Applying the ADM

Guidance on applying the ADM iteratively, across different architecture levels, and adapting it to different architectural styles.

5 minutes 5 Questions

Applying the ADM (Architecture Development Method) in TOGAF 10 Foundation is a structured approach to developing enterprise architecture through a cyclical process. The ADM consists of ten phases that guide architects through systematic architecture planning and implementation. The ADM begins with…

Concepts covered
Architecture Landscape LevelsApplying the ADM Across the LandscapeSOA and the ADMTailoring the ADM for Organizational ContextApplying Iteration to the ADMArchitecture PartitioningSecurity Architecture and the ADMAgile and the ADM
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TOGAF Foundation - Applying the ADM Example Questions

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Question 1

A company is new to TOGAF and wants to use the ADM. The team lead asks what they should base their tailored ADM on. A junior architect suggests starting from scratch and building a completely custom process. What is the most appropriate approach for this situation?

Correct Answer: Use the standard ADM as a starting template and then adapt it to fit organizational needs

The correct answer aligns with TOGAF's core guidance that the ADM should be used as a starting template and then tailored to fit the specific needs of the organization, rather than being discarded or rebuilt from scratch.

Building a parallel custom framework defeats the purpose of adopting TOGAF and creates unnecessary duplication. Replacing each phase with organization-specific stages fundamentally alters the ADM beyond tailoring, losing the proven structure and discipline it provides. Creating a simplified method based on general best practices ignores the value of the ADM as a comprehensive, well-established architecture method.

The key concept tested is ADM tailoring, specifically that organizations should adapt the standard ADM rather than abandon or fundamentally redesign it.

Question 2

In TOGAF 10, security architecture is considered what type of concern across the Architecture Development Method?

Correct Answer: A cross-cutting concern spanning all ADM phases

Security architecture in TOGAF 10 is recognized as a cross-cutting concern that spans all phases of the Architecture Development Method, meaning it must be addressed consistently throughout every phase rather than being confined to a single phase or activity.

Addressing security only in Phase B (Business Architecture) ignores its relevance to technology, data, and application domains. Limiting it to Requirements Management alone overlooks that security decisions and artifacts are produced in every ADM phase. Consolidating it only in Phases H and A fails to account for the pervasive nature of security considerations across the full development cycle.

Key concept tested: understanding that security is a cross-cutting concern integrated throughout the entire ADM lifecycle.

Question 3

A team is new to TOGAF and is about to start its first architecture effort for the entire organization. They want to understand which level of the architecture landscape they should begin with. Which level should the team address first to establish the broadest view of the enterprise?

Correct Answer: Strategic Architecture, covering the full enterprise scope at a high level

Strategic Architecture is the broadest level of the Architecture Landscape in TOGAF, providing a high-level, enterprise-wide overview that establishes direction and sets the context for more detailed architecture work below it.

Segment Architecture is the next level down, focusing on a major business area rather than the entire enterprise. Capability Architecture addresses specific solution-level details, making it the most granular level. Another option incorrectly describes Strategic Architecture as covering a single business unit at a very detailed level, which contradicts its purpose of providing a broad, high-level view across the whole enterprise.

Key concept tested: the three levels of the Architecture Landscape (Strategic, Segment, Capability) and their scope.

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