Indirect effects in evidential assessment: a case study on regression test technology adoption

Background: There is a need for efficient regression testing in most software development organizations. Often the proposed solutions involve automation. However, despite this being a well researched area, research results are rarely applied in industrial practice. Aim: In this paper we aim to bridge the gap between research and practice by providing examples of how evidence-based regression testing approaches can be adopted in industry. We also discuss challenges for the research community. Method: An industrial case study was carried out to evaluate the possibility to improve regression testing at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. We analyse the procedure undertaken based on frameworks from the evidence based software engineering, EBSE, paradigm (with a focus on the evidence) and automation literature (with a focus on the practical effects). Results: Our results pinpoint the need for systematic approaches when introducing a new tool. Practitioners and researchers need congruent guidelines supporting the appraisal of both the evidence base and the pragmatic effects, both direct but also indirect, of the changes. This is illustrated by the introduction of the automation perspective.