An Integrated KM Framework for Software Testing by Ted E. Lee 1

Agenda Introduction Three KM Frameworks An Integrated KM Framework Future Study

Introduction Software testing Involves the process of detecting software discrepancies so that they can be corrected before they are installed into a live environment supporting operational business units. Requires expertise in technology as well as business units. Therefore, the testing support team in an organization heavily relies on having ready access to business process and system knowledge.

Introduction Identify a KM framework to help the organization’s software-testing group improve their skills in defining a software-testing process, and facilitate the ongoing maintenance and use of a business knowledge repository.

Introduction Tacit vs. Explicit Knowledge (Awadand Ghazari 2004) Tacit knowledge personal knowledge embedded in individual experience and involving intangible factors such as belief, perspective, and values. This type of knowledge can be considered to be very difficult to transfer. Explicit knowledge the one that has already documented and articulated into formal language, and can be much more easily accessible and transferred among individuals. Hence, one of the key functions of a KM strategy is to make tacit knowledge explicit.

Introduction Knowledge Management (KM) Knowledge management is the process of capturing and making use of an organization’s collective expertise anywhere in the business – on paper, in documents, in databases, called explicit knowledge, or in people’s heads, called tacit knowledge (Awad and Ghazari, 2004). The main component of knowledge management process involves a cycle of exchanging tacit knowledge and converting it to explicit knowledge and then re-formulating it through an individual’s experience and other factors (such as belief, perspective, and values) into tacit knowledge.

Three KM Frameworks Framework A Framework B Framework C Pretorius and Steyn (2005) propose a framework for KM in project environments. Framework B Kerkhof, Ende and Bogenrieder (2003) propose a framework of KM that considers knowledge processes as competencies of learning organizations. Framework C Jointly developed by American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) and the Arthur Andersen Global consultancy organization (2000).

Three KM Frameworks – Framework (A) Based on a cycle of KM actives of creation, codification, dissemination and utilization. Focus on only two processes: codification and dissemination Provide detailed mechanisms, challenges, processes/procedures for these two activities Clear distinction of tacit and explicit knowledge But no mention on CSF/enablers

Three KM Frameworks (A) Three KM Frameworks – Framework A Three KM Frameworks (A)

Three KM Frameworks – Framework B Based on Sprenger’s four competencies of the learning organization: absorption, diffusion, generation, and exploitation (1995). Single-loop and double-loop learning (Argyris and Schon 1978) Quinn’s four carriers of knowledge in the organizations: people, mgmt systems, technical systems and culture Three conditions for KM by Davenport (1996) and Zack (1999): strategy, the nature of organization, and culture. Diffusion

Three KM Frameworks – Framework B Provide methods/instruments for the four competencies Used for a software testing consulting firm But, problematic sequence of competencies Diffusion

Three KM Frameworks – Framework B Based on Sprenger’s four competencies of the learning organization: Absorption involves the process of obtaining new knowledge from the external environment of the organization. Diffusion has to do with the distribution of knowledge among the members of the organization. Generation is the process of developing new knowledge and making explicit existing tacit knowledge. Exploitation is regarded as the commercialization of knowledge

Three KM Frameworks – Framework B Methods/ Instruments

Three KM Frameworks – Framework C Jointly developed by APQC and the Arthur Andersen Global consultancy organization. Include seven distinct process steps of a KM process and four environmental enablers (critical success factors) (O’Dell, 2000): sharing, creating, identifying, collecting, adapting, organizing and applying core organizational knowledge assets. four enablers required to promote the development of organizational knowledge: leadership, culture, technology and measurement. Used for regression testing in a utility company.

Three KM Frameworks – Framework C Next on integrated framework …

An Integrated KM Framework From Framework A … (CSF) (Disseminate) Codify (CSF)

An Integrated KM Framework From Framework B … Strategy, Nature of Organization (willingness) (CSF) (Disseminate) Codify (CSF) More on From Framework B …

An Integrated KM Framework From Framework B … Strategy, Nature of Organization (willingness) (CSF) (Disseminate) Codify Knowledge carriers as people, mgmt systems, and technical systems (CSF)

Future Study Identify niche for KM opportunity Field study Regression testing Any other areas ??? Unit,System,UAT Field study Assess feasibility/applicability Identify other enablers, processes, or sub processes