TSG Training

Day: 4 March 2024

  • A Software Testing Career Roadmap: Map Out Your 2025 Career Goals

    A Software Testing Career Roadmap: Map Out Your 2025 Career Goals

    In-demand, excellent growth potential, commanding high salaries and an opportunity to navigate a fascinating career roadmap that plays to your strengths – a career in software testing is bright!

    As the technology progresses, so do the different software testing roles and career avenues to explore. However, with so many options out there, how do you know where to start? To help you decide, here’s our take on the many avenues of the software testing career roadmap. We’ll cover the skills needed, the training required and the salaries and benefits you can expect across the different areas.

    Getting started in software testing

    If you’re new to software testing, it can be a great option if you’re looking for a career change. Even at entry-level, a software testing role usually commands a salary between £35,000 and £42,500. To start with software testing, it is important to consider the required skills and see if they align with your strengths and interests.

    Software testing skills

    The main skills used in software testing include:.

    • Analysis – you’ll be examining software, considering options, and overcoming challenges in an analytical approach to reach the best outcome.
    • Organisation – software testers often review different applications or work on several projects at a time, which needs prioritisation, organisation and effective time management.
    • Communication – When finding issues or facing challenges, communicating these effectively to team members and stakeholders is essential. They may not have the same technical knowledge, so clear, simplified communication is essential. Furthermore, software testers may also be responsible for creating written reports of their findings.
    • Coding and programming – One of the first areas of software testing training is to gain coding and programming knowledge so they can best perform testing responsibilities and adapt test management tools to their specific requirements.

    Training

    For those new to the industry, foundation-level certification can be crucial. This provides a base-level understanding of software testing, which can then be built upon as you navigate your own software testing career path. Training such as the ISTQB Software Testing Foundation Course can be a great course to learn more and practice fundamental concepts of software testing.

    Alternatively, a two-day course on Practical Functional Testing is an excellent opportunity to take on a software testing project in action. This can be a great way to sample a day in the life of a software tester and see if it’s right for you.

    Growing your software testing career

    There are a lot of different areas to advance your software testing career, depending on your interests and passions.

    Lead software tester

    If you love the practical work of software testing, then one career path may be the advance from software testing to a senior software tester, where you’ll be planning, developing and communicating the test strategy. Then, advancing to lead software tester, where you’ll be responsible for all testing activities, defining the strategies and approaches to take, being able to support software testers with their actions and ensuring complex strategies are well covered.

    A lead software tester role typically has a salary range between £42,000 and £62,000. While experience in software testing is vital to progress to a lead tester role, other training such as Test Techniques – Advanced Level can really help to develop strategies for complex cases.

    Leading a testing team

    If you prefer the people side of software testing, then progressing into testing management may be the career roadmap for you. A testing manager will be responsible for building and maintaining a high-performing, effective and happy software testing team. You’ll be the go-to for software testers, establish the goals of the software testing team, and drive them forward.

    The average salary for a test manager ranges from £78,000 to £103,000. The training that can help support those looking for a career of becoming a test manager could be our ISTQB Advanced Test Manager course. This is a 5-day course that supports experienced test practitioners in having a deeper understanding of testing, taking an active role in test management, and developing critical management knowledge and skills.

    Being a software testing SME

    There may be specific areas of software testing you love or have a passion for a particular area of the business. This can be a great opportunity to develop specialist knowledge further and become the SME in your organisation.

    There are so many software testing avenues to expand into specialist knowledge, which include;

    Creating Agile leaders and teams

    Another popular specialism in a software testing career roadmap is to develop into an Agile Software Tester or be the lead in Agile software testing projects. Adopting an Agile approach can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing projects. Develop your Agile approach with an ISTQB Agile Foundation Extension, which can help testers integrate software testing in a development approach.

    If you want to lead Agile software testing projects, the ISTQB Advanced Agile Technical Tester further develops these skills. Training in this can help to master Agile testing concepts and support continuous integration in an Agile team.

    If you want support in mapping out your software testing career or are unsure what area to explore next, our team can help. Book a free consultation with our team, who would be happy to support you in planning your software testing career roadmap.

