Free Practice Questions for ASQ CSQE Exam

In a situation where a software quality engineer (SQE) identifies a critical flaw and the immediate superior decides to proceed despite the risk, the most appropriate next step is to discuss the issue with top management. This involves:

Documenting the Issue: Clearly outlining the flaw, its potential impact, and the SQE's objections.

Escalating the Concern: Bringing the issue to the attention of higher management levels who have the authority to reconsider the decision.

Focusing on Safety: Emphasizing the critical nature of the flaw, especially in a system used for monitoring critically ill patients.

This step ensures that the concerns are heard at the highest level, potentially preventing a decision that could endanger lives and the company's reputation.

References:

"Software Quality Assurance: Principles and Practice" by Nina S. Godbole

IEEE Code of Ethics

In the context of software safety, "Level of Control" (LOC) is used to classify software based on the severity of the consequences of its failure. LOC I - Autonomous Time Critical is assigned to software where failure could result directly in a mishap with significant consequences. This level demands the highest safety controls and rigorous testing to mitigate risks.

References:

RTCA DO-178C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification.

NASA-STD-8739.8, Software Assurance Standard.

When documenting a test failure, the tester should complete the "Steps to reproduce the failure" section of a problem report. This section is crucial as it provides a detailed account of the actions taken leading up to the failure, allowing developers to replicate the issue consistently. This replication is essential for diagnosing and fixing the problem effectively. Documenting the steps accurately ensures that all relevant information is conveyed, facilitating quicker resolution and better communication within the team.References:

Kaner, Cem, Falk, Jack, and Nguyen, Hung Quoc. "Testing Computer Software." 2nd Edition, Wiley, 1999.

IEEE Std 1044-1993, IEEE Standard Classification for Software Anomalies.

The best way to reduce post-release defect density in future releases is to categorize defects and perform analyses to uncover their causes. By systematically categorizing defects and analyzing their root causes, organizations can identify underlying issues in the development process and implement corrective actions. This approach helps in preventing similar defects in future releases, leading to improved software quality.

References:

"Root Cause Analysis: Improving Performance for Bottom-Line Results" by Robert J. Latino and Kenneth C. Latino

"The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas

Product audits are often based on customer requirements because they focus on verifying that the final product meets the specified requirements and expectations of the customer. The objective is to ensure that the product is fit for its intended use and meets the agreed-upon standards and specifications. This type of audit typically involves examining the product itself, its performance, and its documentation to ensure compliance with customer requirements.

A test plan should be changed after changes to the design specifications. This ensures that the tests remain relevant and accurately reflect the new design and functionality of the software. Keeping the test plan updated with design changes helps ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with the project's requirements.

The feature rating system described (1 = Completely dissatisfied, 2 = Somewhat dissatisfied, 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 4 = Somewhat satisfied, 5 = Completely satisfied) is based on an ordinal measurement scale. Ordinal scales categorize data into distinct groups that have a meaningful order or ranking, but the intervals between the ranks are not necessarily equal. In this case, the ratings provide a rank order of satisfaction levels.

An extranet is a private network that uses Internet protocols and public telecommunication systems to securely share part of a business's information or operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, or other businesses. It provides real-time access to information and fosters collaboration between organizations. References: Turban, E., Volonino, L., & Wood, G. "Information Technology for Management".

The lead auditor is responsible for determining the scope of the audit. This involves defining the boundaries of the audit, including which processes, departments, and activities will be examined. The lead auditor ensures that the audit objectives are clear and that the audit plan effectively covers the necessary areas to assess compliance and performance against specified standards and requirements.