Planning the implementation

11.1 Planning the implementation

The planning of an SQS should involve consideration of all the elements discussed so far in this text. Many of the concerns of the SQS are depicted in Figure 11.2. Prior to beginning any actual implementation, careful consideration must be given to each step that will be taken. Those SQS elements that are already in place or that are partially implemented must be recognized and built on to the maximum extent compatible with the overall system. Each activity must be assigned to the appropriate organizational entity for execution. A period of training must be planned both for the implementers of the various portions of the plan and for the data processing organization as a whole. Inclusion of each group to be monitored in the planning process will benefit the overall system by instilling a sense of system ownership in the whole organization.

Figure 11.2: Software quality system concerns.

The actual implementation of the SQS plan requires careful planning and scheduling. Starting with the definition of the charter of the software quality practitioners and ending with the SQS implementation strategy and execution, each step must be laid out and accomplished with the maximum involvement of the affected groups. Even the best conceived system can fail if it is implemented in the wrong way.