The Software Quality Advisor Newsletter
April, 2010 You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up at my web site, www.riceconsulting.com. This newsletter is published monthly by Randy Rice of Rice Consulting Services, Inc. |
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 Greetings!Welcome to this issue of the newsletter. Do you
find it challenging to arrive at estimates for software testing? The
featured article are my thoughts and experiences on test estimation and
why estimates are usually a lot different from the actual time and
people needed.
We also have a great book to review this month, "Linchpin" by Seth Godin.
We have a lot of exciting things going on here at
Rice Consulting that will help grow your software testing success, such
as new public courses for test automation and advanced ISTQB software
test certification. If there is anything I can
do for you, please contact me.
The Dirty Little Secrets of Software Test Estimation
By Randall Rice, CTAL
New Test Automation Class Coming in May!
On May 13 and 14, I will hold the
first presentation of my newest course, Practical Software Test
Automation, in Oklahoma City. Because it is the first presentation, the
cost is only $400 for both days (normally $950). Lunch is on your own.
If you live in a hub city or within driving distance of Oklahoma City,
it will be worth the trip. Bring your own computer and learn how to
create an effective test automation architecture. This course is not
based on any particular tool, but we will be using the Macro Scheduler
tool and other free or affordable tools for the exercises. Thanks to
the Red Earth QA SIG in Oklahoma City for their sponsorship.
To learn more and to register, visit:
If you are interesting in bringing this course to your company or city, just contact me at 405-691-8075.
Discounts for Federal, State and Local Government Customers!
After months of hard effort, we are
finally on the GSA schedule so that Federal, State and Local
governmental agencies in the United States can now easily obtain our
services. These offerings include ISTQB Foundation and Advanced Level
Training. To find us, just go to http://www.gsaadvantage.gov and search for Rice Consulting. Go Deeper in Your Software Testing Career by Pursuing ISTQB Advanced Level Certification.
Rice Consulting Services has teamed
with Grove Consultants (http://www.grove.co.uk) to provide an outstanding training experience
for advanced level certification.
The trainer for Rice Consulting is Randall W. Rice, CTAL, with over 20 years software testing training experience in major organizations worldwide. The materials are licensed from Grove Consultants in the U.K. If you have seen any conference tutorials or presentations by Grove Consultants, you know the high quality and engaging nature of their presentations and materials. We are excited to launch the first of
these advanced ISTQB certification courses as public courses held in
Oklahoma City starting in May of 2010. To see the course schedule, click here.
Software Testing Courses in Rome - June 14 - 17, 2010
I'll be in Rome this summer teaching two courses:
Innovative Software Testing (2 days) - June 14 - 15, 2010, Rome, Italy Practical Software Test Automation - June 16 - 17, 2010, Rome, Italy Want a Class in Your City?
If you have six or more people
interested in a particular topic, call me at 405-691-8075 and let me
know. I'm happy to bring a course to cities in the USA where there is
interest. Become a Fan and Win a Book
Hey, become one of my fans on
Facebook! On May 1, I will hold a drawing and give away a copy of
Linchpin by Seth Godin to one person from my fan list on Facebook and
one of my newsletter subscribers. You can find Rice Consulting at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-City-OK/Randy-Rices-Software-Testing-Page/205723278494?ref=ts
You can also follow me on Twitter. There are quite a few Randy Rices out there. My Twitter name is "rricetester".
It's a new year with new challenges. You are probably being told to do more with less. You may be finding that it's been awhile since you've had any training. I offer three main vehicles for building skills: Live, in-person training with me as the trainer.
Pre-recorded e-learning with 12 months
access, even after you finish the course. We have 13 courses now in
e-learning format, including our ISTQB Foundation Level course.
Live, online training with me or an associate as the trainer. Very economical.
You can learn more about our training at http://riceconsulting.com/home/index.php/Table/Software-Testing-Training/
 Resource of the MonthEach month, I highlight one or more sites, tools, books, etc. that can help you be more effective and efficient.
This month, I want to point you to:
This site has all kinds of
free resources for quality practitioners of all types. There are
PowerPoint presentations, tools, and a knowledgebase - all free for
your use.
  Book Review
Linchpin by Seth Godin  Published by Portfolio, 2010, 244 pages These are the same companies who call me up to get "two days of training on testing" then have no idea what their needs are, what will happened after the class, or even who will be the instructor. They just want "a pound of training" as I call it. This type of attitude means you need a point of distinction. That's what this book is all about - how to become indispensable by letting the artist in you emerge. Think of the companies that lay off hundreds or thousands of people all at once. How were those people chosen? They didn't lay off everyone, so who got to stay and why? It wasn't the people who obediently played by the rules and didn't make waves. The ones who stayed were difference makers - linchpins. Read more at http://randallrice.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-linchpin-by-seth-godin.html Randy Rice Quote of the Month
"There are only two choices. Win by being more
ordinary, more standard and cheaper. Or win by being faster, more
remarkable, and more human"
Seth Godin in "Linchpin" Rice Consulting Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 892003
Oklahoma City, OK 73189
405-691-8075 |
Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 April 2010 10:42
