This week we learned about Enterprise Architectural Frameworks. These are the ways to organize the complex information involved in Enterprise Architecture. I completed a KWL chart about the topic. First I listed what I already knew about the frameworks. Then I listed what I’d like to know. Lastly, I listed what I learned after working on Module 2.
| What I Know I know nothing about Enterprise Architecture Frameworks besides that they will be a structural way to look at EA. | What I Want To Know I’d like to know what the frameworks do when using Enterprise Architecture. I’d like to know how many frameworks there are and the differences between them. I’d like to know which framework is the best one to use and if it will work with my district. | What I Learned I learned that the frameworks provide a structured way for organizations to logically organize the complex information gathered for EA (Cameron & McMillan, 2013). I learned there are multiple different frameworks for Enterprise Architecture including the Zachman Framework, the TOGAF/Open Group Framework, the Department of Defense Architecture Framework, the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework, and the Gartner Framework. Of these frameworks, the TOGAF Framework is the most commonly used framework. I have learned the most about this framework because it is the one I chose to use for my Module 2 assignment. I learned that the TOGAF framework is extremely technical and difficult to understand without a solid understanding of Enterprise Architecture first. |
As you can see, I knew very little about EA Frameworks before this module. I learned quite a bit about the frameworks throughout my research, but I am still very new to this field and will need to explore it further to fully grasp every aspect of it. I focused most of my attention on understanding the TOGAF/Open Group framework this week. The technical language and terminology were relatively difficult to understand. I found it even more difficult to apply each aspect of the model to my specific organization. I would research and research, begin to understand the subject, and start to work on my visual and then I would get lost and have to start all over again. I reached out to the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and the Chief Technology Officer and both did not know what EA or TOGAF was. This made module 2 even more challenging for me. I had learned quite a bit about our organization from module 1, but had a really difficult time using the TOGAF model to organize the information I’d learned. I am hoping I will learn more about EA and the frameworks so I can understand my organization more and examine how it can be improved. The overall goal of EA is to move from the current state of strategic decision making and resources to a new and improved state of strategic decision making and resources that is more holistic and organized (Bernard, 2012). Therefore, if I want to move to a more strategic way of organizing my district, I’ll need to do quite a bit more research on EA and the supporting frameworks that accompany it.
Bernard, S. A. (2012). An introduction to enterprise architecture. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
Cameron, B. H., & McMillan, E. (February, 2013). Analyzing the current trends in enterprise architecture frameworks. Journal of Enterprise Architecture, 60-71. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
RSS Feed