Establishing the Architecture Capability

Establishing the Architecture Capability: A Comprehensive Guide for TOGAF 10 Foundation

Introduction

Establishing the Architecture Capability is a critical phase within the TOGAF 10 ADM Preliminary Phase and Vision phase. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of why this capability is essential, what it entails, how it functions, and strategies for successfully answering exam questions on this topic.

Why Is Establishing the Architecture Capability Important?

Establishing the Architecture Capability is foundational to the success of any enterprise architecture practice. Here are the key reasons why it matters:

• Strategic Alignment: It ensures that the architecture function is aligned with business strategy and organizational goals.
• Organizational Structure: It defines the roles, responsibilities, and governance structures needed to support enterprise architecture activities.
• Resource Allocation: It identifies and secures the necessary budget, personnel, and tools required to conduct architecture work effectively.
• Stakeholder Buy-in: It demonstrates commitment from leadership and builds confidence in the architecture practice among stakeholders.
• Consistency and Standards: It establishes processes, standards, and methodologies that ensure consistent architecture delivery across the organization.
• Foundation for ADM: It creates the prerequisite conditions for executing the complete ADM cycle successfully.

What Is Establishing the Architecture Capability?

Establishing the Architecture Capability refers to the set of activities and decisions made to create and formalize an enterprise architecture function within an organization. This includes:

Key Components

• Architecture Organization: Defining the structure, reporting lines, and position of the architecture function within the organization (centralized, decentralized, or hybrid models).
• Architecture Board: Creating a governance body responsible for architecture decisions, standards, and compliance oversight.
• Architecture Principles: Establishing foundational principles that guide all architecture work and decisions.
• Architecture Methods and Processes: Defining which methodologies (such as TOGAF ADM) will be used and how architecture work will be executed.
• Architecture Tools and Technology: Selecting and implementing tools for architecture modeling, documentation, and collaboration.
• Skills and Competencies: Identifying required skills, establishing training programs, and assigning qualified personnel to architecture roles.
• Communication and Marketing: Developing strategies to communicate the value of architecture to the organization and build stakeholder engagement.
• Budget and Resource Management: Securing funding and allocating resources necessary for the architecture function.
• Architecture Governance: Establishing policies, processes, and controls to ensure architecture compliance across projects and initiatives.

How Does Establishing the Architecture Capability Work?

The process of establishing the architecture capability typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Assess Current State

The organization first evaluates its current architecture maturity and capabilities. This includes understanding existing architecture practices, tools, skills, and governance structures.

Step 2: Define Target Architecture Capability

Organizations define what the ideal architecture capability should look like, considering business needs, organizational structure, and strategic objectives. This often involves creating a capability maturity model.

Step 3: Develop the Architecture Organization

Determine the appropriate organizational structure for the architecture function. This might include:

• Defining the role of the Chief Architect or Chief Information Architect
• Establishing an Architecture Review Board or Architecture Governance Committee
• Creating architecture teams (enterprise, domain, solution levels)
• Identifying key architecture roles and responsibilities

Step 4: Establish Architecture Principles

Develop core architecture principles that guide decision-making. These principles should be:

• Aligned with business strategy
• Clear and understandable
• Measurable and implementable
• Supported by leadership

Step 5: Define Architecture Processes and Methods

Select and tailor methodologies such as TOGAF ADM. This includes documenting:

• How architecture work will be initiated and scoped
• The architecture development process
• How architectures will be governed and maintained
• Change management procedures

Step 6: Establish Tools and Infrastructure

Select and implement technology platforms and tools that support architecture work, such as:

• Enterprise architecture modeling tools
• Repository systems for architecture artifacts
• Collaboration and communication platforms
• Governance and compliance tracking systems

Step 7: Develop Skills and Competencies

Create a plan to develop the necessary skills within the architecture team:

• Identify required competencies
• Conduct training and certification programs (e.g., TOGAF certification)
• Assign mentors and create learning paths
• Hire specialized architects as needed

Step 8: Build Stakeholder Engagement

Communicate the value and vision of the architecture practice to stakeholders through:

• Executive presentations
• Architecture strategy documents
• Quick wins and case studies
• Regular stakeholder updates and forums

Step 9: Establish Governance and Compliance

Create policies and controls to ensure:

Step 10: Monitor and Improve

Continuously assess the effectiveness of the architecture capability and make improvements based on feedback and lessons learned.