  • How To Boost Customer Experience Using ITIL

    How To Boost Customer Experience Using ITIL

    In today’s business environment, delivering a great customer experience is more critical than ever. Organisations that excel in this area often enjoy higher levels of customer loyalty, increased sales, and better overall business results. In fact, research has found that organisations that earn $1 billion per year can increase their sales, on average, by more than $700 million by investing in their customer experience.
    For smaller businesses, it’s good to know that 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for organisations that deliver brilliant customer service. Conversely, poor customer experience can significantly harm businesses in one quick swoop. Over half of customers say they would switch to an organisation’s competitor if they received just one bad experience.
    So, with customer experience (CX) being a huge differentiator for businesses and a vital component of customer retention, more organisations are looking for ways to boost their service for end-users. One way organisations can improve customer experience is by adopting the ITIL framework.

    What is ITIL?

    ITIL is a set of best practices that helps organisations to manage their IT services more effectively. While initially designed to improve the efficiency of IT operations, it has evolved to become a powerful tool for enhancing the customer experience. Using ITIL, organisations can establish clear and consistent processes for managing service requests and incidents, ensuring that customers receive timely and effective support.

    How ITIL improves the customer experience

    One of the key benefits of ITIL is that it helps organisations to develop a customer-centric approach to IT service delivery. This involves understanding the needs and expectations of customers and aligning IT services with those needs. By doing so, organisations can ensure that they are delivering services that meet the needs of their customers and that they are continuously improving those services.
    Another way that ITIL can help organisations to enhance the customer experience is by promoting better communication with customers. By using ITIL best practices, organisations can establish clear communication channels and ensure that customers are kept informed about the status of their requests and incidents. This can help to reduce customer frustration and improve satisfaction.
    ITIL can also help organisations to measure and improve customer satisfaction. By using metrics such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), organisations can gain insights into how well they are meeting the needs of their customers and identify areas for improvement. This can help organisations to make data-driven decisions and improve their overall performance.
    Finally, ITIL can help organisations to establish a culture of continuous improvement. By using ITIL best practices, organisations can establish a framework for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. This can help ensure that they constantly strive to provide better service to their customers.

    Seven ways to use ITIL for excellent customer experience

    ITIL can help improve the end-user experience in several ways, including:

    1. Service Management Alignment

    ITIL helps organisations to align their IT services with the needs of their end users. By understanding end-user requirements and expectations, organisations can deliver services more closely aligned with their needs.
    For example, research shows that over 80% of customers like to solve their own queries before reaching out. ITIL can help create a knowledge base that allows customers to have another avenue of service that closely aligns with their expectations and requirements for a self-service option.

    1. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

    ITIL 4 recommends the use of SLAs to define service commitments and expectations. This helps establish clear expectations with end users and ensure service levels are met.
    ITIL recommends the cyclical continual improvement service model of Plan, Do, Check, Act, which can help regularly review and improve service level agreements. The consistent review of service level agreements helps to refine and improve the service level, creating a better customer experience.

    1. Improved Incident Management

    The focus of ITIL is to help restore normal service as quickly as possible when there is an unplanned event or service interruption. Incidents or service interruptions can significantly hamper the customer experience and have wider impacts, negatively impacting the brand and its reputation.
    ITIL provides guidance on how to manage incidents more effectively. By following ITIL 4, for example, it offers the best practices for incident management so that organisations can minimise the impact of incidents on end users and ensure that they receive timely and effective support. This includes aspects such as real-time incident tracking to help monitor progress and ensure a quick resolution.

    1. Problem Management

    Another benefit of ITIL is that it helps organisations to identify and address the root causes of problems more effectively. By reducing the number of incidents and problems, organisations can improve end-user experience and minimise disruptions.
    ITIL 4 offers a comprehensive process flow for problem management to maintain continuous quality improvement. This includes interactive steps of problem identification and logging, categorisation and prioritisation through to problem resolution and closure.

