You are the Test Manager of a new project that will have three formal levels of testing: unit, integration and system testing. The testing strategy…

The specified test strategy is a blend of risk-based and reactive approaches. A risk-based strategy is analytical and proactive, involving the design of tests based on a product risk analysis before execution. This is represented by "scripted tests designed...to cover the identified product risks." A reactive strategy involves designing and executing tests dynamically based on the system's behavior during execution. This is represented by "exploratory testing sessions." Option C is the only answer that correctly combines both the proactive, pre-planned element of risk-based testing with the dynamic, adaptive nature of reactive testing, providing a consistent implementation of the blended strategy.

A. This option describes a purely reactive strategy (exploratory testing) and completely omits the required analytical, risk-based component of the strategy.

B. This describes user-guided testing. While it can be a reactive technique, it does not include the specified proactive, risk-based component.

D. This option describes two different reactive techniques (exploratory and user-guided testing) but fails to incorporate the essential proactive, risk-based element.

1. ISTQB Advanced Level Syllabus, Test Manager, Version 2012.

Section 3.1.2, Analytical strategies: Defines risk-based testing as a strategy where the "Test Manager analyzes the risk basis to identify the most important product risks to test." This supports the "scripted tests...to cover the identified product risks" part of the correct answer.

Section 3.1.4, Reactive strategies: Describes these strategies as ones where "testing is not pre-planned... For example, in exploratory testing, the tester spontaneously designs and executes tests based on the tester’s knowledge, exploration of the test item and the results of previous tests." This supports the "exploratory testing sessions" part of the correct answer. The syllabus implicitly supports blending these strategies to fit project needs.

2. Kaner, C., Bach, J., & Pettichord, B. (2002). Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach. Wiley.

Chapter 8, "A Strategy for Testers on a Mission," pp. 92-93: This chapter discusses balancing scripted testing (often used for systematic risk coverage) with exploratory testing. The authors advocate for a blend, stating, "A good test process will include both scripted and exploratory testing," which aligns directly with the scenario in option C.

3. Utting, M., & Legeard, B. (2007). Practical Model-Based Testing: A Tools Approach. Morgan Kaufmann.

Chapter 1, Section 1.3.2, "Testing Strategies," pp. 14-15: The text contrasts pre-scripted testing approaches with more dynamic or "on-the-fly" testing like exploratory testing. It acknowledges that practical strategies often combine elements, such as using risk analysis to guide both scripted and exploratory efforts, which is consistent with the implementation described in option C.