved with the methods taken up while carrying out the normal daily activities for the development of the project. They mainly denote the incorrect implementation of the processes. The operational risks are mainly due to the reasons listed below −
- Inadequate count of resources
- Problems in the tasks allocation to the resources
- Mismanagement in tasks
- Inadequate planning
- Insufficient experienced and skilled resources
- Miscommunications
- Lack of cooperation and coordination
- Roles and responsibilities not properly defined
- Lack of training and guidances
4. Technical Risks
They are related to the risks involved with the functional or performance aspects of the software. The technical risks are mainly due to the reasons listed below −
- Changes in the requirements
- Not taking help of latest technologies
- Insufficient experienced and skilled resources
- Complex implementation
- Incorrect integration of various modules
5. Programmatic Risks
They are related to the risks involved with the external factors or unavoidable situations. They originate from outside and out of control of the interior program source code. The programmatic risks are mainly due to the reasons listed below −
- Changing nature of the market
- Limited available funds
- Updates in the government rules and regulations
- Contract discontinuation in middle
6. Communication Risks
They are related to the risks originated due to lack of understanding, misses, and confusions. They lead to insufficient or no communication during the project development.
7. Security Risks
They are related to the risks originated due to vulnerabilities such as compromise in the reliability, privacy, accessibility etc.
8. Quality Risks
They are related to the risks originated when the developed software is not working properly, and is unable to satisfy the customer needs.
9. Risks Around Law and Compliances
They are related to the risks originated because of not adhering to the laws and compliances during the project development. They lead to penalties, legal hassles, and other problems.
10. Costs Risks
They are related to the risks originated due to unanticipated expenses, updates in the scope of the project, lack or excess of funds etc. They hamper the financial plans taken up from the start of the project.
11. Market Risks
They are related to the risks originated due to changes in market conditions, new technology trends, addition of competitors, changes in customer needs etc.
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Risk. Weve started with describing what is software risk, how to execute the software positive tests, and what are the different types of the software risks. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Risk. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.