Finalists 2021

Awarded for outstanding application of technology in a testing project.
Judges were looking for:

• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of technology choices and application
• Cutting-edge and fit-for-purpose technology was correctly and effectively used
• Evidence of working closely with stakeholders to deliver the project on time and within budget
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of technology being used to overcome project challenges/obstacles
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

Awarded for the project that has significantly advanced the methods and practices of software testing.
Judges were looking for:

• A project that has significantly advanced the methods and practices of software testing
• An attempt to push boundaries within the industry
• Evidence of working closely with stakeholders to deliver the project on time and within budget
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Proof of a commitment to high quality and standards

The award for the best use of automation in a functional software testing project.
Judges were looking for:

• Demonstration of the best use of automation in a functional software testing project
• Utilisation of a well-developed test suite of testing scripts
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

• Demonstration of the best use of automation in a non-functional software testing project
• Utilisation of appropriate test technique to identify underlying root cause
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

A recent graduate, who has completed university or an apprenticeship scheme in the last 2 years, who has shown outstanding commitment and development in the testing field.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of outstanding commitment and development in the testing field
• Proof of excellent communication skills with all stakeholders
• Efforts to keep up-to-date with trends, guidelines and best practices in the industry
• Evidence of a dedication to self training and improvement
• Demonstration of successful outcomes that meet the aims and targets set
• Proof of engagement with the wider testing and QE community

Awarded to the most outstanding overall testing team of the year.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of a cohesive team identity and unity
• Outstanding communication demonstrated within the software testing team and with other stakeholders
• Evidence of achieving project aims and targets through effective team work
• Commitment to the wider testing and QE community
• Evidence of a strong team ethos
• Proof of continued commitment to improving, up-skilling and self-development

Awarded to the testing management team that has shown consistently outstanding leadership.
Judges were looking for:

• Excellent people management and communication skills
• Evidence of achieving project aims and targets through effective leadership
• Proof of commitment to the wider testing and QE community
• Examples of procedures put in place to ensure high quality results
• Evidence of a commitment to high quality and standards
• Demonstration of self-evaluation, commitment to self-learning and improvement

Awarded for the best software testing project in an agile environment.
Judges were looking for:

• A clear understanding of software testing/QE challenges in an agile environment and how these have been overcome
• Concrete evidence of excellent communication between all stakeholders
• Examples of a commitment to working and learning rapidly and delivering high quality software frequently
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Illustration of how the principles of the agile manifesto have been used, i.e., ‘responding to change over following a plan’ and ‘individuals and interactions over processes and tools’
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices

Awarded to the most outstanding testing project in the retail sector.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of working closely with stakeholders to deliver the project on time and within budget
• Demonstration of a successful software testing project utilising a best practice method/technique
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

Awarded to the most outstanding testing project in the finance sector.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of working closely with stakeholders to deliver the project on time and within budget
• Demonstration of a successful software testing project utilising a best practice method/technique
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

Awarded to the most outstanding testing project in the communication sector.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of working closely with stakeholders to deliver the project on time and within budget
• Demonstration of a successful software testing project utilising a best practice method/technique
• Verification of project goals, importance, achievements and successful results
• Evidence and evaluation of overcoming project challenges/obstacles
• Detailed discussion around project methodology and justification of resource choices
• Evidence of commitment to industry best practices and standards

Awarded to the vendor who receives top marks for their product/service and customer service.
Judges were looking for:

• Evidence of a commitment to high quality and standards to customers
• Commitment to customer satisfaction
• Evidence of value for money
• Proof of thought leadership and drive to further the software testing/QE industry
• Evidence of reliability, flexibility and speed of installation