Measurement and control for risk-based test cases and activities

Abstract

Risk-based testing is an approach that consists of a set of activities regarding risk factors identification related to software requirements. Once identified, the risks are prioritized according to its likelihood and impact, and the test cases are projected based on the strategies for treatment of the identified risk factors. Then, test efforts are continuously adjusted according the risk monitoring. Most risk-based testing approaches focuses on activities related to risk identification, analysis and prioritizing. However, metrics are fundamental as they quantify characteristics of a process or product and support software project management activities. In this light, this paper proposes and discusses risk-based testing metrics to measure and control test cases and test activities progress, efforts and costs.