Technical Session: Some powerful methods for using Table data in Excel.
Excel formulas often require input values that reside in table data. Frequently this data is either standardized values from references, or empirical results that formulas consider as inputs. Within Excel are several powerful and versatile tools for automating referral to values in such tables. We will discuss some simple to moderately complex data querying methods useful for obtaining those values for calculations requiring them. These methods are separate from Excel’s database functions (which will be covered in a future TP session).
Presentation: Eloise Henry, "STBox – Software Testing methodology Based On CTG eXperience."
Eloise will introduce STBoX, which is CTG’s approach to testing which has been encapsulated into a web based application that is a Software Testing methodology Based On CTG eXperience. It addresses Process, People/organization, and Technology/Infrastructure.
In recent years, most companies have begun to recognize the crucial importance of a structured software testing process. By systematically following such a process, the risk of deploying unreliable software is drastically reduced.
However, many organizations are still looking for the right testing method to fit their needs. They want a software testing method that:
- Is pragmatic, flexible, and workflow-driven
- Is simple and comprehensible, yet complete and consistent
- Is suitable for all different kinds of projects (from new development to maintenance, small projects to big, and one-shot efforts to iterative development)
- Is effective in different environments and for different application types (e.g. mainframe, web, SAP, etc.)
- Integrates seamlessly with their existing methodologies and frameworks (e.g. development method, ITIL, etc.)
- Is aligned to internationally accepted standards for software testing (e.g. BS 7925-1, BS 7925-2, IEEE Std. 829-1998, IEEE Std. 1028, IEEE Std. 1044 and 1044.1, and ISO 9126)
Most of the testing methodologies that are available today fail in one or more of the above critical success factors. Lack of a pragmatic workflow and incompatibility with current international test standards are major sources of disappointment.
For these reasons, CTG has developed STBox™.
STBox™ is CTG’s methodology for software testing: a software testing method, based on experience. STBox™ addresses the three basic dimensions of testing:
Process: This aspect includes the work breakdown structure of test activities (test phases and their place in the software development process)
People: This aspect recognizes the organizational aspects of testing (test organization structure and models, testing roles, tasks, and responsibilities)
Technology: This aspect covers test infrastructure (test environments, test data, office environments, test tools). These three dimensions can be visualized as a cube, or box, to clearly indicate that they are interrelated: testing activities prescribed by the testing method will only be possible if the supporting organizational structure and technology infrastructure are in place
Eloise is a Principal Consultant for Computer Task Group, an Information Technology (IT) solutions and staffing company located in Buffalo, New York. CTG has an international network of offices in North America and Europe, with over 3400 IT professionals worldwide. CTG is a market leader in Testing Services, providing specialized solutions for over 10 years.
Eloise is serving on the Audit Committee as the Audit Chair person. She holds an MBA, and CSQE certification. Eloise has over 19 years experience in quality/software. She has 10 years in medical device engineering, 9 years in IT in the areas of Insurance and financial applications. She has been employed as a quality manager, tester, project manager, assessor, auditor, and consultant. Currently, she is a Consultant, City Council representative for the city of Richmond Heights, and Precinct Committee representative for the same city.
Eloise has two sons, and lives in Richmond Heights, Ohio. She can be reached at ehenry5415@aol.com.
