OGEA-10B TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Bridge Exam (English) Question and Answers

Gap analysis is a technique that is used to validate an architecture by highlighting the shortfall between the Baseline Architecture and the Target Architecture. One of the purposes of gap analysis is to identify missing functions that are either deliberately omitted, accidentally left out, or not yet defined in the Target Architecture. Missing functions are marked as gaps that need to be filled by developing or procuring the building blocks. 

The Architecture Requirements Specification is one of the TOGAF deliverables that provides a set of quantitative statements that outline what an implementation project must do in order to comply with the architecture12. It is a companion to the Architecture Definition Document, which provides a qualitative view of the solution and aims to communicate the intent of the architect. The Architecture Requirements Specification provides a quantitative view of the solution, stating measurable criteria that must be met during the implementation of the architecture3. It typically forms a major component of an implementation contract or contract for more detailed Architecture Definition4. References:

•Deliverable: Architecture Requirements Specification - The Open Group

•Architecture Requirements Specification - Visual Paradigm Community Circle

•The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Definitions - The Open Group

•The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Architecture Requirements Specification - The Open Group

The Preliminary Phase is the preparatory phase of the Architecture Development Method (ADM) cycle, which sets the context and direction for the architecture work. One of the objectives of this phase is to select and implement tools to support the Architecture Capability, which is the ability of an organization to perform enterprise architecture effectively and efficiently. Tools can include software applications, methods, techniques, standards, and frameworks that assist the architecture development and governance processes. The selection and implementation of tools should be based on the requirements and constraints of the organization, and the alignment with the Architecture Principles and the Architecture Vision3 References: 3: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 6: Preliminary Phase : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 45: Establishing and Maintaining an Enterprise Architecture Capability : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 46: Tools for Architecture Development

According to the TOGAF standard, the objectives of each ADM phase are as follows1:

•Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions

oDetermine whether an incremental approach is required, and if so identify Transition Architectures that will deliver continuous business value

oIdentify and group major work packages within the Architecture Roadmap

oIdentify and group major implementation projects to realize the Architecture Roadmap

oIdentify dependencies between increments and projects

oEstimate cost, benefit, and risk at a high level for each increment and project

oConduct initial prioritization and sequencing of the Architecture Roadmap and projects

•Phase F: Migration Planning

oGenerate the initial complete version of the Architecture Roadmap, based upon the gap analysis and candidate Architecture Roadmap components from Phases B, C, and D

oConfirm the Transition Architectures with relevant stakeholders

oCreate the Implementation and Migration Plan, including Transition Architectures, work packages, projects, and other activities

oConfirm and agree the Architecture Roadmap and Implementation and Migration Plan with relevant stakeholders

•Phase G: Implementation Governance

oFinalize the Architecture Roadmap and the supporting Implementation and Migration Plan

oEnsure conformance with the Target Architecture by implementation projects

oPerform appropriate Architecture Governance functions for the solution and any implementation-driven architecture Change Requests

oEnsure that the architecture lifecycle is maintained

oEnsure that the Architecture Governance Framework is executed

•Phase H: Architecture Change Management

oEnsure that the business value and cost of work packages and Transition Architectures is understood by key stakeholders

oManage risks and issues related to the Architecture Roadmap and Implementation and Migration Plan

oMonitor the implementation projects and Transition Architectures

oManage changes to the architecture baseline

oManage changes to the Architecture Capability

Therefore, the correct matching of the objectives and the phases is:

•1G: Determine whether an incremental approach is required, and if so identify Transition Architectures that will deliver continuous business value

•2E: Generate the initial complete version of the Architecture Roadmap, based upon the gap analysis and candidate Architecture Roadmap components from Phases B, C, and D

•3F: Finalize the Architecture Roadmap and the supporting Implementation and Migration Plan

•4F: Ensure that the business value and cost of work packages and Transition Architectures is understood by key stakeholders

References: 1: The TOGAF Architecture Development Method

An Enterprise Architecture Capability is the ability of the organization to perform effective and efficient architecture work, including the definition, governance, and management of its architectures2. The Preliminary Phase involves the following activities1:

