There's a case for treating some of your tests as products—project deliverables in their own right, created as a business investment. "Productizing" tests can show their value to management, but more importantly, it can help them contribute more effectively to the development lifecycle. Here are four steps to consider.

When a software defect is identified, best practices usually only pertain to the initial writing of the defect, not the tasks required to close it. Many factors can influence the tester's work. The solution is to add a “Next Steps” section that identifies the work remaining and the person responsible for completing it.

When you read about time management techniques, the most common advice is often to just get work done. But for many people, it’s harder than that. If you’re getting pulled in many different directions and having to juggle lots of different tasks, these strategies can bring your time management to the next level.