Workload Model		 A workload model identifies the variables and defines their values used in the different performance tests to simulate and / or emulate the actor characteristics, end-user's business functions (use cases), load, and volume.
Worker: Test Designer
Template: Test Model Survey

Purpose To top of page

The following people use the workload model:

  • The Test Designer, to identify and describe the use case flows and conditions which best duplicate the end-user’s business functions, load and volume. The model should also identify the interval being simulated / emulated, any factors or variables that will be changed during the test, and the measurements used to evaluate the results.
  • The Performance Tester, to understand the goals of the performance tests and properly implement and execute accurate and reliable performance test cases.
  • The User Representative to review the content and appropriateness of the workload model and approve of the test cases.

Brief Outline To top of page

1.   Introduction

Identifies the purpose, background, and objectives of the performance testing within this project.

2.   System Attributes and Variables

Identifies the attributes and variables of the system that uniquely identify the workload for the system being modeled.

3.   Load Levels

Identifies the number of end-users / clients being simulated / emulated during the test.

4.   Actor Class Definitions

Identifies classes of end-users whose use case flows will be used to simulate / emulate loads on the system-under-test. Additionally this section identifies the proportion to which any actor class comprises the load for a performance test.

5.   Measurements and Criteria

Identifies the measurement and criteria to be used to evaluate successful achievement of the identified performance objectives. Measurements typically include response time limits or throughput capacity.

6.   User Attributes and Variables

Identifies the attributes and variables of the end-users that uniquely identify the different characteristics of the end-users of the system being modeled.

7.   Actor Class Work Profile

Identifies the specific use cases and flows executed by an actor class and the percentage of time or proportion of effort spent by the end-user executing the use cases and flows to accomplish their total business responsibilities.

8.   Actor Class Parameters

Identifies the specific end-user variables, such as typing rate, think time, and repeating factor characterizing the variability in end-user interaction with the system.

9.   Remote Terminal Emulation Requirements

Identifies the requirements and constraints necessary to be addressed in creating a test environment that is acceptable for implementing and executing the performance testing.

Timing To top of page

The Workload Model is initially created in an early test design phase near the outset of the project. The workload model may be refined or revised throughout the remainder of the lifecycle during each iteration.

Responsibility To top of page

A Test Designer is responsible for the integrity of the Workload Model, ensuring that:

  • The Workload Model accurately reflects the workload and end-user characteristics of the system being tested.

The Test Designer uses the contents of the Workload Model to produce the following related artifacts for Performance tests:

Tailoring To top of page

The Workload Model (contents and format) may require modification to meet the needs of internal or external standards, guidelines, or oversight.

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© Rational Software Corporation 1998 Rational Unified Process 5.1 (build 43)