•Reviewing the organizational context, scope, and drivers for conducting Enterprise Architecture

•Establishing the Architecture Capability desired by the organization, including the maturity level, roles, responsibilities, processes, and tools

•Defining and establishing the Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture, which describes how the architecture function is organized and integrated within the enterprise

•Defining and establishing the Architecture Governance framework, which provides the mechanisms for ensuring the quality, consistency, and compliance of the architecture work

•Selecting and implementing the tools that support the Architecture Capability, such as repositories, modeling tools, and communication tools

•Defining the Architecture Principles that will guide and constrain the architecture work, based on the business principles, goals, and drivers of the organization

•Defining the Organization-Specific Architecture Framework, which is an adaptation of the generic TOGAF ADM to suit the specific requirements, standards, and practices of the organization

The Preliminary Phase is essential for preparing the organization for the successful development and implementation of its architectures, as well as for ensuring the alignment of the architecture work with the business strategy and objectives1.

References: 1: Preliminary Phase 2: Enterprise Architecture Capability

•Phase A: Architecture Vision

oDevelop a high-level aspirational vision of the capabilities and business value to be delivered as a result of the proposed Enterprise Architecture

oDefine the scope and boundaries of the architecture engagement

oIdentify the key stakeholders and their concerns and expectations

oDefine the Architecture Vision statement and the Architecture Definition Document

oObtain approval and commitment from the sponsors and stakeholders

•Phase B: Business Architecture

oDevelop the Target Business Architecture that describes how the enterprise needs to operate to achieve the business goals

oDefine the Baseline Business Architecture, if not available

oPerform a gap analysis between the Baseline and Target Business Architectures

oDefine candidate roadmap components for the Business Architecture

oResolve impacts across the Architecture Landscape

•Phase C: Information Systems Architecture

oDevelop the Target Data Architecture that enables the Business Architecture and the Architecture Vision

oDevelop the Target Application Architecture that supports the Business Architecture and the Architecture Vision

oDefine the Baseline Data and Application Architectures, if not available

oPerform a gap analysis between the Baseline and Target Data and Application Architectures

oDefine candidate roadmap components for the Information Systems Architecture

oResolve impacts across the Architecture Landscape

•Phase D: Technology Architecture

oDevelop the Target Technology Architecture that enables the Information Systems Architecture and the Architecture Vision

oDefine the Baseline Technology Architecture, if not available

oPerform a gap analysis between the Baseline and Target Technology Architectures

oIdentify candidate Architecture Roadmap components based upon gaps between the Baseline and Target Technology Architectures

oResolve impacts across the Architecture Landscape

Therefore, the correct matching of the objectives and the phases is:

•1C: Develop the Target Data Architecture that enables the Business Architecture and the Architecture Vision

•2B: Develop the Target Business Architecture that describes how the enterprise needs to operate to achieve the business goals

•3A: Develop a high-level aspirational vision of the capabilities and business value to be delivered as a result of the proposed Enterprise Architecture

•4D: Identify candidate Architecture Roadmap components based upon gaps between the Baseline and Target Technology Architectures

References: 1: The TOGAF Architecture Development Method

The objective of the ADM Implementation Governance Phase is to provide an architectural oversight of the implementation and to ensure conformance for the target architecture. This phase involves establishing procedures and processes to monitor and control the implementation projects and to verify that they comply with the defined architecture. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 3.2.7 Phase G: Implementation Governance.

According to the TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, a stakeholder is “an individual with an interest in a system” 1. A stakeholder can be anyone who is affected by the system, or who can influence or be influenced by the system. Stakeholders can have different roles, perspectives, and concerns regarding the system, and they can be internal or external to the organization. Stakeholder management is a technique that helps to identify, analyze, and engage the stakeholders of an architecture project, and to address their needs and expectations 2. The other options are not correct, as they are not the term used by the TOGAF Standard to describe an individual with an interest in a system. A consumer is “an individual or group that uses a product or service” 1. A lead architect is “an individual who is responsible for leading the development of an architecture” 1. A sponsor is “an individual who provides funding and support for an architecture project” 1. References: 1: TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, Part I: Introduction, Chapter 3: Definitions. 2: TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 24: Stakeholder Management.

