TOGAF 10 Foundation: Architecture Content Framework - Content Framework Overview

Content Framework Overview Guide

Why the Content Framework is Important

The Content Framework is one of the most fundamental concepts in TOGAF because it provides a structured approach to organizing and managing architectural work products. In today's complex enterprise environments, organizations generate vast amounts of architectural content, and without a proper framework, this content becomes scattered, inconsistent, and difficult to reuse.

Understanding the Content Framework is crucial because:

• Consistency: It ensures all architectural work follows a standardized structure
• Traceability: It enables clear linkage between architecture requirements and deliverables
• Reusability: It facilitates the reuse of architecture content across projects and organizations
• Quality: It helps maintain high standards for architecture documentation
• Governance: It provides a mechanism for managing and controlling architectural artifacts

What is the Content Framework?

The Content Framework is a structured taxonomy of architectural work products, building blocks, and deliverables that are produced during an architecture engagement. It defines the inputs, outputs, and catalog items that form the foundation of an Architecture Repository.

The Content Framework consists of three primary categories:

1. Architecture Deliverables

Definition: These are the official, contractually agreed outputs of an architecture project that are signed off and approved by stakeholders.

Examples include:

• Architecture Vision
• Business Architecture
• Information Systems Architecture
• Technology Architecture
• Architecture Roadmap
• Implementation and Migration Plan
• Architecture Change Management Plan

2. Architecture Building Blocks

Definition: These are the fundamental reusable components and services that can be composed and combined to deliver a solution architecture.

There are two types:

• Business Building Blocks: Represent business capabilities and functions (e.g., Customer Management, Order Processing)
• Technology Building Blocks: Represent technology components and services (e.g., Web Server, Database Management System)

3. Architecture Artifacts and Repository Items

Definition: These are supporting documents, catalogs, matrices, and diagrams that populate the Architecture Repository.

Examples include:

• Catalogs (stakeholder catalog, business process catalog, application catalog)
• Matrices (business-to-IT, application-to-business, organization-to-application)
• Diagrams (various architecture views)
• Supporting documents and standards

How the Content Framework Works

The Hierarchical Structure

The Content Framework operates through a hierarchical organization where content is organized from general to specific:

Level 1 - Portfolio Level: High-level architectural strategies and roadmaps applicable to the entire organization

Level 2 - Program Level: Program-specific architectures and deliverables that address a related set of projects

Level 3 - Project Level: Detailed project-specific architectures and implementation details

The Content Framework Lifecycle

The framework operates through these key phases:

1. Collection: Gathering architectural information and requirements from stakeholders

2. Organization: Structuring the collected information according to framework categories

3. Documentation: Creating formal architectural artifacts and deliverables

4. Review and Approval: Ensuring quality and securing stakeholder sign-off

5. Repository Storage: Storing artifacts in the Architecture Repository for access and reuse

6. Maintenance: Updating and managing content as the architecture evolves

Integration with the ADM

The Content Framework is applied throughout the TOGAF ADM (Architecture Development Method), with different deliverables and artifacts produced in each phase:

• Phase A (Architecture Vision): Architecture Vision document, stakeholder analysis
• Phase B (Business Architecture): Business capability models, business process diagrams
• Phase C (Information Systems Architecture): Data and application architecture artifacts
• Phase D (Technology Architecture): Technology architecture artifacts and infrastructure models
• Phase E, F, G, H: Implementation and management artifacts

How to Answer Questions on Content Framework Overview

Common Question Types

Type 1: Definition Questions
Question: What is the primary purpose of the Content Framework?
Answer: The Content Framework provides a structured taxonomy of architectural work products and building blocks to ensure consistent, reusable, and traceable architecture content across the organization.

Type 2: Component Identification Questions
Question: Which of the following is considered an Architecture Deliverable?
Answer Strategy: Look for official, contractually agreed outputs that are formally approved. Examples: Architecture Vision, Business Architecture, Technology Architecture, Implementation Plan. Exclude supporting documents like catalogs or matrices unless they are formal deliverables.

Type 3: Hierarchy and Organization Questions
Question: What level of the Content Framework applies to a specific project implementation?
Answer: Project level - the most detailed and specific level of architectural content.

Type 4: Integration Questions
Question: In which ADM phase are Technology Building Blocks primarily developed?
Answer: Phase D (Technology Architecture), though Building Blocks may be refined and selected in later phases.