    1. Change Management

    Change is essential to continually improve the customer experience and ensure the organisation is up to date with the changing requirements of consumer preference. However, implementing change can come with interruptions and risks when it perhaps doesn’t roll out how it’s planned.
    ITIL 4 provides guidance on how to manage changes more effectively. By minimising the impact of changes on end users, organisations can reduce the risk of service disruptions and improve end-user experience.

    1. Service Desk

    The service desk is a vital component of the customer experience, and ITIL recommends using a centralised service desk to manage service requests and incidents.
    By providing a single point of contact for end users, organisations can improve communication and ensure that end users receive timely and effective support. ITIL recommends aspects of service desk management such as the use of chatbots, automated updates and progress alerts, and ticket routing so customers know that their request is seen, taken seriously, and actioned promptly.

    1. Continual Improvement

    Finally, ITIL promotes a culture of continual improvement. By regularly reviewing and improving IT services, organisations can ensure that they are meeting the changing needs of their end users and delivering a better overall experience.
    If you want to invest in a better customer experience to boost your business, having ITIL in place for IT service management is a great next step. You can get your team ITIL-ready with an ITIL® v4 Foundation Course – our 3-day certification course can give a detailed understanding of adding value to customers and stakeholders through the holistic ITIL approach.
    To add greater value to the customer experience, TSG Training also offers an ITIL® 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value qualification. This helps providers to journey map the customer experience in exceptional detail to drive the organisation forward while fostering the strong relationships that excellent customer experience can deliver.
    To learn more about TSG Training’s ITIL® certifications and training, please get in touch with our team, who can help you find the ideal next step in your professional development.

  • Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024: What to Expect

    Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024: What to Expect

    With global spending on cybersecurity already surpassing $1 trillion in 2021 and set to grow by a further $300 billion in 2024, the risk of cyberattacks continues to be a huge concern for organisations. As technology advances to further protect individuals and organisations, sadly, so does the sophistication of strategies used in cyberattacks such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybercrimes.
    Fortunately, organisations are committed to prioritising cybersecurity, investing in cybersecurity talent, and professional development to strengthen their teams from the risks of cyberattacks. However, with a 64% increase in cyber incidents last year alone, there are lots of areas individuals and organisations need to be aware of in 2024. So, what are the main cybersecurity threats we can expect in 2024 and the predicted trends to help mitigate these risks as we progress through the year?

    What are the leading cybersecurity threats of 2024?

    Each passing year, we see new and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks that can cause serious harm to individuals and businesses alike. These include;

    1. Ransomware attacks

    Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue in 2024. It is estimated that there is a ransomware attack around the world every 14 seconds, which sees hackers infiltrate a system or network and encrypt the data, effectively locking the victim out of their own data.In 2024, we can expect to see more sophisticated and targeted ransomware attacks that are designed to extort large sums of money from their victims. We have already seen criminal groups niching into specialisations and actively recruiting members who have specialist higher education or experience in specific fields as part of a Ransomware-as-a-Service cybercrime profit-sharing model.

    1. Internet of Things (IoT) attacks

    The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing number of connected devices that we use in our everyday lives, from smart home devices to wearable technology. Despite there being over 15.14 billion IoT devices being used, these devices are often poorly secured, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Throughout the year, we can expect to see more cyberattacks that target IoT devices, such as botnets that can take control of connected devices and use them to launch more significant attacks.
    In the first six months of 2023, there were 57 million attacks on IoT devices, and while organisations are strengthening their networks, IoT devices usually have a lot of potential areas of vulnerability.

    1. Social engineering attacks

    Social engineering attacks are a form of cyberattack that relies on manipulating people rather than technology. These attacks can take many forms, from phishing emails to fraudulent phone calls. In 2024, we can expect to see more sophisticated social engineering attacks that are designed to trick people into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware.

    1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) attacks

    As AI continues to advance, so too do the threats that it poses. As AI adoption grows, more cyberattacks will use AI to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Hackers may also use AI to create more sophisticated malware that is better able to evade detection.

    1. Nation-state attacks

    Nation-state attacks are cyberattacks that governments or state-sponsored groups carry out. These attacks can be highly sophisticated and can cause serious damage to their targets. With growing geopolitical uncertainty and instability, we expect to see more nation-state attacks targeting critical infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems.

