Business Solutions Manager Self and contribution to Team. Information Services

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Responsible To: Responsible For Agile Test Analyst Business Solutions Manager Self and contribution to Team Position Purpose: The Agile Test Analyst is responsible for working with the business and technical teams to provide robust and effective test solutions using a variety of test techniques and tools. Location: Information Services Date: 2 February 2011 Organisation Context The Open Polytechnic operates nation-wide as the specialist provider of vocational open and distance learning. The way we pursue our mission and our contribution to an integrated national system of lifelong learning will ensure equity of access while developing independent lifelong learners who can contribute in a skilled, internationally competitive workforce. Mission Statement To deliver high-quality, flexible and innovative information systems that optimize costs and maximize value to Open Polytechnic. Business Solutions Team The mission of the Business Solutions team is to implement and support business application systems and solutions that deliver real value to Open Polytechnic business users, through a consultative approach which combines innovative thinking, best practice development methods and consistent integration and support standards. To support this mission, the Agile Test Analyst is responsible for working closely with the business and development teams to ensure that acceptance criteria are testable, ensure test coverage is appropriate and to identify and implement test automation. Location of Position in the Open Polytechnic The Agile Test Analyst works as part of a team reporting to the Business Solutions Manager, and is expected to have close working relationships with business unit management and staff, solutions development and project teams. The role includes a variety of types of work including working within project teams as part of a structured applications development or package implementation April 2010 Page 1 of 7

2 programmes, and also performing testing and test automation functions for updates and maintenance as part of a business-as-usual function. Refer to Diagram provided in Appendix 1 for details of location and working relationships. Authorities and Scope of Position Focus The Agile Test Analyst will: Work across the full range of applications developed and supported by Business Solutions Work consultatively with business and business analysts to ensure that acceptance criteria are well understood and translated into test criteria Work with development teams to define test cases Provide expertise for ongoing enhancement and Project-based work Initial analysis for application defects, both within project iterations and for ongoing enhancement Identify and investigate opportunities to apply test automation The Agile Test Analyst has the authority to make decisions and carry out actions in matters relating to the key functions of this position. In addition, the Agile Test Analyst can make recommendations to the Business Solutions Manager on all other matters. Financial Authority No financial delegations attach to this position. Human Resources Authority No Human Resources delegations attach to this position. Policy The Agile Test Analyst is authorised to: Work according to Open Polytechnic development, deployment and support policies, structures and processes within the Business Solutions team, and Contribute to the development of policy as may be required for specific purposes within the Business Solutions group or IS Directorate, in consultation with the Business Solutions Manager. Important Functional Relationships External Application solution and support vendors (e.g. ITS) Involvement in professional and industry organisations External project team members Internal Open Polytechnic business users Business Solutions team members IS staff Project staff Key Functions The key functions of the position are broadly identified below. Note: there may be other functions, within the purpose of the role that will be required to be performed from time to time. April 2010 Page 2 of 7

3 Key Functions 1. User consultation and analysis Expected Results To consult with business users and business analysts to ensure business acceptance measures are stated in a measurable and verifiable manner Work with the business to analyse business application features and agree on acceptance criteria Assist with the preparation of and participation in user story workshops and gaining business user agreement to success measures Develop and maintain knowledge of business area functions and processes Provide informed advice / guidance to the business to ensure optimal solutions are delivered Work with application owners and business analysts to present application changes delivered to stakeholders 2. Identifying and defining required tests Acceptance criteria reflect business needs and provide a basis for development An outcome of user story workshops is user stories with measurable and testable acceptance criteria Understanding of business process contributes significantly to features being developed, tested and accepted Open Polytechnic internal customers are satisfied with deliverables and process Changes to applications are demonstrated to stakeholders in a way that reinforces agreed acceptance criteria To proactively identify, investigate and define appropriate test approaches for a given application Define defect tracking mechanisms and appropriate practices for a given application or project development work Managing test scripts as an aspect of the application development and build process Evaluate appropriateness of testing technologies and tools for a given situation Defect tracking mechanisms are considered appropriate and useful for other development team members Test scripts are well managed, versioned and discoverable Technologies selected are fit-for-purpose and help result in highly maintainable applications April 2010 Page 3 of 7

