Lecture 7 - Value from EA

Question 1

Where is business value in general from EA?

Answer 1

It is everywhere, from IT proposals to the Architecture Development Method.

Question 2

What are the three main theories on which research is based to explain the effects(value) of EA?

Answer 2

• Resource Based View (Tamm et al.)
• (Group) Decision Theory (Boh & Yellin) (relates to governance)
• Technology Acceptance (Lange et al)

Question 3

When the resource based view is used to explain EA value, how does it work in simple terms and how can you see the dependent variable?

Answer 3

More EA resources will lead to more EA capabilities which will lead to more business performance

Dependent variable = Business performance, indicated by less IT cost, more revenues, business agility

Question 4

When the decision theory is used to explain EA value, how does it work in simple terms and how can you see the dependent variable?

Answer 4

Using EA models and standards lead to changes in the decision process which will lead to better IT-decisions.

DV = Better IT decisions, indicated by more people agreeing on the decision

Question 5

When the Technology Acceptance Theory is used to explain EA value, how does it work in simple terms and how can you see the dependent variable?

Answer 5

EA are tools and methods that are considered as technology. More acceptance of these technologies (because managers think it is easy to use and has purpose) leads to more use of the technology.

More use will ultimately lead to more value (often not measured in TAM).

Question 6

What is high quality Enterprise Architecture according to Tamm et all (RBV)?

Answer 6

EA that provides a vision for future operating platform that is well-aligned with the organisations strategic goals.

Question 7

What is the theory the EA Benefits Model (EABM) that is based on the RBV and developed by Tamm et al?

Answer 7

Enterprise architecture quality will increase 4 benefit enablers. These benefits will lead to organisational benefits.

Question 8

Which variables fall under Enterprise architecture quality in the EABM?

Answer 8

• EA Assets (content & people)

- EA Capabilities (Standards & guidelines)

Question 9

Which 4 benefit enablers are there in the EABM?

Answer 9

1. Organisational alignment
2. Information availability
3. Resource portfolio optimization
4. Resource complementarity

Question 10

What is meant by Resource portfolio optimization?

Answer 10

Extent to which an organization leverages existing resources, invests in new good resources, reduced redundant resources.

Question 11

What is meant by Resource complementarity?

Answer 11

Synergy between resources to achieve company goals.

Question 12

What is the theory of using EA standards/decision making/governance that is based Boh and Yellin?

Answer 12

They state that EA based IT Governance will lead to the use of EA standards for infrastructure and integration, which will lead to the business value of IT.

Parallel with decision making: IT governance is the decision making process. EA standards is the decision outcome. That outcome will lead to value.

Question 13

What is included in the EA based IT governance according to boh and yellin?

Answer 13

1. Existence of Architectural roles
2. Mechanisms to involve key stakeholders
3. Monitoring of EA standards
4. Centralized IT decision making

Question 14

Why does Smits not really agree with the theory of boh and yellin? (Governance / decision making)

Answer 14

The EA standards do not necessarily create business value. The standards need to be leveraged.

The questionnaire used a weird scale rating.

Question 15

What is enterprise architecture management (EAM)?

Answer 15

It builds on the comprehensive set of tools and concepts from EA and can be structured in:

1. EAM Products
2. EAM Infrastructure
3. EAM Services

Question 16

What are EAM products according to Lange et al?

Answer 16

• As-is architecture
• To-be architecture
• Roadmap to transformation
• Ea principles

Question 17

What is EAM infrastructure according to Lange et al?

Answer 17

Formal foundation on which EAM operates. Entails the governance of EA.

• centralization of decision making
• formal mandate of EA
• Governance for EAM decision making

Question 18

What are EAM services according to Lange et al?

Answer 18

Activities and support offered by EAM to the organization or transformation projects.

• Communication with stakeholders
• Assistance in management decision making

Question 19

What is the theory of EAM success that is based on the TAM by Lange et al?

Answer 19

EAM service quality + EAM Infrastructure Quality lead to increased EAM organizational anchoring and EAM product quality. This will lead to increased intention to use and organizational benefits.