Critical Testing Processes: Plan, Prepare, Perform, Perfect

Introduction

In the first sentence of Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy wrote, “All happy families are like one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” While Tolstoy certainly tells a great story in a moving and powerful way, this statement is wrong. The particulars for each family—happy or unhappy—may be unique, but some common causes of unhappiness exist. Anna Karenina is the story of a loveless spouse with a faithless mate, two common and connected curses for families around the world. Common causes of happiness exist for families as well: The blessings of healthy children, financial success, love and understanding, and shared interests are examples.

Organizations, like families, are social groupings, and also are happy and unhappy ...