CHOOSE: Towards a metamodel for enterprise architecture in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

Enterprise architecture (EA) is a coherent whole of principles, methods, and models that are used in the design and realization of an enterprise's organizational structure, business processes, information systems, and IT infrastructure. Recent research indicates the need for EA in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), important drivers of the economy, as they struggle with problems related to a lack of structure and overview of their business. However, existing EA frameworks are perceived as too complex and, to date, none of the EA approaches are sufficiently adapted to the SME context. Therefore, this paper presents the CHOOSE metamodel for EA in SMEs that was developed and evaluated through action research in an SME and further refined and validated through case study research in five other SMEs. This metamodel is based on the essential dimensions of EA frameworks and is kept simple so that it may be applied in an SME context. The final CHOOSE metamodel includes only four essential concepts (i.e. goal, actor, operation, object), one for each most frequently used EA focus. As an example, an extract is included from the specific model that was created for the SME used in our action research. Finally, the CHOOSE metamodel is evaluated according to the dimensions essential in EA and the requirements for EA in an SME context.

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“…The architect also mentioned that some terminology was complicated for novice users. As already suggested by Bernaert et al [8], a first explanatory step to clarify the main concepts could be a useful addition to the CHOOSE method. Moreover, the architect experienced the input phase as being very time consuming.…”

“…This enables to restrict the complexity of the CHOOSE approach [29]. This integration was also suggested in [8].…”

“…The choice for an appropriate EA approach was guided by the belief that simplicity was key in this project, in order to enable a clear communication with the workforce. Consequently, CHOOSE's focus on simplicity and easiness-to-use made it a suitable alternative [8].…”

“…However, as this approach is considering separate parts of the organization, the holistic overview may get lost. This is important as it is one of the major advantages of the CHOOSE approach [8].…”

“…Based on the consistency and simplicity principle, the last alternative was preferred here. This has also been discussed in [8]. Although the use of an expert/consultant conflicts with the original orientation towards SMEs [10], large enterprises are expected to have more resources available for EA.…”