Key Outputs of Establishing the Architecture Capability

Upon completion of this phase, the organization should have produced:

• Architecture Strategy Document: Outlines the vision, objectives, and approach for the architecture practice.
• Architecture Organization Charter: Defines the architecture function's role, responsibilities, and authority.
• Architecture Board Charter: Documents the governance board's purpose, membership, and decision-making authority.
• Architecture Principles: A set of foundational principles guiding all architecture work.
• Architecture Governance Framework: Policies and processes for managing architecture compliance and changes.
• Architecture Capability Assessment: A baseline assessment of the current and target capability levels.
• Communication Plan: Strategy for engaging stakeholders and marketing the architecture practice.
• Skills and Training Plan: Program to develop required architectural competencies.

How to Answer Exam Questions on Establishing the Architecture Capability

When encountering exam questions about establishing the architecture capability, follow these strategies:

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Establishing the Architecture Capability

• Understand the Sequence: Remember that establishing the architecture capability is a prerequisite activity that occurs before the main ADM cycle begins. It sets up the foundation for all subsequent architecture work.
• Focus on Governance: Questions often emphasize the importance of governance structures, such as the Architecture Board. Be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of key governance bodies.
• Know the Key Roles: Recognize important architecture roles such as Chief Architect, Architecture Board members, and solution architects. Understand their responsibilities and how they interact.
• Architecture Principles: Be able to explain what architecture principles are, why they matter, and how they guide architecture decisions. Remember they should be business-aligned.
• Capability Maturity: Understand that organizations start at different maturity levels and may use a maturity model to plan capability improvements.
• Recognize Stakeholder Importance: Questions may ask about stakeholder engagement and buy-in. Remember that securing support from business leadership is critical for success.
• Tools and Methods: Be prepared to discuss the role of tools, methodologies (like TOGAF), and standards in the capability framework.
• Resource and Budget Considerations: Understand that establishing the capability requires securing adequate budget and resources. Questions may ask about justifying these investments.
• Distinguish from ADM: Remember that establishing the capability is distinct from executing the ADM phases. It's the preparation phase that enables ADM execution.
• Identify Missing Capabilities: Exam questions may present scenarios and ask you to identify what capabilities are missing or what needs to be established. Think about the nine key components listed above.
• Multiple Choice Strategy: When answering multiple-choice questions, eliminate answers that suggest architecture capability already exists or that confuse this phase with ADM execution phases.
• Scenario-Based Questions: For case study questions, look for indicators that the organization lacks architecture governance, defined processes, or stakeholder support. These suggest capability establishment is needed.
• Link to Business Value: Be able to articulate how establishing the architecture capability delivers business value through improved alignment, standardization, and governance.
• Remember the ADM Preliminary Phase: This work is part of the ADM Preliminary Phase and Vision phase, so questions may ask about how it relates to these phases specifically.

Common Exam Question Patterns

Pattern 1: Identification Questions
Example: Which of the following is NOT a component of establishing the architecture capability?
Strategy: Review the nine key components and eliminate those that clearly belong. Choose the option that doesn't relate to capability establishment.

Pattern 2: Sequencing Questions
Example: In what order should the following be done when establishing architecture capability?
Strategy: Remember the logical flow: assess current state → define target → develop organization → establish principles → define processes → select tools → develop skills → build engagement → establish governance → monitor improvements.

Pattern 3: Role and Responsibility Questions
Example: Who is responsible for approving the architecture governance framework?
Strategy: Understand that senior leadership and the Architecture Board typically have governance responsibilities.

Pattern 4: Scenario-Based Questions
Example: An organization has no formal architecture practice. What should be done first?
Strategy: The answer typically involves assessing the current state and gaining executive sponsorship before implementing new structures.

Conclusion

Establishing the Architecture Capability is a foundational activity that determines the success of enterprise architecture initiatives. For TOGAF 10 Foundation exams, ensure you understand:

• The nine key components of architecture capability
• The logical sequence of establishing activities
• The importance of governance and stakeholder engagement
• How this phase enables successful ADM execution
• The outputs and artifacts produced during this phase

By mastering these concepts and practicing with scenario-based questions, you'll be well-prepared to answer exam questions confidently and demonstrate a solid understanding of why and how organizations establish their architecture capability.