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Definition of Enterprise Architecture

IT analysis firm Gartner defines the term as a discipline where an enterprise is led through change. According to their glossary,

"Enterprise architecture (EA) is a discipline for proactively and holistically leading enterprise responses to disruptive forces by identifying and analyzing the execution of change toward desired business vision and outcomes. EA delivers value by presenting business and IT leaders with signature-ready recommendations for adjusting policies and projects to achieve target business outcomes that capitalize on relevant business disruptions. EA is used to steer decision making toward the evolution of the future state architecture."[3]

Enterprise Architecture has many facets and its implementation varies among organizations.

 Enterprise Architecture Skills

The background of architects is varied as well.  The traditional path to architecture has been through the technical ranks but there are often non-technical architects making significant contributions to organizations.  Common skills are needed for architects to be successful in gaining awareness and support to implement an architecture that supports the changes needed to support organizational goals.

Enterprise Architecture in Higher Education

Every organization uses Enterprise Architecture even if they say they are not using Enterprise Architecture.  The use of Enterprise Architecture in higher education often is a reflection of a federated technical and leadership structure and is often not implemented in a top-down corporate style.

Higher Education Enterprise Architecture Practices

Higher education institutions across the world are doing EA in some form but you can get started in a simple way.  A good first step in creating an Enterprise Architecture practice is to understand your organizational culture to determine what type of EA practice could work in your environment.  A second step is creating a Charter.

Many higher educations organizations are realizing that EA can support their Digital Transformation efforts. 

A Few EA Tools

Common High-Level EA Methodologies that might help one understand the types of things EA does.

Strategy on a Page:
A 1-page document articulating key aspects of a strategy. Can be used for an EA practice or other department.

TIME Models:
A method for managing application portfolios.

Roadmaps & MESA - Michigan Enterprise Strategic Assessment (formerly Architecture Hats):
A method for communicating the planned evolution of a service from a current state to a future state aligned to University priorities.




EA Viewed as a Strategy

EA has evolved to become an elemental part of the strategy involved in the digital transformation which is kind of a buzzword and what is it really?

 





At the bottom: Here are some books about EA that have some value.