Type 5: Distinction Questions
Question: What is the difference between an Architecture Deliverable and a Building Block?
Answer: Deliverables are formal, contractually agreed outputs of an engagement; Building Blocks are reusable components that can be combined to create solutions.

Best Practices for Answering

• Use precise terminology: Distinguish between deliverables, building blocks, and artifacts
• Reference the ADM: Relate Content Framework questions to the phase where those artifacts are created
• Think about purpose: Remember that the framework enables consistency, reusability, and governance
• Consider hierarchy: Understand portfolio, program, and project levels
• Identify stakeholder impact: Remember that deliverables require formal approval while artifacts are supporting materials

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Content Framework Overview

Tip 1: Understand the Three Categories

Make sure you can quickly distinguish between:

• Deliverables: Formal, signed-off, contractual outputs (official products)
• Building Blocks: Reusable components (business and technology)
• Artifacts/Repository Items: Supporting documents, diagrams, catalogs, and matrices

In exam questions, if something is described as formal, approved, or contractually agreed, it's likely a Deliverable. If it's described as reusable or composable, it's likely a Building Block.

Tip 2: Remember the Repository Function

The Content Framework is the foundation for the Architecture Repository. When a question discusses storing, organizing, or retrieving architectural content, the Content Framework is the classification system being referenced.

Tip 3: Connect to the ADM Phases

For questions asking where something fits in the architecture process, map it to the ADM phase:

• Phase A: Vision, stakeholder analysis
• Phase B: Business capabilities, processes
• Phase C: Information systems, data, applications
• Phase D: Technology, infrastructure, building blocks
• Phases E-H: Implementation, migration, governance

Tip 4: Watch for Trick Questions

Common trap: Questions that ask if something like a catalog or diagram is a Deliverable. Catalogs and diagrams are typically artifacts, not deliverables, unless they are formally approved and contractually required.

Watch for: Questions asking about work products - this is a general term that includes deliverables, building blocks, and artifacts.

Tip 5: Focus on Reusability and Consistency

When unsure about a question, ask yourself: Does the Content Framework aim to promote reusability, consistency, and governance? If an answer option supports these goals, it's likely correct.

Tip 6: Practice Classification

Create a mental classification quiz for yourself:

Is it a Deliverable? Ask: Is it formal? Is it approved? Is it contractually required?

Is it a Building Block? Ask: Can it be reused? Is it a component? Can it be composed with others?

Is it an Artifact? Ask: Is it supporting documentation? Is it part of the repository but not formally signed-off?

Tip 7: Know the Key Deliverables by Heart

For the Foundation exam, be very familiar with these eight core deliverables:

• Architecture Vision
• Business Architecture
• Information Systems Architecture
• Technology Architecture
• Architecture Roadmap
• Implementation and Migration Plan
• Architecture Change Management Plan
• Architecture Compliance Assessment

Tip 8: Understand the Difference Between Inputs and Outputs

The Content Framework helps organize inputs and outputs of the ADM. Questions may ask what serves as an input to one phase or an output from another. Remember that many artifacts produced in one phase become inputs to the next.

Tip 9: Pay Attention to Stakeholder and Governance Context

When a question emphasizes stakeholder approval, governance, or formal sign-off, it's discussing deliverables. When it emphasizes reuse, standardization, or repositories, it may be discussing building blocks or the overall framework structure.

Tip 10: Take Time to Read the Question Carefully

Content Framework questions often hinge on specific wording:

• Which of these is typically reused across projects? → Building Block
• Which of these requires formal approval? → Deliverable
• Which of these goes into the Architecture Repository? → All of them (deliverables, building blocks, and artifacts)
• Which of these represents reusable components? → Building Blocks

Summary Checklist for Exam Day

Before answering a Content Framework question, verify that you:

• ☐ Identified the content type (deliverable, building block, or artifact)
• ☐ Considered the ADM phase context
• ☐ Thought about reusability and stakeholder approval
• ☐ Distinguished between formal outputs and supporting materials
• ☐ Considered the repository and governance implications
• ☐ Read all answer options before selecting one
• ☐ Ensured your answer aligns with TOGAF principles of consistency and reuse

By mastering these exam tips and thoroughly understanding the Content Framework, you'll be well-prepared to answer any question on this essential TOGAF topic during your Foundation exam.