Defining roles and responsibilities in a formal review is a critical step in ensuring that the review is conducted effectively and efficiently. Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities that should be defined in a formal review:
Review Manager:
The Review Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire review process, from planning to follow-up. They are responsible for assembling the review team, scheduling the review, and ensuring that the review is conducted according to the established process.
Author:
The Author is responsible for creating the software artifacts that are being reviewed. They should provide the necessary information and documentation to support the review process.
Reviewer:
The Reviewer is responsible for examining the software artifacts and providing feedback. They should have the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate the artifacts against the established criteria.
Scribe:
The Scribe is responsible for recording the results of the review, including any issues identified, recommendations, and action items. They should also maintain a record of the review history and results.
Approver:
The Approver is responsible for making the final decision on the approval or rejection of the software artifacts. They should consider the results of the review, any issues identified, and the impact on the project timeline and budget.
Facilitator or Moderator
The moderator ensures effective running of review meetings (when held)
Mediates, if necessary, between the various points of view and is often the person upon whom the success of the review depends
By clearly defining the roles and responsibilities in a formal review, you can ensure that everyone understands their part in the process and that the review is conducted smoothly and effectively.
The importance of roles and responsibilities in a formal review could be a play. Just like in a play, each actor has a distinct role and specific responsibilities that they must fulfill in order to ensure the success of the performance. If an actor neglects their duties, the performance could be disrupted and the audience may not receive the intended message. Similarly, in a formal review, each employee has a unique role and set of responsibilities that they must fulfill in order to achieve the desired outcome. Failing to adhere to one's responsibilities can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and a less effective review. Just like in a play, it's essential that everyone understands and performs their role to the best of their abilities in order to produce a successful outcome.