Authors Perry and Rice compile a "top ten" list of the challenges faced by testers and offer tactics for success. The challenges illustrate the way testing fits into the context of software development and how testers can manage expectations and improve communication with managers, developers, and customers. The text features a self-assessment for testing skills and an action plan for improving the testing process.

Topics include training, acquiring management support, obtaining tools, communicating with customers, managing changing requirements, marketing the importance of testing, testing what's thrown over the wall, controlling the scope of testing, teaching developers to test, and handling the delicate situation of reporting defects.

The Top Ten People Challenges Facing Testers

Challenge #10: Getting Trained in Testing 
Challenge #9: Building Relationships with Developers 
Challenge #8: Testing Without Tools 
Challenge #7: Explaining Testing to Managers 
Challenge #6: Communicating with Customers -- And Users 
Challenge #5: Making Time for Testing 
Challenge #4: Testing What's Thrown Over the Wall 
Challenge #3: Hitting a Moving Target 
Challenge #2: Fighting a Lose-Lose Situation 
Challenge #1: Having to Say No