Enterprise Architecture Overview: Create A 3–5-Page Assessme ✓ Solved

Enterprise Architecture Overview Create a 3–5-page assessment

Create a 3–5-page assessment that demonstrates your ability to use the Zachman framework to evaluate and refine an enterprise architecture solution. Integrate into your Assessment 3 presentation a slide that identifies the components of the Zachman framework you are including in your proposed solution. The Zachman framework is an enterprise architecture model that identifies many of the considerations IT professionals need to work through when considering a solution to a business problem.

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria: Competency 1: Examine business goals to determine benefits from information technology and information systems. Identify a business problem, and develop an IT solution. Competency 2: Evaluate various information technology roles needed in organizations. Describe the stakeholders involved in decision making for an IT solution. Competency 4: Analyze enterprise architectures and the impact they have on the effectiveness of business processes. Evaluate the Zachman Framework as a model to align information technology and business objectives. Competency 5: Communicate effectively. Communicate effectively in a professional manner consistent with the standards and conventions of contemporary business and the IT community.

Review the Zachman framework for enterprise architecture. You can get a copy of this framework by checking the Internet resources identified as part of the Resources in this assessment. After reviewing the Zachman framework, consider everything necessary for the proposed project. For example, does the current architecture of the IT infrastructure within the company allow for ease of integration? Do you have the appropriate personnel to work on the project? Does a budget exist for the project? Can security standards be met? Can users be trained properly? What other IT systems need to be included as part of your proposal? Using the Zachman framework, how can you strengthen the proposed solution to ensure that both the business and technology stakeholder needs are met?

Prepare a 3–5-page assessment in which you do the following: Identify the components of the Zachman framework that are going to be included in your proposed solution. Explain your rationale for including these components from the Zachman framework. Evaluate the challenges you expect these additional components to add to your proposed solution. Add another slide to your PowerPoint presentation that succinctly identifies the components of the Zachman framework you are including, and your proposal for integrating these IT and business components to the proposed solution. Include any additional APA citations that support your rationale on the citation slide in your presentation.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The field of enterprise architecture (EA) has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly as organizations strive to align their IT strategies with business objectives. A prominent model in this area is the Zachman Framework, created by John Zachman. This model serves as a structured way of viewing and defining an enterprise. This paper aims to evaluate how the Zachman Framework can be leveraged to refine an enterprise architecture solution effectively.

Zachman Framework Overview

The Zachman Framework consists of a two-dimensional classification schema, where the rows represent different perspectives of stakeholders and the columns represent different aspects of the enterprise. The six rows include: Planner, Owner, Designer, Builder, Sub-contractor, and Functioning System. The six columns encompass: What (Data), How (Function), Where (Network), Who (People), When (Time), and Why (Motivation). Each cell in this grid represents a unique aspect of the enterprise, essential for creating holistic architecture (Zachman, 1987).

Identifying Components for Proposed Solution

For the proposed solution, I plan to include components from the Zachman Framework that specifically address the architectural needs of the organization. The selected components are: Data (What), Function (How), and People (Who). These components have been chosen because addressing these areas will provide a comprehensive understanding of how business data integrates into IT processes and engages with users.

Rationale for Selection of Components

Integrating the Data component is crucial for ensuring that the organization has an accurate and organized understanding of its information assets. This includes categorizing data types and ownership, which enhances data governance practices (Weill & Ross, 2004). The Function component is equally important, as it defines how systems will function based on business requirements, thereby directly affecting productivity and task efficiency. The People component ensures that the right stakeholders are involved and that user roles are clear, thus facilitating better decision-making processes (Martin, 2012).

Challenges of Additional Components

While these components are vital, their incorporation is not without challenges. For instance, clearly defining and aligning data ownership among different stakeholders can lead to conflicts and require negotiation and consensus-building efforts (Avison et al., 2004). Additionally, integrating functions demands a rigorous change management process as updates to systems may disrupt existing workflows and necessitate user training (Solis, 2013).

Integration of Components

To ensure a coherent solution, I will devise a communication strategy that identifies how data, functions, and stakeholder involvement will interrelate within the architecture. Collaboration tools such as shared dashboards and decision-making frameworks will facilitate real-time engagement among stakeholders (Hay, 1997). This integration strategy acts as a comprehensive guide for both IT personnel and business leaders to collaborate effectively, ensuring both parties are on the same page.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using the Zachman Framework for evaluating and refining enterprise architecture proves to be an effective strategy. By focusing on the Data, Function, and People components, the organization can better align its IT strategies with its business goals. The challenges identified prompt the need for collaborative approaches, ensuring that the architecture is robust and sustainable. The assessment presented here not only highlights various perspectives in enterprise architecture but also lays the groundwork for future architectural initiatives that can foster growth and efficiency.

References

  • Avison, D., Jones, J., Powell, P., & Wilson, D. (2004). Using and validating the strategic alignment model. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 13(3), 223–246.
  • Hay, D. C. (1997). The Zachman framework: An introduction. Retrieved from articles/4140/
  • Martin, A. (2012). Enterprise IT architecture in large federated organizations: The art of the possible. Information Systems Management, 29(2), 137–147.
  • Solis, B. (2013). What's the future of business: Changing the way businesses create experiences. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT governance: How top performers manage IT decision rights for superior results. Harvard Business Press.
  • Zachman, J. A. (1987). A framework for information systems architecture. IBM Systems Journal, 26(3), 276–292.

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