4.3 EAM in Scaled Agile IT Organizations

Question 1

Do scaling framework say a lot about architecture?

Answer 1

no

Question 2

What are some fields of tension between agile methods and architecture?

Answer 2

Agile Methods:
- bottom-up
- short-term
- focus on Idealized goals

Architecture:
-top-down
- long-term planning
- fixation on formalities

Question 3

some values behind agile manifesto

Answer 3

• individuals (over processes and tools)
• working software (over documentation(
• responding to change (over a plan)
• customer collab. (over contract neg. )

Question 4

problems with emergent architecture

Answer 4

• in large-scale dev. might not work
• requires re-design efforts

Question 5

Problems with intentional architecture

Answer 5

• fear of big design upfront
• may delay implementation

Question 6

What are some challenges of enterprise architects in large-scale agile development?

Answer 6

• dealing with acceptance issues by agile teams
  -balancing upfront and emergent architecture
• balancing short-term and long-term planning
• dealing with loss of decision-making power

Question 7

Has the value contribution of enterprise architects already reached agile teams?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What are some key findings on why there is no value contribution of enterprise architects on agile teams?

Answer 8

• model provided by architects is too abstract
• architects have limited capacity for individual support
• agile teams not included in architectural development
• architects have limited know-how of technical architecture

Question 9

What are two typical anti-patterns of architects?

Answer 9

• Don’t build an ivory tower (architecture’s knowledge is centralized)
• Don’t be a PowerPoint architect (architects create high-level architecture models)

Question 10

How can the collaboration between architects and agile teams be improved?

Answer 10

• start to establish a shared language
• request feedback by agile teams
• participate in agile events
• regular meetings with agile teams

Question 11

How can the Antipatterns: Don’t be a PowerPoint architect (architects create high-level architecture models) be overcome?

Answer 11

• provide technical examples like MPVs
• demonstrate how models can be implemented
• build technical know-how by experimenting with new tech.

Question 12

Responsibilities of enterprise architects in large-scale agile development

Answer 12

• collaborate with stakeholders to develop roadmap
• work with agile teams to guide them
• manage dependencies between agile teams

Question 13

How can enterprise architects change the working methodology?

Answer 13

• personal conversations instead of documents
• explore new tech
• using agile and lean practices
• simple architecture
• collaboration with agile teams

Question 14

Expectations of enterprise architects?

Answer 14

• fostering understanding of architecture
• alignment business and IT
• demonstrate value of architecture

Question 15

Tactics for better collaboration between enterprise architects and agile teams

Answer 15

• Principle-based Intentional Architecting
• Influence Agile Teams based on nudging
• establish agile architecture governance approach
• be supportive as an enterprise architect