A foundational framework for agile enterprise architecture

Abstract

Purpose The application of agility principles and methodologies on Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a promising field. This paper aims to provide an in-depth study of the Agile Enterprise Architecture (AEA) by studying EA practitioners’ perspectives to propose a foundational framework for AEA. Design/methodology/approach The authors formulate a foundational framework that defines the AEA motivators, enablers and blockers using the agile manifesto as one of the AEA enablers where a total of 156 EA stakeholders with at least one year of experience in enterprise architecture were surveyed, and a set of hypotheses was analyzed and tested based on the proposed framework. The authors also develop a quantitative method to evaluate the agility index of the EA based on the introduced framework. Findings The research results show with significance that enterprise architects perceive positively the application of the agility methodologies on the enterprise architecture. This perception is primarily affected by the enterprise size, the EA dependency and the agile methodologies awareness. The findings also indicate that AEA is primarily motivated by the Business and IT Change Ready and Responsive EA. Finally, an EA Agility Index (EAAI) was designed to assess the agility application of the EA based on the three forces, i.e. motivators, enablers and blockers. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach and the sample size, the research results may lack generalizability. Also, EAAI designed was not thoroughly tested. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the design and development of an EA Agility Index, and the need to increase the awareness of the agility methodologies to overcome the blocker of the unfamiliarity with the agile methodologies implying that the current business models in enterprise must be more aligned with the agile methodologies. Originality/value While there are efforts to develop AEA frameworks, one of the major findings of the literature review conducted is that there is evident research gap in the literature on the perception and associated factors of the EA stakeholders on having an agile enterprise architecture. This paper attempts to fill this gap.

Enterprise architecture contribution in distributed agile software development

“…The organization's size, its reliance on its enterprise architecture, and its awareness of agile practices significantly influence this favorable perception. 58 The outcomes also highlight that the willingness of both the business and IT sectors to embrace change stands out as the principal driving force behind the adoption of agile approaches in enterprise design. 58,59 In a study by Van Wessel et al, 60 The authors demonstrated the synergy between enterprise design and agile development through an examination of five case studies encompassing IT-based projects within both corporate and governmental contexts.…”

“…58 The outcomes also highlight that the willingness of both the business and IT sectors to embrace change stands out as the principal driving force behind the adoption of agile approaches in enterprise design. 58,59 In a study by Van Wessel et al, 60 The authors demonstrated the synergy between enterprise design and agile development through an examination of five case studies encompassing IT-based projects within both corporate and governmental contexts. Their recommendation to organizations was to integrate specific elements from both approaches.…”

“…In a study by Kaddoumi and Watfa, 58 a total of 156 individuals involved in enterprise architecture, possessing practical experience in the field, were surveyed with the aim of constructing a foundational framework that was intended to identify the sources of inspiration, facilitators, and barriers associated with agile enterprise architecture, using the guiding principles of the Agile Manifesto as a basis. The findings unequivocally illustrate the positive perception enterprise architects hold regarding the integration of agile methodologies into the process of enterprise design.…”

“…The findings unequivocally illustrate the positive perception enterprise architects hold regarding the integration of agile methodologies into the process of enterprise design. The organization's size, its reliance on its enterprise architecture, and its awareness of agile practices significantly influence this favorable perception 58 . The outcomes also highlight that the willingness of both the business and IT sectors to embrace change stands out as the principal driving force behind the adoption of agile approaches in enterprise design 58,59 …”

Enterprise Data Agility and Structuration Between Chief Data Officers and Enterprise Architects

“…And considering lines of events since 2020, the timeframe for many companies is in the area of 7 -30 days from early indications to stable solutions. Using agile principles and methods in enterprise architecture has attracted some interest (Rouhani et al, 2008;Buckl et al, 2011;Alzoubi et al, 2015;Kaddoumi and Watfa, 2016;Kaddoumi and Watfa, 2021). Defining enterprise architecture has been the subject of multi-faceted publications and research initiatives.…”