4 Working as part of development team to ensure all test technologies selected meet IS guidelines 3. Provide test analysis expertise IS guidelines are met and exceptions are discussed with Business Solutions Manager To ensure quality and consistency of test practices and technologies used Ensure quality of tests and enable adequate test coverage and as agreed by the business owner and development team Coordinate acceptance test feedback and sign off by application owners and Business Owners Assist business users to identify business impacts and need to adjust processes Ensure all development lifecycle standards and processes are followed for internally developed solutions Contribute to the development and enhancement of lifecycle processes, development and implementation standards and procedures 4. Contribution to Team Performance To contribute to the performance of the Business Solutions team and the wider IS group. Maintain and develop own professional and technical knowledge and skills. Understand the work of colleagues and contribute to team results through co-operative and collegial processes. Tests contribute significantly to the quality of solutions delivered and tools enable the development team to measure and reach coverage metrics Business owners are engaged and walked through functionality delivered to ensure that features meet acceptance measures Through working with business owners to define adequate acceptance measures, impacts to business groups are highlighted Works as part of development team to ensure standards are met at a personal level and that other team members are enabled and assisted to meet standards Lifecycle improvements are raised and discussed at team retrospectives and actions undertaken to improve the lifecycle are met as committed Professional and institutional knowledge is maintained, and knowledge shared with team. Participates in personal and team performance assessment. Appropriate development targets are agreed in the performance development plan, and there is evidence of achievement against these. Takes a positive role in developing and supporting other team members. Works constructively with peers/colleagues. Work issues are raised with team for April 2010 Page 4 of 7

5 Contribute to team knowledge and skills development, by working positively alongside team members and contributing to team success. discussion/resolution. Health and Safety procedures are followed in own area of work, and hazards reported appropriately as necessary Contribute to positive working environment. Maintain knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, and actively support safe work practices 5. Effective Working Relationships To maintain and develop positive working relationships with peers and colleagues. To contribute to trust and understanding of advice and services offered by the Business Solutions team and IS. Respond to requests for advice and information in a timely manner. Understand the perspective of others in relation to provision of IS services Seek feedback on the quality of services, and recommend and develop improvements. Appropriate response to requests for advice within agreed timeframes Positive profile for Business Solutions team and IS. Effective relationships are maintained and developed with peers and colleagues, including relationships with relevant external agencies. There is evidence of collaborative effort and results. Feedback indicates satisfaction with the quality of services provided. Ideas and recommendations for improvements are raised with the team. NOTE: The above key results are provided as a guide for performance standards. The annual performance plan and measurements will be discussed and agreed between the position holder and manager as part of annual performance planning and development. Person Specification Education/Qualifications Holder of relevant tertiary qualification or work experience deemed equivalent Skills and Experience Essential Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to identify and discuss business acceptance criteria Experience in working with test automation tools Experience in assessing and applying appropriate test approaches Experience in applying development standards and procedures Good understanding of Agile software development methodologies Good analytical and problem solving skills Good negotiation skills with the ability to clarify goals and ensure agreement is reached on a common understanding Demonstrated experience in proactively and pragmatically applying creative and innovative solutions to business needs April 2010 Page 5 of 7

6 Skills and Experience Desirable Experience with working with rapid application development approaches e.g. Agile, Scrum, etc. Knowledge of the tertiary education environment and/or specific business domains, and associated user applications and requirements Some experience with web application development in both Microsoft and Open Source frameworks Experience with Agile planning, estimating, and team collaboration skills as part of development project teams Personal Qualities A results-orientated approach with initiative, drive and a commitment to achieving objectives Be able and willing to take ownership of problems and their resolution. Good relationship-building and networking skills amongst managers, peers, staff, colleagues and external stakeholders A strategic thinker with open mindedness and mature judgement Works in a professional manner in dealings with business users, external stakeholders and other IS staff Good personal planning and organisational skills including ability to plan and prioritise work and meet deadlines Demonstrates a commitment to equity, equal employment, Treaty of Waitangi and educational opportunities Acceptance This Position Description may be reviewed to meet changing business requirements, or as part of the preparation for the performance development process, or as a result of the performance management process. Any required change will be discussed with the position holder and confirmed by the Executive Director, Information Services. I confirm that this Position Description accurately describes the work of the Agile Test Analyst position. Executive Director, Information Services Date: I accept this Position Description reflects the duties and responsibilities of the Agile Test Analyst position for which I am accountable: Position Holder Date: April 2010 Page 6 of 7

7 Appendix 1 Position: Agile Test Analyst, IS Role Relationships Diagram Reports to: Chief Executive Reports to: Key External Relationships: IS application delivery and support vendors Professional and industry organisations External project team members Executive Director Information Services Position Reports to: Business Solutions Manager Key Internal Relationships: OP users and staff Position: Agile Test Analyst Other IS Staff Application Development team members IS Projects staff Responsible for: Self contribution to Team April 2010 Page 7 of 7