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

The failure rate in testing already completed is a valuable metric for monitoring progress during test preparation and execution because it provides insight into the effectiveness of the testing process. By assessing the number of defects found in the tests that have already been executed, teams can determine whether the testing strategy is uncovering issues as expected. A high failure rate may indicate that further investigation is necessary regarding the quality of the product or the effectiveness of the tests themselves.

Analyzing the failure rate allows teams to adapt their test plans and focus their efforts on areas that may require additional attention. It serves not only as an indicator of current progress but also helps in identifying trends that can inform future testing efforts. This can lead to better resource allocation and prioritization of testing tasks, ultimately resulting in a more thorough assessment of the software under test.

Monitoring the other metrics like the total number of tests planned or the total number of requirements to be tested are also useful, but they do not provide direct feedback on the quality and effectiveness of the tests that have already been executed. Similarly, while knowing the number of testers being utilized is valuable for resource management, it does not reflect on the results of testing efforts or the quality of the application being tested. Thus, focusing on the failure rate can yield more