Create a training plan for processing Software Change Requests

Below is a Training Plan for Processing Software Change Requests (SCRs). This plan is designed to ensure that all team members involved in software change management understand the procedures, tools, and responsibilities for handling SCRs effectively.

Training Plan for Processing Software Change Requests (SCRs)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this training plan is to provide team members with the necessary skills and knowledge to properly process Software Change Requests (SCRs) from initiation to completion. This training will ensure that all SCRs are handled in a standardized, controlled, and efficient manner using the prescribed tools and processes.

2. Training Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will:

1. Understand the end-to-end process for managing Software Change Requests (SCRs).
2. Be able to submit, review, approve, and track SCRs.
3. Learn to use SCR management tools like IBM ClearQuest and ClearCase effectively.
4. Understand the roles and responsibilities involved in the SCR process, including the Software Change Control Board (SCCB).
5. Be familiar with the documentation and reporting requirements for SCRs.
6. Ensure compliance with organizational standards and CMMI-DEV best practices.

3. Target Audience

• Developers: Responsible for implementing changes.
• Testers/QA Engineers: Responsible for validating changes.
• Project Managers: Responsible for oversight and decision-making.
• Configuration Managers: Responsible for maintaining baselines and version control.
• Software Change Control Board (SCCB): Responsible for reviewing and approving/rejecting SCRs.
• Support Staff: Responsible for post-release monitoring and user support.

4. Training Schedule

Session	Topic	Duration	Mode	Target Audience
Session 1	Introduction to Software Change Requests (SCRs)	1 hour	Webinar	All Participants
Session 2	SCR Submission Process and Tools (ClearQuest)	1.5 hours	Hands-on	Developers, Testers, PMs
Session 3	SCR Review and Approval (SCCB Process)	1 hour	Webinar	SCCB Members, PMs
Session 4	Change Implementation and Code Management (ClearCase)	2 hours	Hands-on	Developers, Configuration Managers
Session 5	Testing and Validation of Software Changes	1.5 hours	Hands-on	Testers, QA Engineers
Session 6	Build and Release Management	1 hour	Webinar	Developers, Configuration Managers
Session 7	Post-Release Monitoring and SCR Closure	1 hour	Webinar	Support Staff, PMs

5. Training Materials

• Presentation Slides: Overview of the SCR process, key concepts, and roles.
• Handouts: SCR Workflow diagrams, checklists, and sample SCR documentation.
• Tools Documentation: IBM ClearQuest and ClearCase user guides.
• Sample SCRs: Example change requests to use during hands-on sessions.
• Job Aids: Quick reference guides for submitting SCRs and using the tools.

6. Training Content

Session 1: Introduction to Software Change Requests

• Definition and purpose of SCRs.
• Importance of change management.
• Overview of the SCR lifecycle.
• Introduction to the Software Change Control Board (SCCB).

Session 2: SCR Submission Process and Tools (ClearQuest)

• How to identify when a software change request is needed.
• Step-by-step process to submit an SCR.
• Using IBM ClearQuest to document and track SCRs.
• Best practices for SCR descriptions, prioritization, and assigning owners.

Session 3: SCR Review and Approval (SCCB Process)

• Roles and responsibilities of the SCCB.
• Process for reviewing and approving/rejecting SCRs.
• How to conduct impact analysis and risk assessment.
• Documenting decisions and feedback in ClearQuest.

Session 4: Change Implementation and Code Management (ClearCase)

• Branching, merging, and managing code changes in IBM ClearCase.
• Version control and maintaining baselines for software changes.
• Best practices for managing multiple change requests in development.
• Handling conflicts and dependencies between changes.

Session 5: Testing and Validation of Software Changes

• Defining testing requirements based on SCRs.
• Test case design and test planning for SCRs.
• Unit testing, integration testing, and regression testing.
• Recording test results and linking them to SCRs in ClearQuest.

Session 6: Build and Release Management

• Steps for integrating approved changes into the main build.
• Conducting build verification tests (BVT).
• Releasing changes to production and updating release notes.

Session 7: Post-Release Monitoring and SCR Closure

• Post-release monitoring for performance and defect identification.
• Gathering user feedback and monitoring system stability.
• Closing out SCRs in ClearQuest once changes are validated.
• Conducting post-release reviews to capture lessons learned.

7. Tools and Software

• IBM ClearQuest: Tool for managing and tracking SCRs.
• IBM ClearCase: Version control and configuration management tool.
• Virtual Labs: Set up for hands-on practice with SCR submission, code management, and testing.

8. Assessments and Certifications

• Knowledge Check Quizzes: At the end of each session, participants will complete short quizzes to reinforce learning.
• Hands-on Assessments: Practical assignments where participants submit and process SCRs using ClearQuest and ClearCase.
• Certification: Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a certification in Software Change Management.

9. Training Feedback and Continuous Improvement

• Participant Surveys: Feedback forms will be distributed after each session to gather input on the effectiveness of the training.
• Follow-Up Sessions: Based on feedback, additional sessions or refreshers may be scheduled to address any areas needing further clarification.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Responsibilities
Trainer/Instructor	Deliver training content and facilitate hands-on sessions
Project Manager	Ensure that all team members attend required sessions
Configuration Manager	Provide guidance on using ClearQuest and ClearCase tools
Participants	Actively engage in sessions and complete assessments

11. Conclusion

This training plan ensures that all team members are proficient in processing SCRs and are familiar with the tools and processes required for effective change management. By the end of this training, participants will be able to submit, track, and manage software change requests efficiently, ensuring that changes are properly controlled and executed with minimal disruption to the project.

This training plan can be customized further based on the specific needs of the team and the software change control process in place.