    1. Insider threats

    Insider threats are cyber security threats that come from within an organisation. These threats can be intentional, such as an employee stealing sensitive data, or unintentional, such as an employee inadvertently downloading malware. In 2024, we can expect to see more insider threats as organisations become more complex and employees are given access to more sensitive data.
    While these are just a few of the types of cyber events we expect to see more of, what we can be sure of is that cyberattacks will be even more sophisticated and dangerous than those that we face today.
    It is essential that individuals and businesses take steps to protect themselves from these threats by implementing strong cybersecurity measures, having robust training and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
    Here are just some of the ways we can expect cybersecurity to bolster their defences in 2024;

    Cybersecurity trends of 2024

    1. More Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity

    Many industries have widely adopted AI, and cybersecurity is no exception. In 2024, we expect to see more AI-powered solutions that detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats in real-time. These solutions will be more advanced and sophisticated and will be able to detect and respond to threats that are not yet known.
    The other advantage of AI working with cybersecurity professionals is that it can increase efficiency by automating processes and sifting through masses of data at a rate that is unachievable in a manual setup.
    While it is not enough to rely solely on AI to fight cybercrime for the organisation, working in harmony with AI can help automate security testing processes, such as patch management.

    1. Increased use of blockchain technology

    Blockchain technology is best known for its use in cryptocurrencies, but it has potential in the world of cybersecurity as well. By using blockchain, it is possible to create more secure and transparent systems that are resistant to tampering and hacking.
    This year, we can expect to see more organisations adopting blockchain technology to secure their data and systems. This may be through creating a secure, resilient private blockchain, or it may be reviewing existing blockchain network risks and ensuring these are effectively managed using a blockchain security model.

    1. Biometric authentication

    Passwords are a common authentication method, but they are not always secure. In 2024, we can expect to see more companies adopting biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. While many organisations are implementing biometric authentication already, the trend for 2024 will see organisations looking for multimodal or multifactor authentication (MFA) and liveness or behavioural authentication will grow.
    Linking to the growing cybersecurity risk of IoT devices, we can expect more organisations to adopt MFA into their IoT devices. This will not only support access control but also create more personalised experiences too.

    1. Rise of quantum computing

    Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise many industries, including cybersecurity. In 2024, we can expect to see more companies adopting quantum computing technology to enhance their cybersecurity defences. Quantum computing is particularly useful for encryption and decryption, as it can perform these tasks much faster than traditional computers.
    It is expected that quantum computing will be worth $10 billion in 2024 and offers many opportunities by expanding computing power and, therefore, detecting more complex cybersecurity threats.

    1. Greater focus on cybersecurity education

    As the risk of cyberattacks increases, there will be a greater focus on cybersecurity education. In 2024, we expect to see more organisations invest in cybersecurity talent and train their existing team to better respond to security threats. This will be especially important for small businesses and individuals who may not have the resources to hire a dedicated cybersecurity team.
    If you’re looking to bolster your cybersecurity team, then TSG offers a range of training options. For example, our ISTQB Advanced Security Tester certified course is ideal for software testers looking to advance security throughout the end-to-end software process. Alternatively, our Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) training can boost your cloud computing environment and mitigate risks to your cloud setup. We also have many more security-focused courses, from BCS certificates to CISSP, which you can explore here.
    Overall, the world of cyber security is constantly evolving, and it is vital to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. By adopting these predictions for 2024, individuals and businesses can better protect themselves from cyber threats and stay ahead of the curve.

  • How To Make Project Management More Sustainable

    How To Make Project Management More Sustainable

    Green. Sustainable. Holistic. Renewable. Creating products and solutions that are kinder to the planet and its inhabitants has never been so important. So much so, that many world leaders have committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.As a result, more organisations are focusing on incorporating more environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles into what they do at every step, including project management.

    What is sustainability in project management?

    Sustainability in project management means taking a holistic approach to project management. It considers the project’s long-term impact on the environment, society, and the economy. Furthermore, it incorporates sustainable project management principles that can identify and address potential negative impacts during the planning, execution, and closure phases of a project.

