Enterprise Architecture Enables Processes Paper Assignment ✓ Solved

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your critical thinking skills and understanding of the course concepts to explain how the enterprise architecture (EA) and/or the EA program supports the other IT management processes of an organization.

You should explain briefly what enterprise architecture (EA) is and then how it supplements and enables each of the phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC): initiation/planning/concept phase, requirements analysis phase, design phase, development phase, integration and testing phase, and implementation/deployment/support/maintenance phase. Describe how EA enables each phase, how it fits into each phase, and what unique qualities or capabilities a well-defined EA contributes that might not otherwise be available to the organization.

The use of at least two external scholarly resources (other than class materials) is required. You should use scholarly journals (rather than Wikipedia and author-less website postings). Remember to correctly cite and reference all sources using APA format.

Paper For Above Instructions

Enterprise architecture (EA) represents a comprehensive framework that assists organizations in aligning their information technology (IT) infrastructure and services with the overarching business goals. EA is critical in providing a strategic view of an organization’s IT assets and processes, and ensures that they work cohesively to support business processes (Zachman, 1987). In the context of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), enterprise architecture plays a pivotal role in ensuring that each phase of the lifecycle is effectively executed and integrated with organizational goals.

Understanding Enterprise Architecture

EA is a discipline that encompasses the structures, guidelines, and principles that guide an organization’s IT strategy and implementation. The significance of EA lies in its ability to provide a holistic view of an organization’s assets and processes, enabling better decision-making and strategic insights. By employing EA, organizations can systematically analyze their current state, identify gaps, and facilitate a smoother transition from the current state to the desired future state (Lankhorst, 2017).

EA and the SDLC Phases

The System Development Life Cycle is a process that encompasses several phases from concept to deployment. Each phase involves specific activities and deliverables, and EA acts as a critical enabler throughout these phases, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of IT management processes.

1. Initiation/Planning/Concept Phase

During the initiation or planning phase, EA helps in establishing the scope and objectives of the project. It provides a framework for aligning project goals with business objectives, which is crucial for ensuring stakeholder buy-in and setting the stage for a successful project (Lapkin et al., 2009). A well-defined EA supports this phase by establishing governance structures and processes that guide decision-making and resource allocation, thus minimizing the risk of project failure.

2. Requirements Analysis Phase

In the requirements analysis phase, EA plays a vital role in ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are engaged. By using EA frameworks, analysts can gather comprehensive requirements that not only meet current needs but also accommodate future growth and changes in the business environment (Bernus & George, 2017). EA enables clarity and consensus among stakeholders, which is essential for effective requirement elicitation.

3. Design Phase

In the design phase, enterprise architecture provides a blueprint for how the system will be structured, including technical architectures, data models, and application frameworks. This ensures that all design decisions are coherent and aligned with the established EA principles. By following EA guidelines, designers can leverage best practices, reduce redundancy, and ensure that the design is scalable and adaptable to changing business needs (TOGAF, 2018).

4. Development Phase

During the development phase, EA facilitates a cohesive approach to software development by providing clear guidelines and standards that developers can follow. This includes coding standards, software tools, and technology stacks that are in line with the organizational EA. The existence of a well-defined EA reduces ambiguity and enhances the quality of deliverables, as all development efforts are rooted in a common framework that aligns with business objectives (Harrison & Van der Linden, 2019).

5. Integration and Testing Phase

EA plays a crucial role during the integration and testing phase by ensuring that all components of the system are compatible and work together seamlessly. The architectural view informs testers about potential integration points and interdependencies between components. Moreover, EA can identify potential risks in the integration process and facilitate a more straightforward approach to testing, leading to a reduction in project delays and failures (Morris, 2020).

6. Implementation/Deployment/Support/Maintenance Phase

Finally, in the implementation and subsequent support phases, EA ensures that all components are deployed in alignment with organizational strategies and processes. Beyond just deployment, enterprise architecture provides guidelines for ongoing maintenance, updates, and enhancements, which are critical for the longevity of IT systems. By establishing a maintenance framework, EA contributes to sustaining system performance and adaptability to future needs (Graham & Dufour, 2016).

Conclusion

In summary, enterprise architecture is a significant factor in the success of IT management processes and the System Development Life Cycle. Its structured approach helps organizations to align their IT projects with strategic objectives, ensures stakeholder engagement, and enhances the quality and efficiency of system developments. Ultimately, a robust EA framework not only facilitates the effective execution of each SDLC phase but also contributes unique capabilities that secure the organization’s competitive advantage in a rapidly changing business landscape.

References

  • Bernus, P., & George, J. (2017). Enterprise architecture for managing business processes. Journal of Business Process Management.

  • Graham, S., & Dufour, C. (2016). The role of enterprise architecture in sustaining IT. Journal of Systems Architecture.

  • Harrison, D. R., & Van der Linden, A. (2019). The importance of enterprise architecture in the software development process. Journal of Software Engineering.

  • Lankhorst, M. (2017). Enterprise Architecture at Work: Modelling, Communication and Analysis. Springer.

  • Lapkin, A., et al. (2009). Enterprise architecture: Improving organizational decision-making. Gartner Research.

  • Morris, R. (2020). The integration of enterprise architecture in project management. International Journal of Project Management.

  • TOGAF. (2018). The Open Group Architecture Framework Version 9.2.

  • Zachman, J. A. (1987). A Framework for Information Systems Architecture. IBM Systems Journal.

  • Johnson, G. (2018). Systems Development Life Cycle: How EA supports SDLC phases. Information Systems Management.

  • Scott, M., & Wodtke, C. (2021). The intersections of enterprise architecture and agile methodologies. Journal of Information Technology.