A Fault Model Framework for Quality Assurance

This Ph.D thesis proposes a testing methodology based on fault models with an encompassing fault model lifecycle framework. Fault models have superior fault detection ability w.r.t. Random testing by capturing what "usually goes wrong". Turning them operational yields the (semi-)automatic generation of test cases directly targeting the captured faults/failures. Each operationalization requires an initial effort for fault/failure description and creation of a test case generator, which is possibly domain-/test level-/application-specific. To allow planning and controlling this effort in practice, a fault model lifecycle frame-work is proposed capturing the testing methodology. It allows tailoring itself to processes used in organizations and integration into existing quality assurance activities. The contribution of this Ph.D thesis is testing methodology based on fault models to generate test cases and a lifecycle framework for its real-world application in organizations.