Editorial Review:
Testing is usually the most expensive, time-consuming and difficult activity during the development of engineering products and systems. Development testing must be performed to ensure that designs meet requirements for performance, safety, durability, reliability, statutory aspects, etc. Most manufactured items must be tested to ensure that they are correctly made. However, much of the testing that is performed in industry is based upon traditions, standards and procedures that do not provide the optimum balance of assurance versus cost and time. There is often pressure to reduce testing because of the high costs involved, without appreciation of the effects on performance, reliability. etc. Misperceptions are commonplace, particularly the idea that tests should not stress products in excess of their operating levels.
The main reason for this situation seems to be that engineers have not developed a consistent philosophy and methodology for testing. Testing is seldom taught as part of engineering curricula, and there are no books on the subject. Specialist areas are taught, for example fatigue testing to mechanical engineers and digital device testing to electronics engineers. However, a wide range is untaught, particularly multidisciplinary and systems aspects. Testing is not just an engineering issue. Because of the importance and magnitude of the economic and business aspects testing is an issue for management. Testing is perceived as a high cost activity, when it should be considered as a value-adding process.
The objective of this book is, therefore, to propose a philosophy of engineering test and to describe the necessary technologies and methods that will provide a foundation for all plans, methods and decisions related to testing of engineered products and systems. The book will help those who must manage and conduct this most difficult and uncertain task. It will also provide a text which can be used as the basis for teaching the principles of testing to all engineering students.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
Good content, publisher has not done its work...  2008-04-14
A very good book in content, O'Connor covers the major issues, provides resources and methods for driving deeper into developing appropriate test plans and does an okay coverage of test management. The book could do better from a Test Philosophy perspective, although the chapter on management comes close.
The drawback is the publishers quality of reprinting the figures. At last count there were 8 figures with missing or illegible text. Mostly this is annoying and not detrimental to conveying the concepts. However, the flow charts on test management / test plans are so bad as to be nearly worthless. It could be an issue with the particular printing I have. As of this review I have attempted to contact the author and publisher, but I do not expect a response. Amazon replaced the book, but the replacement also had the problems.
So would I recommend the book, yes, but only IF the figures are taken care of, otherwise I would say find a different source. If the figures are resolved then I would rate it a strong 4, maybe a 5. If the author grows the test management material then it would be a strong 5.
Critial information  2002-07-23
It is the very first book (that I'm aware of) written for test engineers and managers. This book is an overview of all types of testing.The author's philosophy is excellent..... "The author has never found a company or a project where it was considered in retrospect by those involved that too much was spent on a development test programme." Test Engineering by Patrick D. T. O'Connor. When you consider that Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, the Comet IV and the Challenger failed not because of negligence, but because critical data slipped through the cracks, or was misinterpreted, this book may just prevent that next tragic unknown from taking place. Or at least arm engineers, and managers, as to what is taking place. Highly recommended, from one in the business.
A survey of test methods 2002-01-21
I bought this book seeking practical information relating to testing of manufactured PCB assemblies. I found relatively little information on that subject, and the information I did find was of a general nature. I got the impression that if you are interested in a survey of issues dealing with mechnaical failures, you might find more to like in this book.
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