Identifying Major Implementation Projects: A Complete Guide for TOGAF 10 Foundation Exam

Identifying Major Implementation Projects in TOGAF 10 Foundation

Why This Is Important

Identifying major implementation projects is a critical phase in the TOGAF ADM (Architecture Development Method) Transition and Implementation discipline. This process bridges the gap between architectural design and real-world execution. Understanding how to identify and prioritize implementation projects ensures that:

• Enterprise goals are achieved through systematic, phased implementation
• Resources are allocated efficiently to high-impact initiatives
• Risk is minimized through proper project sequencing and dependencies
• Stakeholder value is delivered incrementally rather than in one massive, risky undertaking
• Architecture compliance is maintained throughout the implementation lifecycle

What Is Identifying Major Implementation Projects?

Identifying major implementation projects is the process of analyzing the target architecture, current state baseline, and change requirements to determine which projects must be executed to realize the target architecture. It involves:

Breaking down the architecture work into manageable, discrete implementation initiatives that can be managed, resourced, and tracked independently.

Key characteristics:

• Projects are sequenced logically based on dependencies and prerequisites
• Each project delivers tangible value to the organization
• Projects address specific gaps between current state and target architecture
• Project scope is clearly defined with definable outcomes
• Dependencies between projects are explicitly identified

How It Works: The Process

Step 1: Analyze the Architecture Gap

Begin by comparing the baseline (current state) architecture with the target architecture. Document all differences across:

• Business architecture components
• Data and information architecture
• Application architecture
• Technology infrastructure

Step 2: Create a Consolidated Gaps, Solutions, and Dependencies (GSD) Matrix

The GSD matrix is a fundamental tool that:

• Lists all identified gaps between current and target states
• Proposes solutions for each gap
• Identifies dependencies between solutions
• Prioritizes based on business value and constraints

Step 3: Identify Project Themes

Group related solutions into coherent project themes:

• Business transformation projects - addressing business process changes
• Data and information projects - implementing new data structures and systems
• Application development projects - building or acquiring new applications
• Infrastructure projects - upgrading technology platforms
• Migration projects - moving from legacy to target systems

Step 4: Define Project Scope and Sequencing

For each identified project:

• Define clear scope and boundaries
• Establish entry and exit criteria
• Identify dependencies on other projects
• Estimate effort, cost, and timeline
• Assign success metrics and KPIs

Step 5: Apply Prioritization Criteria

Prioritize projects using factors such as:

• Strategic alignment - how well aligned with business strategy
• Business value - financial return and organizational benefit
• Technical dependencies - prerequisites that must be completed first
• Risk profile - complexity and implementation risk
• Resource availability - required skills and capacity
• Regulatory or compliance requirements

Step 6: Create the Implementation Roadmap

Develop a time-phased roadmap showing:

• Sequence of projects
• Project durations and overlaps
• Critical path and dependencies
• Resource requirements
• Key milestones and decision points

Key Concepts and Terminology

Implementation Portfolio: The complete set of projects required to implement the target architecture, often organized into waves or phases.

Wave or Phase: A logical grouping of projects that can be executed in a similar timeframe, typically 6-18 months.

Project Dependencies: Relationships where one project must be completed or progressed before another can begin or proceed effectively.

Critical Path: The sequence of dependent projects that determines the minimum time to complete the entire implementation.

Architecture Compliance: Ensuring that implementation projects adhere to the target architecture and governance standards.

Tools and Artifacts Used

• Gaps, Solutions, and Dependencies Matrix - comprehensive analysis tool
• Implementation Roadmap - visual timeline of projects
• Project Definition Documents - detailed project scope and charter
• Dependency Diagrams - visual representation of project relationships
• Business Value Dashboard - prioritization scoring
• Risk Assessment Register - project and implementation risks

How to Answer Exam Questions on Identifying Major Implementation Projects

Question Type 1: Definition and Purpose Questions

Example: "What is the primary purpose of identifying major implementation projects?"

Answer approach:

• State it's about decomposing the architecture work into manageable projects
• Emphasize bridging the gap between current state and target architecture
• Mention sequencing and prioritization of initiatives
• Include delivering value in phases

Question Type 2: Process and Methodology Questions

Example: "What steps should be followed when identifying implementation projects?"

Answer approach:

• Start with analyzing gaps between baseline and target architecture
• Develop a GSD (Gaps, Solutions, Dependencies) matrix
• Group solutions into project themes
• Define scope, sequencing, and dependencies
• Apply prioritization criteria
• Create an implementation roadmap

Question Type 3: Tool and Artifact Questions

Example: "Which tool is most useful for identifying project dependencies and sequencing?"

