On applying a single method

[ Simon Wardley, Leading Edge Forum: Oh not again – should we be an agile or six sigma shop? ]

First, every system of any reasonable scale consists of multiple components. Those components are all evolving (due to the effects of competition) and you can (and should) map out the components of any system before embarking on trying to build it. Below in figure 1 is a basic map from a heavy engineering project with a large IT component

Now, all the components are evolving from left to right and as they do so their characteristics change – they move from an uncharted space (the novel, the chaotic, unpredictable, uncertain, potential differential) to the more industrialised (the common, appearance of linear order, the predictable, the certain, the cost of doing business). 

The same thing with your testing – that is: If you dare to take a holistic approach and not only focus on the mechanics. See also:  Mapping testing Competencies , Learn to think like a business, When do testing happen? 3D model for testing contexts Black or white – it is the same box