Radians

Requirements Gathering and Testing Process Improvements
Business Problem

To enhance the overall functionality of the Statewide IT Human Service system, there is a critical need for specialized services in the following areas:

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) Development and Training:

  • There is a gap between the licensed functionality of the ALM tool and its current utilization, leading to underutilization of available features.
  • The lack of standardized processes, governance, and data organization within the ALM tool usage hinders effective management and reporting.

Requirements Management Development and Process Improvement:

  • The current requirements management processes are not fully aligned with the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) and industry best practices, leading to inefficiencies.
  • There is a need for better traceability, feasibility analysis, design, construction, test, and requirements change management processes.

Testing Support and Training:

  • The current testing practices need improvement to ensure thorough validation of the system’s functionality, performance, and regression testing.
  • There is a need for enhanced User Acceptance Testing (UAT) training for State staff to ensure effective testing and validation of system changes.
Proposed Solution

Radian Solutions offered a comprehensive solution to assist the State department during a period of heavy workload, support services for all three primary roles focusing on different aspects of the project:

  • Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) Development and Training: Radian Solutions maximized the functionality of the ALM tool and train state staff on its use. This includes conducting an ALM Gap Analysis to assess current usage, developing an ALM Improvement Report with recommendations for optimization, and implementing these improvements. Additionally, Radian Solutions provided ALM knowledge transfer through the development of user guides and in-person training sessions.
  • Requirements Management Development and Process Improvement: Radian Solutions refined the current requirements management processes and performed an overhaul. This involves conducting a Requirements Management Gap Analysis, developing a Requirements Management Improvement Report with recommendations, and leading Joint Application Requirements Sessions (JARS) to elicit requirements. We also provided guidance on writing high-quality requirements and maintaining traceability.
  • Testing Support and Training: Radian Solutions assisted with system testing and provided User Acceptance Testing (UAT) training to State staff. This includes reviewing the System Integrator’s testing activities, supporting the State UAT Team in reviewing test plans and schedules, and developing a Testing Best Practices Guide. They will also provide guidance on testing best practices through instructional sessions.
Benefits & Impact

The benefits and impact provided by Radian Solutions on this project are significant and multifaceted. They include:

  • Improved Efficiency and Productivity: By maximizing the functionality of the ALM tool and refining requirement management processes, Radian Solutions enhanced the overall efficiency and productivity of the state staff. This enabled the team to handle the heavy workload more effectively and ensure smoother project execution.
  • Enhanced Quality and Accuracy: The proposed solution included conducting gap analyses and developing improvement reports for both ALM and requirements management. This helps in identifying and addressing any deficiencies in the current processes, leading to improved quality and accuracy of the system.
  • Knowledge Transfer and Skill Development: Radian Solutions provided training and knowledge transfer to the state staff in ALM, requirements management, and testing. This empowered the staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain and improve the system even after the project is completed.
  • Better Risk Management and Governance: The solution included reviewing and recommending improvements in governance processes and risk management activities. This helps in better identification, mitigation, and planning for potential risks, ensuring smoother project execution and system stability.
  • Enhanced System Testing and UAT: Radian Solutions assisted with system testing and provided UAT training to State staff. This ensured that the system is thoroughly tested and any defects are identified and rectified before the system goes live, reducing the risk of post-deployment issues.
  • Improved Documentation and Standardization: The development of process manuals, user guides, and best practices guides ensured that all processes and procedures are well-documented and standardized. This facilitates easier maintenance and future enhancements of the system.
  • Increased Stakeholder Confidence: The comprehensive approach to improving ALM, requirements management, and testing increases the confidence of stakeholders in the system’s reliability and effectiveness.

Overall, the services provided by Radian Solutions will have a significant positive impact on the State project, ensuring that it is well-equipped to handle the heavy workload and deliver a high-quality system that meets the needs of its users.