Which metric is useful for monitoring progress during test preparation and execution?

Monitoring progress during test preparation and execution is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the testing process and ensuring that it stays on track. The failure rate in testing already completed provides valuable insights into the quality of the software being tested. By evaluating the number of defects found relative to the number of tests executed, teams can gauge how many issues still need to be addressed, which can help in determining whether additional testing is required or if modifications to the testing approach are necessary.

This metric addresses the immediate outcomes of the testing effort, indicating whether the testing is uncovering a satisfactory number of defects. A high failure rate may signal the need for more thorough testing or indicate that the software may not be ready for release. Conversely, a low failure rate could suggest that the application is stable, allowing for confidence in its quality.

In contrast, while the total number of tests planned, total number of requirements to be tested, and number of testers being utilized can provide a snapshot of the overall testing strategy and resources, they do not directly reflect the quality of the testing outcomes. Focusing on completion rates or resource management does not give a clear picture of how effectively the testing is identifying issues, which is why tracking the failure rate is more beneficial for monitoring progress.