Fundamentals Of Architecture

Question 1

What is Enterprise Architecture concerned with

Answer 1

Fundamental concepts or properties of a system in its environment embodied in its elements, relationships and in the principles of its design and evolution

Question 2

What is Domain concerned with

Answer 2

Focused on more specific aspects of the enterprise, which are required to work together to achieve the aims of the enterprise

Question 3

What is Solution Architecture concerned with

Answer 3

Focused on a specific business problem or opportunity within a specific system, which may include elements from multiple domains

Question 4

What is at the highest level ?

Answer 4

Enterprise Architecture

Question 5

What is Architectural Granularity ?

Answer 5

A conceptual model that represented the different levels of architecture within an enterprise; An enterprise is composed of a number of solutions that address specific areas of the business

Question 6

Solution Architecture overlaps with what domains ?

Answer 6

Business, Data and Applications

Question 7

What is Application Architecture concerned with ?

Answer 7

The Human and System Interfaces for software

Question 8

What is Data Architecture concerned with ?

Answer 8

The design of data and information structures that are managed by a software

Question 9

What is Infrastructure Architecture concerned with ?

Answer 9

System software and hardware that enables the software to function and communicate

Question 10

What is Business Architecture about ?

Answer 10

Analysing the business and making changes to bring about a targeted and sustainable improvement

Question 11

What are the subdomains of enterprise architecture ?

Answer 11

Business
Data
Applications
Infrastructure
Software
Security
Solutions

Question 12

What are the three levels of a business system ?

Answer 12

IT System, Information System, Business System

Question 13

What is the difference between Enterprise and Solution Architecture ?

Answer 13

Enterprise architecture ensures that the IT strategy is in line with the goals of the organisation, whereas solution architecture focuses on designing a solutions for particular business issue

Question 14

Yes or No: Each subdomain must align its activities with the broader goals and structures of the enterprise architecture ?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What are the interrelationships between each sub-domain and its levels ?

Answer 15

Alignment with Enterprise Architecture: Each subdomain must align its activities with the broader goals and structures of the enterprise architecture. New solutions need to fit within the existing architectural framework, and any conflicts or duplication must be addressed to avoid future problem

Consultative Role: Subdomains contribute to solution design in a consultative capacity. For example:
Data/Information Architecture: Advises on the design of data structures within a solution.
-Applications Architecture: Consults on whether existing applications can satisfy new solution requirements.

Governance Role: All subdomains participate in the governance process, ensuring that solution designs adhere to business case options and contribute positively during the implementation and deployment stages

Upholding Directives: Subdomains work together to uphold and enhance the enterprise’s directives, ensuring that all architectural activities support the organization’s strategic direction.

• Consistency and Consolidation: There is a collective effort to improve the consistency of design across all subdomains and to take advantage of opportunities for consolidation where possible.
• Avoiding Conflicts and Duplication: It is imperative that solutions developed do not conflict with other change initiatives and that there is no unnecessary duplication of work between the solution architecture and enterprise architecture efforts
• Mitigation of Side Effects: The subdomains collaborate to ensure that solutions do not cause unintended side effects or, if they do, that such effects are properly mitigated.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholders from enterprise and subdomain architectures are involved in the design process, requiring processes that accommodate their concerns about the solution architecture and the designs produced.

In essence, the interactions between subdomains are centered around collaboration, consultation, and governance to ensure that the architecture supports the organization’s objectives effectively and efficiently.

Question 16

Enterprise Architecture is:

Answer 16

Is the overarching structure that encompasses all IT and business architectures within an organization.

Contains high-level directives such as principles, policies, and business rules that must be universally applied within the enterprise.

May include various subdomains such as business architecture, data/information architecture, applications architecture, and infrastructure/technology architecture.

Is responsible for steering the organization in the strategic direction and ensuring consistency and a complete understanding to aid decision-making.

Question 17

Domain Architecture is:

Answer 17

Refers to the specific architectures within enterprise architecture, like business, data, applications, infrastructure, and security architectures.

These architectures are more specialized and detail-oriented compared to the general directives of enterprise architecture.

They apply across the entire enterprise and define specific aspects such as data structures for customers or business processes.

