Modeling software testing processes

The production of a high quality software product requires application of both defect prevention and defect detection techniques. A common defect detection strategy is to subject the product to several phases of testing such as unit, integration, and system. These testing phases consume significant project resources and cycle time. As software companies continue to search for ways for reducing cycle time and development costs while increasing quality, software testing processes emerge as a prime target for investigation. The paper proposes the utilization of system dynamics models for better understanding testing processes. Motivation for modeling testing processes is presented along with a an executable model of the unit test phase. Some sample model runs are described to illustrate the usefulness of the model.