Key takeaways
- Preliminary prepares the EA capability.
- The framework, ADM, and tools are tailored to context.
- Governance makes authority and responsibility explicit.
Define operating conditions
The Preliminary Phase prepares the organization to perform architecture work. It defines the context, responsibilities, governance, principles, methods, and tools required. It tailors the framework to the enterprise instead of imposing one universal operating approach. Its subject is architecture capability; Phase A initializes a particular architecture initiative.
The operating model, existing frameworks, and other governance structures must be considered. Understand where decisions are made, who can initiate work, and how architecture contributes to objectives. ADM arrangements become part of this context of authority and accountability.
Assess and improve capability
An assessment compares current capability with the desired capability. Practice maturity, skills, tools, and readiness for change may expose gaps. Improvements should be prioritized according to expected value and available resources. A maturity level is useful only when it informs action: assigning a score without deciding how to improve achieves little.
- Define the capability needed rather than an abstract maximum.
- Choose principles and approval arrangements.
- Plan ongoing maintenance and improvement of the practice.
TERMS TO KNOW
The terms, in context.
- Maturity assessment
- Assessment of the stability and effectiveness of practices.
- Tailoring
- Adaptation of a method and its elements to the context of use.