According to the TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, architecture governance is “the practice by which enterprise architectures and other architectures are managed and controlled at an enterprise-wide level” 1. Architecture governance ensures that the architecture development and implementation are aligned with the strategic objectives, principles, standards, and requirements of the enterprise, and that they deliver the expected value and outcomes. Architecture governance also involves establishing and maintaining the architecture framework, repository, board, contracts, and compliance reviews 1. The other options are not correct, as they are not the term used by the TOGAF Standard to describe the practice by which the enterprise architecture is managed and controlled at an enterprise-wide level. Corporate governance is “the system by which an organization is directed and controlled” 2, and it covers aspects such as leadership, strategy, performance, accountability, and ethics. IT governance is “the system by which the current and future use of IT is directed and controlled” 2, and it covers aspects such as IT strategy, policies, standards, and services. Technology governance is “the system by which the technology decisions and investments are directed and controlled” 3, and it covers aspects such as technology selection, acquisition, deployment, and maintenance. References: 1: TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, Part VI: Architecture Governance, Chapter 44: Introduction. 2: TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, Part I: Introduction, Chapter 3: Definitions. 3: TOGAF Series Guide: Using the TOGAF Framework to Define and Govern Service-Oriented Architectures, Part II: Using the TOGAF Framework to Define and Govern Service-Oriented Architectures, Chapter 5: Technology Governance.

When considering agile development, Architecture to Support Project will identify what products the enterprise needs, the boundary of the products, and what constraints a product owner has. This defines the enterprise’s backlog. A backlog is a list of features or tasks that need to be done to deliver a product or service. It is prioritized by the product owner based on the value and urgency of each item. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 3.3.5 Architecture to Support Project.

Gap Analysis is a technique that compares the Baseline Architecture and the Target Architecture to identify the differences and gaps between them. The purpose of this technique is to determine the changes and additions that are required to achieve the desired future state of the architecture. One of the main aspects of Gap Analysis is to identify the functions that are missing or overlapping in the current and future architectures, and to plan how to address them. This helps to ensure that the architecture is complete, consistent, and aligned with the business objectives and requirements3

The TOGAF standard covers the development of four architecture domains: Business, Data, Technology and Application. These domains represent different aspects of an enterprise’s architecture and provide a consistent way of describing, analyzing, and designing them. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 2.2 Architecture Development Method (ADM).

Statements 1 and 3 highlight the value and necessity for Architecture Governance to be adopted within organizations. Architecture Governance is the practice and orientation by which Enterprise Architectures and other architectures are managed and controlled at an enterprise-wide level12. It ensures that architectural decisions are aligned with the organization’s strategy, objectives, and standards. Architecture Governance also involves establishing and maintaining processes, decision-making, and mechanisms to avoid or minimize potential conflicts of interest, such as between different stakeholders, business units, or projects34. Moreover, Architecture Governance requires transparency and accountability for all actions implemented and their decision support, so that they can be inspected and evaluated by authorized parties, such as auditors, regulators, or customers5 . References:

•The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Architecture Governance - The Open Group

•Architecture Governance - The Open Group

•Tutorial: Governance in TOGAF’s Architecture Development Method (ADM)

•Architecture Governance in TOGAF: Ensuring Effective Management and Compliance

•The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Definitions - The Open Group

•[Architecture Governance in TOGAF: Ensuring Alignment and Control]

A Request for Architecture Work is a document that describes the scope, approach, and expected outcomes of an architecture project. A Request for Architecture Work is usually initiated by the sponsor or client of the architecture work, and approved by the Architecture Board, which is a governance body that oversees the architecture work and ensures compliance with the architecture principles, standards, and goals. A Request for Architecture Work triggers a new cycle of the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which is the core process of the TOGAF standard that guides the development and management of the enterprise architecture12