Question 18

Solution Architecture is:

Answer 18

Deals with designing solutions to business problems, taking a holistic approach that covers not just IT systems but also people, organizational structures, processes, information (POPIT).

Focuses on satisfying business requirements and how these can be logically achieved, hence it often overlaps with the business, data, and applications domains of enterprise architecture.

Part of the solution architecture may involve software components, and there is an architectural discipline for these called software architecture, which deals with the physical aspects like interfaces, data structures, and system infrastructure.

Question 19

Explain the purpose and role of standards and frameworks in architecture:

Answer 19

Captures Best Practice: Frameworks incorporate best practices that can be adapted to fit the structure and culture of an organization, making these practices widespread within the organization or enterprise.

Promotes Consistency: Utilizing a framework ensures consistency in solution architecture work, as it relies on proven techniques and standards. This consistency aids practitioners across different business areas in understanding and adopting a common approach, enhancing their flexibility and mobility within the organization.

Builds Confidence: Stakeholders gain confidence from seeing consistent results and familiar communication tools, knowing what to expect from the solution architecture process.

Increases Reusability: The consistent approach and standard definition of artifacts such as views and viewpoints mean that work done in one project can benefit others, reducing the need for rework. This reusability extends across both solution and enterprise architecture practices.

Increases Maturity: The use of a framework serves as both an induction and training tool for new practitioners and a quality assurance mechanism for the organization, thereby enhancing the maturity of the solution architecture practice within the organization​​.

Question 20

What is DoDAF

Answer 20

Department of Defense Architecture Framework: Framework optimised for the military and defense concerns, focusing on the specific needs and structures within the United states department of defense

Question 21

What is the Zachman Framework:

Answer 21

Zachman framework consists of a six-by-six grid, with rows representing different stakeholder perspectives and columns representing various architectural elements. It acts as a comprehensive checklist to ensure all elements are considered from multiple viewpoints, making it adaptable to any organisation

Question 22

What is TOGAF:

Answer 22

The Open Group Architecture Framework: TOGAF is a detailed methodology and framework that guides the process and creation of enterprise architectures. It includes the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which outlines a life cycle for architecture development, including phases from Vision to implementation and change management

Question 23

What is ISO 42010 - Technical standard

Answer 23

(Systems and software engineering – Architecture description): This standard addresses the creation, analysis and sustainment of system architectures through architecture descriptions, defining key terms and processes involved in architecture throughout a systems life cycle

ISO 42010 is a standard that addresses the creation, analysis
and sustainment of architectures of systems through the use of
architecture descriptions.
The ISO 42010 standard defines a number of terms:
Architecture: fundamental concepts or properties of a
system in its environment embodied in its elements,
relationships, and in the principles of its design and
evolution.
Architecture description: work product used to express an
architecture.
Architecting: process of conceiving, defining, expressing,
documenting, communicating, certifying proper
implementation of, maintaining and improving an architecture
throughout a system’s life cycle.

Question 24

What is ISO 9241-11 - Technical standard

Answer 24

(Ergonomics of human system interaction): Defines usability and provides guidance on how to measure and quantify aspects of usability, such as effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, in the context of human-system interaction

Question 25

What is ISO 27000 series - Technical standard

Answer 25

(Information security management systems) - managing and securing information, focusing on establishing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving information security management systems

Question 26

What is ISO 15704 - Technical standard

Answer 26

(Enterprise modelling and architecture): standard providing requirement and guidelines for enterprise modelling and architecture to support enterprise integration - addresses methodologies and tools needed to support the description of the architecture of an enterprise, facilitating interoperability and the ability to manage change.

Question 27

What is ISO 14000 series - Technical standard

Answer 27

(Environmental management): This series of standards focuses on environmental management systems, providing practical tools for organizations looking to manage their environmental responsibilities. ISO 14001, the core standard of the series, specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS), helping organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient resource use and waste reduction.

Question 28

What is DDaT

Answer 28

DDaT (Digital, Data, and Technology Professional Capability Framework): Developed by the UK Government, this framework outlines the skills, knowledge, and behaviors required for digital, data, and technology (DDaT) professionals in the public sector. It aims to help build and develop professional capability across various roles and functions within the DDaT community.

