Client Profile:   One of the nation's largest multi-state electric power utilities.

Challenge:  Our client sought to change their internal culture by implementing a comprehensive QA and Testing program that would value quality as much as schedule and cost. The IT organization also needed to improve relations with their clients in the business lines, reduce rework costs, improve the predictability of deliverables, and better align their SDLC with business imperatives and business line expectations.

Solution: SQA analyzed the SDLC and existing testing programs. Working closely with sponsors from four levels of management and key individual contributors, we interviewed more than 60 individuals, and evaluated not only existing QA procedures and test projects, but also the SDLC and project management procedures.

From the analysis we developed comprehensive recommendations to improve quality assurance, testing and the SDLC. SQA worked with the sponsors to develop a two-year plan for implementing the recommendations, and developed presentations and workshops to share the results to the organization, and gain buy-in from key stakeholders and executive management.

Impact:  Since delivering the assessment, SQA has worked with the client to mentor middle management and implement the plan. QA processes were defined and revised, and the client began a new metrics program and developed baseline metrics. The client's management also identified the first set of projects to utilize the new project management, testing, SDLC and QA procedures.