    Adopting sustainability in project management

    Many project managers are already adopting sustainability into their practices simply by following good project management principles. Two clear examples of sustainable project management in action include;
    Reducing waste
    For example, one of the core principles of sustainable project management is to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, and using sustainable materials. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, project managers can help organisations save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their overall sustainability performance.
    Stakeholder engagement
    Another important aspect of sustainable project management is stakeholder engagement. Project managers need to engage with stakeholders, including local communities, to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and values. This involves considering the project’s social and cultural impact and ensuring that it does not harm local communities or their environment.

    How to implement sustainability in project management

    To effectively implement sustainable project management practices, project managers need to have a deep understanding of sustainability principles and best practices.
    Frameworks covered in project management certification, such as environmental, social, economic and administrative factors, can all be seen through a sustainability lens. Furthermore, professional development training will often focus on the trends shaping the future of the industry, which include future-proofing sustainability measures.
    However, transitioning from sustainability principles covered in training into real-world scenarios and practises can feel daunting. So, what are the actionable sustainability steps project managers can take on their next project to ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect?

    Seven steps to sustainable project management

    1. Conduct a sustainability assessment

    Before beginning any project, project managers can conduct a sustainability assessment to identify potential negative impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. This assessment should be undertaken in consultation with stakeholders, covering all aspects, from cultural impacts to the carbon footprint.

    1. Set sustainability goals

    Based on the results of the sustainability assessment, project managers can then set sustainability goals that align with the organisation’s overall sustainability strategy. These goals should be specific and measurable so they can be easily integrated into the project plan.

    1. Identify sustainable practices

    Project managers can also identify sustainable practices that can be implemented during the planning, execution, and closure phases of the project. These practices may include using sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimising waste, for example.

    1. Engage stakeholders

    Project managers should engage with stakeholders throughout the project to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and values. This involves taking into account the social and cultural impact of the project and looking at ways the project could improve communities and the environment, for example, or at least minimise the harmful impact the project may potentially create.

    1. Monitor and evaluate sustainability performance

    Throughout the project, project managers should monitor and evaluate sustainability performance to ensure that sustainability goals are being met. This may involve tracking energy consumption, waste reduction, and other sustainability metrics.

    1. Incorporate sustainability into project management methodologies

    To ensure that sustainability is integrated into every project, project managers should incorporate sustainability into their project management methodologies. This may involve developing new tools, utilising specific software and adopting techniques that help project managers identify and address potential negative impacts on the environment, society, and the economy.

    1. Review and revise

    As with all good projects, taking time at the end of a project to reflect on lessons learnt is critical for the success of the next project. Taking time at the end of a project to review it from a sustainability perspective can also be helpful in shaping the next project and potentially help to keep an organisation on track for any of its own sustainability goals and objectives.

    Making project management sustainable

    By following these steps, project managers can effectively implement sustainability into project management practices and help organisations achieve their sustainability goals and become more environmentally conscious. The sustainable project management approach not only benefits the environment but also the organisation itself by reducing costs, enhancing reputation, and increasing efficiency.
    To make project management sustainable, organisations need early adoption and buy-in to incorporate sustainability into their project management processes from the very beginning. They need to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy that aligns with the organisation’s goals and objectives. This strategy should be communicated to all stakeholders, and they should be involved in the implementation of sustainable project management practices.
    Moreover, the use of technology is also essential in making project management sustainable. Project management software can help organisations to reduce resources, minimise travel, and track energy consumption, among others. This technology can also enhance collaboration, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.
    In addition to this, organisations should also consider the impact of their projects on the environment and society. This involves evaluating the environmental impact of their projects and taking measures to mitigate adverse effects while also looking at ways the project may be able to benefit the community.
    To sum up, making project management sustainable is not only a strong value focus for many but also an intelligent business decision. By adopting sustainable project management practices, organisations can enhance their reputation, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. With the right strategy, technology, and consideration for the environment and society, organisations can make their project management practices sustainable and contribute towards a better future.