Question 29

What is SFIA+

Answer 29

(Skills Framework for the Information Age Plus): SFIA provides a globally recognized framework for IT skills. It describes skills and competencies required by professionals in roles involved in information and communication technologies, software engineering, and digital transformation. SFIA+ might include extensions or adaptations of the original SFIA framework to suit specific organizational or professional body requirements, such as those by the BCS.

Question 30

What is the meaning of governance ?

Answer 30

Governance means controlling activity and decision making to ensure the change delivered by matches the specification agreed with the business - through the processes and organisational structures

Objective: Minimize risk and non-compliance

Question 31

What is the meaning of risk management ?

Answer 31

Risk management is “coordinated activities to direct and control and organisation with regard to risk”

Objective: Ensure a safe and legal approach

Question 32

What is the meaning of compliance ?

Answer 32

Compliance is the state of being in
accordance with established guidelines or
specifications

Question 33

What are the objectives of governance, risk management and compliance

Answer 33

Minimise risk and non-compliance.

Ensure a safe and legal approach.

Managing stakeholder interests.

Question 34

What does an architect contribute to a business case and why ?

Answer 34

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Architects estimate the net benefits of the proposed solution to the business. This involves a thorough evaluation of the costs associated with implementing the solution versus the anticipated benefits, ensuring that stakeholders can see the financial value of the project.

Return on Investment (ROI) Forecast: Architects forecast the timescale over which the benefits of the solution will offset its costs. This involves projecting future financial returns relative to the initial and ongoing expenses of implementing the solution, providing a timeline for when the investment is expected to start generating positive returns.

Risk Assessment: Architects identify and evaluate the risks associated with adopting or failing to adopt a proposed solution. This includes analyzing potential obstacles, challenges, and uncertainties that could impact the project’s success, thereby helping stakeholders to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved.

Gap Analysis: Architects estimate the amount of change required to deliver the proposed solution by comparing the current state (baseline) with the desired future state (target). This involves identifying the gaps that need to be addressed to achieve the objectives of the solution, including changes to processes, systems, and capabilities.

Question 35

TO DO 1.7 GAP

Question 36

Describe the range of Drivers for Architecture

Answer 36

Internal Drivers for Change

Business Vision and Strategy: Architecture decisions are driven by the business’s vision and strategy, from initiation through to delivery. The business strategy outlines the direction, priorities, and necessary changes for progress, influencing the need for solutions and designs in architecture.

IT Strategy: Closely linked with the business strategy, the IT strategy focuses on supporting business aims with technology. Changes in technology can lead to new opportunities and challenges, necessitating updates in architecture.

Business Analysis: This discipline identifies changes needed to align business operations with its strategy and external environment. It helps in identifying potential requirements for solutions.

Enterprise Architecture: Ensures solutions meet current business needs and strategic directions. Frameworks like TOGAF and the Zachman Framework help in identifying problems and opportunities for solution architecture.

External Drivers for Change

Financial Factors: Capital availability, contract terms, and relationships with financial institutions can drive changes.

Regulatory Changes: New laws and regulations often necessitate architectural changes to ensure compliance.

Market and Competition: Actions by competitors and market dynamics can prompt changes in architecture to maintain or enhance competitiveness.

Customer Feedback: Customer expectations and feedback can lead to new solutions or modifications in existing architectures to improve service and satisfaction.

Legislation: Changes in legal requirements can directly impact the need for new or modified solutions to ensure compliance.

Problem Solving and Strategic Change:

Problem Identification: Both internal and external drivers can highlight problems within the business that require architectural solutions. The identification and documentation of these problems, often in a solution vision statement, are crucial at the initiation phase.

Strategic Prioritization: The business and IT strategies help prioritize these problems based on the business’s direction and technological capabilities, setting the stage for strategic changes through solution architecture.

Legal Requirements:

Compliance: Architectural solutions must also consider legal requirements, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations that might affect the solution’s design and implementation. Legal constraints can act as drivers for change, necessitating adjustments to existing solutions or the creation of new ones to meet regulatory standards.

Question 37

What is architecture description ?

Answer 37

The structure and behavior of a system

Question 38

Whats the purpose of and use of architecture description ?

Answer 38

Used to represent a state of architecture; Created to represent the architecture in a particular state and are often used in gap analysis. Two or more architecture descriptions may be used to compare, for gap analysis purposes