8 Critical Factors for Success of Any QA Project

A discourse with a peer in the same domain has led me to reflect on why projects frequently fall short of expectations and deadlines. The prerequisites of today’s projects have radically changed compared to what they were five years ago, predominantly due to the influence of mobile applications.

In today’s world, everything is fast-paced. Everyone is after immediate results, and the global connection has never been more immense. The increasing challenges of securing, executing, and marking a project as successful due to globalization remain ever so apparent.

By examining various scenarios and projects where I had involvement, I have delineated essential components that add to the success of any project.

The 8 Vital Elements for a Successful QA Project

#1) Planning

A great plan is like a navigational chart. It reveals not just the final destination but also the optimal route to arrive there. — H. Stanely Judd

Effective strategizing is indispensable but not an undemanding job. It calls for reflecting on different factors, like strengths and weaknesses, team abilities, tool availability, requirements, hindrances, methodology, and foreseeable roadblocks.

Planning surpasses mere documentation and deals with understanding and keying out objectives along with outlining a crystal clear tactic or methodology. Involving the team members in the planning phase can immensely uplift the overall success ratio of the project.

Determining the adequate coverage and exit benchmarks can pose as a challenge, as they are often linked to the timeframe. It is crucial to comprehend the client’s requirements and the objective behind the product to determine appropriate coverage. Estimates should also consider adequate buffer and account for real-world issues.

#2) Communication

The mastery of communication is the vernacular of leadership. — James Humes

Transparent interaction is critical to the prosperity of any project. Be it communication with the client, within the team, with the management, or with third parties, effective communication holds a central position.

Investments towards enhancing communication can yield long-term benefits, irrespective of the stage of the project. Conveying delays and worries effectively poses as a hurdle, and good communication skills can aid in surpassing these challenges.

#3) Skills And Proficiency

In your profession, you ought to work towards achieving comprehensive knowledge and remain updated with the latest advancements. The slightest variation in information between you and another individual can determine their triumph and your failure. — Henry Ford

Skills and proficiency remain unparalleled in a project. No matter how advanced the planning or tools are, the success of the project depends on the necessary skills within the team. Keeping abreast of the latest trends is vital.

Moreover, depending on a single skill set is not sustainable. Adapting to novel technologies and modifying skill sets according to the shifting demands is a must in today’s ever-changing world. The importance of domain knowledge alone and years of experience does not hold the same weight as it once did.

#4) Instruments

Human beings are tool-dependent creatures. Without tools, he is nothing, with tools, he is everything. — Thomas Carlyle

Utilizing certain tools can assist in maintaining project schedules. Relying only on manual exertion is unrealistic in today’s accelerated world. Even when manual testing is obligatory, it needs to be supplemented with scripting proficiency, reporting tools, bug tracking, and project management tools.

Automation tools are gaining popularity and understanding of specific tools and the capability to select the correct one based on project requirements is expected at all testing levels.

#5) Procedure

It’s not just about what you do, but the manner in which you do it. — Anonymous

No project can prosper without adhering to proper procedures. Like project planning is crucial for a successful commencement, establishment, and observance of specific procedures assist in concluding the project successfully. Whether following an agile or waterfall methodology, a measurement and planning framework is necessary.

#6) Administration

Project Management involves forming structure in intricate projects where time, costs, resources, and human behavior converge. — Rory Burke

Managing a project is like walking a tightrope. Mundane challenges make focusing on far-off objectives difficult. Liaising with the team and the clients all at once is a formidable task.

As a manager, you grapple daily with sticking to timelines, accommodating resource requirements, managing skill deficiencies, handling client pressure, and a lot more. Time and experience are important when evolving management skills, but relentless and purposeful efforts are also necessary.

#7) Collaboration

While individual talent may win contests, it’s teamwork and wisdom that wins championships. — Michael Jordan

In a project, individual egos bear no significance. Collaboration can make a significant difference and contribute to the success of a project. Every member of the team holds responsibility for the project’s success. While the management is accountable for sustaining a healthy vibe, individual attitudes and positivity also contribute significantly toward success.

#8) Ambition To Provide An Extra Edge

The difference between the ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. — Jimmy Johnson

Most individuals seek additional benefits for the capital they invest. Efforts to present something of genuine value, preventing critical flaws, or extending support during off-hours can result in earning clients’ trust and admiration.

In conclusion, I extend to you a popular quote:

Every project provides a new learning experience. — Justin Timberlake

This catalog may not encircle every significant factor, and I invite readers to impart their perspectives and viewpoints.

About the Author: This guest article is penned by Bhumika Mehta, a project lead with seven years of professional experience in software testing. She has a deep interest in testing and aims at exploring every facet of it.

What additional aspects do you consider crucial to the success of a QA project?