In this module, you will explore the key concepts of software testing and how it supports quality throughout the development process. You'll start by learning why testing matters, examining real-world examples of failures caused by poor testing. You'll also become familiar with different levels of testing, including unit, integration, system, and user acceptance testing, and understand how analysts contribute at each stage. Next, you'll dive into test planning and design. You'll learn about test coverage, how test cases are structured, and how traceability matrices help ensure that all requirements are tested. Hands-on activities will give you practice in reviewing and improving test plans. Finally, you'll be introduced to Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). You'll see how these approaches work, how they support collaboration, and how you can contribute using tools like Gherkin syntax.

In this module, you’ll walk through the steps involved in managing the software deployment, from pre-launch preparation to post-launch monitoring. You’ll start by exploring the difference between deployment and release, along with the key activities involved, such as coordinating CI/CD workflows, handling stakeholder approvals, and planning rollback strategies. Next, you’ll cover the steps involved in planning and validating data migration, a critical part of many projects. This includes mapping data from legacy to new systems, documenting the migration process, and confirming successful transfers using techniques like record counts, checksums, and dry runs. Finally, you’ll be introduced to the processes that happen after deployment, including monitoring system performance, reviewing logs, and supporting continuous improvement. You’ll also outline key metrics and build a maintenance schedule to help ensure long-term system stability. By the end of the module, you’ll have a clear view of the full release cycle and the analyst’s role in making sure systems launch smoothly and continue to meet user and business needs.

This module introduces learners to the critical non-functional aspects of system design that determine whether a system will succeed in production. You'll learn to identify and plan for non-functional requirements, including performance, scalability, and reliability. The module covers essential capacity planning techniques, performance optimization strategies, and disaster recovery principles. Through practical examples and labs, you'll develop skills to design systems that not only work correctly but can handle real-world demands. By the end of this module, you'll understand how to measure system health, plan for growth, and ensure business continuity. This knowledge forms the foundation for building robust, production-ready systems that meet both user expectations and business needs.

In this final module, you’ll bring together all key concepts to build a complete Testing and Release Planning Kit for a fictional software system. This includes defining a testing strategy, validating data migration steps, planning the deployment workflow, and outlining post-release monitoring activities. The capstone simulates what a systems analyst would deliver to support cross-functional software delivery. You’ll tailor your work to a scenario you create, using templates and frameworks introduced in earlier modules. As part of the process, you’ll review success criteria, identify risks and rollback strategies, and ensure the software is prepared for a stable launch and long-term support. This project focuses on coordination, planning, and documentation related to testing, deployment, and post-launch maintenance and not on coding or software development.