ISTQB_TEST MANAGEMENT_ The Context of Testing_1.2.3 Testing in a Hybrid Software Development Mode

 

M-1.2.3 (K2) – Explain Testing in a Hybrid Software Development Mode

🔹 What is Hybrid Software Development?

A hybrid development model combines practices from both sequential (e.g., Waterfall/V-Model) and iterative/incremental (e.g., Agile/Scrum) approaches. This model is often adopted to tailor software development to specific project needs.

🔹 Common Hybrid Structures:

• Agile used at the team level, with traditional (Waterfall/V-Model) structures at program/portfolio level

• Development cycles are Agile, but testing/QA follows Waterfall patterns

• Fixed delivery gates (Waterfall) integrated with flexible sprints (Agile)

TM-1.2.3: Testing in a Hybrid Software Development Mode

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├── Definition:

│   └── Mix of Agile (iterative) + Traditional (Waterfall/V-Model)

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├── Planning:

│   ├── Align sprint cycles with phase milestones

│   └── Create hybrid test strategy

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├── Documentation:

│   ├── Agile: Lightweight

│   └── Waterfall: Formal specs

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├── Test Levels:

│   ├── Agile: Unit, CI/CD

│   └── Waterfall: System, UAT, Performance

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├── Execution:

│   └── Manage async releases, align interfaces

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├── Metrics:

│   ├── Agile: Burndown, velocity

│   └── Waterfall: Defect leakage, pass rate

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├── Tools:

│   └── Integrated tools for traceability across lifecycle models

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├── Risks:

│   └── Integration delays, mismatch in priorities

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└── Role of Test Manager:

    ├── Bridge between teams

    ├── Align goals

    └── Resolve conflicts in expectations and quality standards

Question:

You are the Test Manager for a large banking software program where different components are being developed by different teams. The frontend customer portal is developed using Agile Scrum, with two-week sprints. However, the backend processing systems follow a traditional V-Model approach. Integration testing is scheduled once every six weeks.

As the Test Manager, what are the most important factors to consider in ensuring effective testing across this hybrid software development lifecycle?

A. Encourage the Agile teams to avoid writing user stories, as the V-Model requires full requirements documentation.
B. Ensure traceability and alignment of test artifacts between Agile and traditional streams, and plan for asynchronous test execution.
C. Only follow Agile testing practices as they are more efficient and will naturally replace the traditional methods.
D. Delay all testing until both frontend and backend systems are complete and integrated.

Correct Answer: ✅ B

Question 2:

Scenario:
You are managing testing activities across a government health project. The mobile application team follows Agile with sprint releases every 3 weeks, while the back-office system is developed using a traditional model with fixed milestone reviews. UAT is conducted by a third-party vendor based on formal requirement specifications.

Which of the following approaches best ensures coordination of testing across both streams?

A. Ensure both Agile and Waterfall teams use only formal test cases with full documentation.
B. Delay sprint releases until the entire system, including backend, is fully completed.
C. Introduce a common integration plan, synchronize key deliverables, and align testing metrics between both teams.
D. Restrict the Agile team from using exploratory testing to maintain documentation consistency.

✅ Correct Answer: C

Question 3:

Scenario:
Your company is delivering a logistics software platform where the dashboard and APIs are built in Agile Scrum. However, the full end-to-end testing, including performance and compliance testing, follows a V-Model. As a Test Manager, you notice mismatched delivery timelines and unaligned defect priorities.

What is the most appropriate action?

A. Ask Agile teams to stop all testing until the V-Model-based team is ready.
B. Apply Waterfall practices throughout to enforce consistency.
C. Establish a hybrid test strategy addressing delivery alignment, defect triage rules, and roles across both teams.
D. Combine all test cases into one backlog and assign everything to Agile sprints.

✅ Correct Answer: C 

Question 4

Scenario:
You’re leading the test activities for a retail banking application. The mobile development team is following Agile and releases features every two weeks. The core banking system follows a Waterfall approach with major releases every quarter. There is often a mismatch in test coverage and last-minute integration issues.

As the Test Manager, what should you focus on to improve quality and coordination?

A. Allow both teams to work independently to reduce dependencies and keep timelines flexible.
B. Introduce frequent integration checkpoints and harmonize the definition of done for both teams.
C. Switch the mobile team to the Waterfall model to match the core banking team’s schedule.
D. Prioritize defect reporting from the core system only, as it is the primary component.

✅ Correct Answer: B

Question 5

Scenario:
In a logistics software project, you have multiple Scrum teams working on front-end modules and a centralized test team validating system integration, which follows a structured traditional approach. Agile teams deliver in 3-week sprints, but the test team only starts after a formal code handover.

What is the most effective strategy to reduce delays and improve defect detection?

A. Only start integration testing after all sprints are finished and fully documented.
B. Have test representatives participate in sprint planning and use early test stubs for integration points.
C. Ask the traditional team to adopt Agile completely.
D. Increase the sprint length to match the system test schedule.

✅ Correct Answer: B

Question 6

Scenario:
You are managing the testing of a healthcare platform with separate components: the patient app is developed using Agile, and the administration backend uses the Waterfall model. The regulatory compliance team insists on thorough documentation and traceability for audit purposes.

How can you ensure the test process supports both delivery speed and regulatory compliance?

A. Limit Agile team activities until full documentation is available.
B. Allow the Agile team to skip documentation to maintain their velocity.
C. Use a hybrid approach with lightweight documentation in Agile, supported by tools that ensure traceability for compliance.
D. Separate compliance testing from the Agile workflow and delay it to the end.

✅ Correct Answer: C

Question 7

Scenario: Your company develops an insurance product using both Agile (for customer-facing apps) and Waterfall (for backend processing systems). The teams often face misalignment in timelines and priorities. As a Test Manager, what should you do?

 A. Use the same test strategy document for both teams to ensure consistency. 

B. Ignore Agile practices and force both teams to follow the same traditional V-Model. 

C. Develop a tailored hybrid test strategy, define shared quality goals, and synchronize releases. D. Let each team manage their own testing independently to avoid delays.

 Correct Answer: C