A case study highlighting the various dimensions of Test  Management for Large Complex Program Delivery – what works and what doesn’t? The presentation will explore the distinction between Project Management, Program Management and Test Program Management with real business scenarios. It is imperative to establish the elements for successful Test Program Delivery but the question is whether the success can be replicated. Does established framework and techniques help and contribute or is it very unique to each program?  It’s time to deep dive into lessons learned and best practices from journey of a large Test Program Management which has yielded benefits to firm and is symbolic of new era management techniques. The presentation will bring about discussion on whether it’s time for organizations to rethink and institutionalize the concept of “New Test Program Management”. With the shrinking waters and major Test Delivery happening from India, do we lead the path and be at forefront for redefining the “Test Program Management”

Minal Deshpande, Vice President with Deloitte Consulting India Pvt. Ltd leads the Testing Center of Excellence for Deloitte US’s  India offices. Minal is a dynamic women leader well known within Deloitte and in the Industry for her invaluable inputs and contributions in the field of software testing. She is the face of the Deloitte US’s India based Testing CoE and has successfully managed the Testing CoE within Deloitte US in India offices for the last 5 years by developing niche and high end testing competencies like Automation Testing, performance testing, SOA testing, DB/DW testing and functional testing. Minal has supported aggressive growth of testing practice over last couple of years across industry domains, technology sectors and functions.

Minal has extensive experience and success stories of supporting the large clients from proposal to delivery. Minal’s strength lies in making client presentations, developing and extending high value testing services to the clients for better RoI.

In addition to her technical background and experience, Minal has  a strong support and is actively involved in advancement of career for women.  She is the WIN ((Women’s Initiative) Lead for Mumbai office. She has contributed immensely to national programs  within Deloitte like “WISMAC” (Women’s Initiative Senior Manager Advisory Committee) and “ABC for T” (Advanced Business Consulting Skills for Technologists).  Minal also champions the Specialist Track for Consulting for US India offices.

Minal has gained eminence not only within Deloitte but at the marketplace as well. She has been very proactive in representing the firm and participating at Industry forums like “International Testing Conferences”, WILL – Women in Leadership Forum for Corporates in India, “Green Group”etc. Minal has the honor of being the Advisory Board Member of ETI – QAI world wide’s Testing Institute.

Minal sums up her achievements by adding, “I truly stand by “Pay it forward” and look ahead to take Testing in Industry and within Deloitte to next level of excellence. We have a long way to go and this is just the beginning”