An Architecture Vision is a high-level description of the desired outcomes and benefits of the proposed architecture. An Architecture Vision is the output of Phase A: Architecture Vision of the ADM cycle, which is the first phase of the architecture development. An Architecture Vision defines the scope and approach of the architecture work, and establishes the business goals and drivers that motivate the architecture work. An Architecture Vision also involves obtaining the approval and commitment of the sponsors and other key stakeholders, and initiating the Architecture Governance process3

A trade-off analysis is a technique that can be used to evaluate and compare different architecture alternatives and select the most suitable one. A trade-off analysis involves identifying the criteria and factors that are relevant to the decision, such as costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities, and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative. A trade-off analysis also involves balancing and reconciling the multiple, often conflicting, requirements and concerns of the stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with the Architecture Vision and the Architecture Principles.

Therefore, the best answer is D, because it proposes the best approach for architecture development to realize the CEO’s change in direction for the company. The answer covers the Request for Architecture Work, the Architecture Vision, and the trade-off analysis techniques that are relevant to the scenario.

References: 1: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 7: Request for Architecture Work 2: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 50: Architecture Governance 3: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 18: Phase A: Architecture Vision : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 30: Trade-Off Analysis

A Stakeholder Map is a technique that can be used to identify and classify the stakeholders of the architecture work, and to document their key interests, requirements, and concerns. A stakeholder is any person, group, or organization that has a stake in the outcome of the architecture work, such as the sponsor, the client, the users, the suppliers, the regulators, or the competitors. A Stakeholder Map can help to understand the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, and to communicate and engage with them effectively1

The steps for creating a Stakeholder Map are:

• Identify the stakeholders of the architecture work, using various sources and methods, such as interviews, surveys, workshops, or existing documents.
• Classify the stakeholders according to their roles, responsibilities, and relationships, using various criteria and dimensions, such as power, influence, interest, attitude, or impact.
• Define the concerns and relevant views for each stakeholder group, using various techniques, such as business scenarios, use cases, or value propositions. A concern is a key interest or issue that is relevant to the stakeholder, such as a goal, a problem, a need, or a risk. A view is a representation of the system of interest from the perspective of one or more stakeholders and their concerns.
• Record the stakeholders and their concerns in a Stakeholder Map, which shows the mapping between the stakeholder groups, the concerns, and the views. The Stakeholder Map also shows the dependencies, assumptions, and issues related to each stakeholder and concern.

Therefore, the best answer is B, because it recommends the approach that would enable the development of an architecture that addresses the concerns of the CIO and the partners, using the Stakeholder Map technique. The answer covers the following aspects:

• An analysis of the stakeholders is undertaken, which involves identifying, classifying, and defining the stakeholders and their concerns.
• The stakeholders and their concerns are documented in a Stakeholder Map, which provides a clear and comprehensive picture of the stakeholder landscape and their interests.
• The concerns and relevant views are recorded in the Architecture Vision document, which is the output of Phase A: Architecture Vision of the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which is the core process of the TOGAF standard that guides the development and management of the enterprise architecture. The Architecture Vision defines the scope and approach of the architecture work, and establishes the business goals and drivers that motivate the architecture work. The Architecture Vision also involves obtaining the approval and commitment of the sponsors and other key stakeholders, and initiating the Architecture Governance process2
• The requirements include risk mitigation through regular assessments, which involves identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the risks that may affect the architecture, and determining the appropriate measures or actions to prevent, reduce, or mitigate the risks. Risk mitigation can also involve monitoring and reviewing the risk situation, and communicating and reporting the risk status and actions3
• This approach also allows a supervised agile implementation of the continuous Machine Learning, which involves applying agile principles and practices to the architecture development and implementation, such as iterative and incremental delivery, frequent feedback, collaboration, and adaptation. A supervised agile implementation can help to ensure the quality, value, and alignment of the architecture, and to respond to the changing needs and expectations of the stakeholders.

References: 1: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 24: Stakeholder Management 2: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 18: Phase A: Architecture Vision 3: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 32: Risk Management : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 29: Applying Iteration to the ADM