The Benefits of Acceptance Tests in Agile

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 309 features our essay on Agile user acceptance testing.  (AUAT) confirms that the output of a project meets the business’ needs and requirements. The concept of acceptance testing early and often is almost inarguable, whether you are using Agile or any other method. AUAT generates early customer feedback, which increases customer satisfaction and reduces the potential for delivering defects. While implementing an effective and efficient AUAT isn’t always easy it most certainly is possible! The essay begins: The classic definition of a user acceptance test (UAT) is a process that confirms that the output of a project meets the business needs and requirements. UAT in an Agile project generally is more rigorous and timely than the classic end of project UAT found in waterfall projects. In waterfall projects, the UAT is usually the last step in the development process.  The problem with that classic scenario is that significant defects are found late in the process, or worse, the business discovers that what is being delivered isn’t exactly what they wanted. Agile projects provide a number of opportunities to interject UAT activities throughout the process, starting with the development of user stories, to the sprint reviews and demos, and finally the UAT sprints at the end of a release.  Each level provides a platform for active learning and feedback from the business. Listen to the rest of the essay! Next SPaMCAST 310 features our interview with Michael Burrows. This is Michael’s second visit to the Software Process and Measurement Cast.  In this visit we discussed his new book, .  The book lays out why Kanban is a management method built on a set of values rather than just a set of techniques. The argument is made that Kanban leads to better outcomes for projects, managers, organizations and customers!  and read the book before the interview! Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished? Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI’s mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world’s leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. The ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars. The Software Process and Measurement Cast some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. Shameless Ad for my book!  co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: “This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book . Available in English and Chinese.