Enterprise Architecture and the Foundation for Execution - Case Study Example

Enterprise Architecture and the Foundation for Execution and Question one. Technology has in the recent past experienced tremendous growth which has impacted the way businesses operate. E-participation and the success of businesses greatly depend on the strategies employed in the inclusion of information technology initiatives in their operations. Properly integrating traditional practices with the information technology facilities processes and facilities aid in appropriate policy formulation and execution of business roles (Luna-Reyes et al., 2012). Wide technology take-ups have evolved to see developments such as web 2.0 taking course and increasing participation. To manage the complexity with which the utilization of information technology integrates with business activities, a distinct and holistic approach is required. This engineering slant is known as Enterprise Architecture and views the Information Technology from a business viewpoint (Luna-Reyes et al., 2012). It can be defined as the behavioral and structural component making up the complete information system for business and the relationships existing between them. This framework provides the guidelines for effectively strategizing the IT roles in an enterprise in a manner that facilitates the delivery of business objectives at a more cost effective method. Enterprise architecture comprises of individuals, processes, information and the technology components available in an enterprise together with the associations existing between each of the components and to the external business environment. From this approach, it is, therefore, clear that an enterprise comprises of “system of systems” in which varied principles of engineering are applied to ensure continued participation and business growth (Luna-Reyes et al., 2012). The diagram below illustrates an architecture process framework for business IT infrastructure. Figure 2: An Architectural Process framework Foundation for execution defines the information technology infrastructure and the processes involved in digitizing the core roles of a business enterprise (Ross et al., 2006). This involves the use of Information technology and business processes together with proper governance in a manner that supports the strategic objectives of the company. To achieve a good foundation for execution, proper business IT alignment is fundamental (Ross et al., 2006). It involves the alignment of business strategies. In the case of Adopt-A-Farm, foundation for execution can be said not to have attained its level best. Adopt a farm is an American corporation focusing on raising awareness to local farmers, soliciting for volunteers who will help farmers to harvest their yields and also purchasers of their farm products. Integrating all these activities into a common pool for different clients and potential customers to access the information is a core factor towards achieving the specific goals and objectives for Adopt-A-Farm. Adopt-A-Farm uses the different available technological applications to inform and guide their customers on the relevant activities they intend to engage in. Dealing with a wide range of functionalities, such as giving advice to farmers on the best crops to plant, the right seasons to do their farming and the appropriate methods of farming as well as sowing, subjects the enterprise to having a great need for a system. Automating the activities and giving online support to most of their clients enhances productivity, and ensures continued growth and expansion of the enterprise. Without proper integration of IT functionalities in running a business, the agility of the business will be derailed. Adopting the TOGAF enterprise architecture will therefore be the most appropriate approach to ensuring the continuity of the business, thus leading to proper foundation for execution. Question Two TOGAF has been viewed as an industry enterprise architecture that can be relied on by any business intending to develop its enterprise architecture. This can be articulated to the fact that its adoption and integration into the management and governance of business practices results to an aligned framework for achieving business objectives. This is especially due to the fact that the framework supports all the compulsions and requirements for achieving the best levels of business visibility, regulation and control. Its governed execution leads to improved enterprise transparency, accountability and, therefore, accelerating business agility. The fact this approach does not seek to be a replica of other frameworks makes it a perfect choice for execution of business automation strategies. What it does is to have a practical presentation of the industry standard methods for laying enterprise architectures. This is done through leveraging of all the assets necessary for the execution of the task, and which are available and sufficient for use by the organization on an “as-is” basis. Future State for foundation for execution To achieve a perfect foundation for execution, more has to be done in ensuring proper alignment of the business objectives and the IT roles in Adopt-A-Farm. In the case of the cloud computing architecture, more experiences and effort is required for the organization to confidently and successfully integrate its information and technology to function in the cloud environment. Where successfully implemented, cloud computing facilitates data management and access, reducing the physical storage facilities required for organizational data and information. Where appropriate enterprise architecture is applied, achieving the best foundation for execution will be easy (Reese, 2010). The future state of the foundation for execution for Adopt-A-Farm with the implementation of the cloud is promising. When all the activities and functions of the company will be included in the “cloud” control will be made easy and the management of the users, as well as their data, will be achieved in the most cost-effective way. More clients will be able to access the information stored in the website, and at the same time receive the assistance of a live attendant whenever they require their assistance, reducing the production costs for Adopt-A-Farm while increasing the productivity of the business. This will accelerate the rate of expansion for the company to serve a wider reach while utilizing the required resources without the need for acquiring more. This, therefore, acts as a proof for improved productivity in future in the event of cloud transformation. With organizations gaining more experiences in the utilization of the cloud, marked with the transformation and shifting by major businesses into this platform, there will be recognition of growth (Perks &Berveridge, 2003). It is thus very crucial for enterprises to adopt cloud computing especially for major roles that include management of organizational data and the integration of different clouds from a number of access providers. Transition plan for the Adopt-A-Farm website Most of the enterprise architectures do not constitute to just an aspect of transforming from one way of operating to another. Rather, it involves a process in a continuous motion marked by changes in the operations and activities employed in the management of organizational information (Reese, 2010). Upgrades of projects to completion are also another crucial aspect that marks the process of transition of the business strategies from one state to the other. This transition requires the managers and players in the business setup to have the highest levels of coordination, and be able to prioritize and oversee the projects for set goals to be implemented. The diagram below is an illustration of the achievements that can be made when proper enterprise architecture plan is laid for architectural transition of business functions. Figure 2: Illustrating the enterprise architecture management plan Having a concrete plan for transition from the current state of their website is incredible. This will involve such aspects as having plans to customize it in a manner that it will be able to serve a huge number of stakeholders in the future. Planning for future improvements of the website to handle big data, more users, content and increased capabilities are some of the features to be included in the transition plan for Adopt-A-Farm. With this, the future foundation for execution with their website will have been achieved. References Luna-Reyes, L. F., Chun, S., Scherer, S., &Wimmer, M. A. (2012). E-participation and enterprise architecture frameworks: An analysis. Information Polity: The International Journal Of Government & Democracy In The Information Age, 17(2), 147-161. Perks, C., &Beveridge, T. (2003).Guide to enterprise IT architecture. New York: Springer. Reese, R. J. (2010). Troux enterprise architecture solutions driving business value through strategic IT alignment. Birmingham, U.K.: PacktPub.. Ross, J. W., Weill, P., & Robertson, D. (2006).Enterprise architecture as strategy: creating a foundation for business execution. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. Read More