Answer approach:

• The Gaps, Solutions, and Dependencies Matrix is primary
• Complemented by dependency diagrams for visualization
• The implementation roadmap shows sequence and timeline

Question Type 4: Prioritization and Decision Questions

Example: "What factors should be considered when prioritizing implementation projects?"

Answer approach:

• Strategic alignment with business objectives
• Business value and ROI
• Technical dependencies and prerequisites
• Risk and complexity
• Resource constraints
• Regulatory or compliance drivers

Question Type 5: Scenario-based Questions

Example: "An organization has identified 12 potential implementation projects. How would you determine which should be executed first?"

Answer approach:

• Create a prioritization matrix scoring projects on key criteria
• Identify critical path projects that enable others
• Consider quick wins that deliver early value and build momentum
• Sequence projects to manage risk and resource constraints
• Ensure architecture governance is maintained

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Identifying Major Implementation Projects

Tip 1: Remember the GSD Matrix

The Gaps, Solutions, and Dependencies Matrix is fundamental to this phase. Nearly every question ties back to it. Ensure you can explain:

• What it contains (gaps, solutions, dependencies)
• How it's built (from baseline vs. target comparison)
• How it's used (for prioritization and project definition)

Tip 2: Understand Sequencing vs. Prioritization

These are related but different:

• Prioritization is about importance and value - which projects matter most
• Sequencing is about order and dependencies - which must come before others
• A high-priority project might need to wait if it depends on others

Tip 3: Know the Key Prioritization Factors

If asked about prioritization, always mention:

• Strategic alignment (most important)
• Business value and ROI
• Technical dependencies
• Risk and complexity
• Resource availability

Tip 4: Connect to Value Delivery

Project identification is fundamentally about delivering value. Frame answers around:

• How projects deliver business value
• Why phased implementation is better than monolithic change
• How this approach reduces risk

Tip 5: Recognize the Outputs

Be clear about what this phase produces:

• Implementation roadmap (primary output)
• Detailed project definitions
• Prioritized project portfolio
• Dependency analysis
• Risk and resource assessments

Tip 6: Use Correct Terminology

Exam questions test precise language. Use terms correctly:

• \"Implementation projects\" not \"initiatives\" (unless specifically asked)
• \"Waves\" or \"phases\" for groupings
• \"Dependencies\" for relationships between projects
• \"Critical path\" for sequencing

Tip 7: Think End-to-End

When answering, show understanding of the complete flow:

• Start with current state analysis
• Move to gap identification
• Propose solutions
• Sequence into projects
• End with roadmap

Tip 8: Consider Architecture Governance

Implementation projects must comply with target architecture. When answering, mention:

• How projects are validated against the target architecture
• How architecture compliance is maintained
• How governance oversees implementation

Tip 9: Be Specific About Waves

If discussing waves/phases, be clear about criteria:

• Projects in a wave should be relatively independent
• Waves typically span 6-18 months
• Early waves focus on enabling projects (infrastructure, platforms)
• Later waves build on earlier foundations

Tip 10: Prepare for \"Why\" Questions

Exam questions often ask \"Why\" - be ready to explain:

• Why identify projects separately from architecture design
• Why sequencing and dependencies matter
• Why prioritization is necessary
• Why business value should drive decisions

Common Exam Scenarios

Scenario 1: The 12-Project Problem
\"An organization has identified 12 necessary projects. How should they be organized?\"
Answer: Create a prioritization matrix, identify dependencies, group into waves, and sequence based on critical path and business value.

Scenario 2: The Dependency Challenge
\"Project A depends on Project B, but Project A has higher business value. What should be done?\"
Answer: Sequence Project B first (due to technical dependency), even though Project A has higher priority. Explain that dependencies are constraints that override pure value prioritization.

Scenario 3: The Resource Constraint
\"Resource limitations prevent executing all identified projects. How should selection be made?\"
Answer: Apply prioritization criteria (strategic alignment, business value, risk), sequence based on dependencies, and focus on critical path projects while identifying quick wins.

Scenario 4: The Roadmap Question
\"How would you present the sequence of projects to senior management?\"
Answer: Use an implementation roadmap showing waves/phases, timelines, dependencies, resource requirements, and business value delivered in each phase.

Final Review Checklist

Before your exam, ensure you can answer these:

• ☐ Define what identifying major implementation projects means
• ☐ Explain why it's critical in the ADM
• ☐ Describe the GSD Matrix and its components
• ☐ List the steps in the identification process
• ☐ Name key prioritization factors
• ☐ Explain sequencing and dependencies
• ☐ Describe what an implementation roadmap contains
• ☐ Discuss waves and phases
• ☐ Explain the relationship between business value and technical constraints
• ☐ Describe how this phase connects to overall transformation