Utilizing Enterprise Architecture Frameworks to Enable Desired Emergent Behaviors of an Enterprise Transformation

Abstract

The field of enterprise architecture builds on principles of organizational theory, managerial science, systems engineering, and systems architecture. An enterprise system is a complex sociotechnical system that must contend with a rapidly changing external context, evolving goals for success, and emergent behavior that is highly complex to predict. Enterprises today face unprecedented technological change, increased competition, changing regulatory factors, and workers' desire for increased autonomy. Many leaders view building the organization of the future as the most crucial challenge they face because the survivability of an enterprise may well depend on its ability to transform effectively.

This thesis aims to analyze the drivers for enterprise transformation along with understanding what makes an enterprise transformation successful. The thesis explores the history of enterprise architecture and then examines how to utilize enterprise architecture frameworks to achieve a successful enterprise transformation. Two enterprise architecture frameworks, the Architecting Innovative Enterprise Strategy (ARIES) framework and the STAR Model™, are applied to a real-world enterprise system post-enterprise transformation to assess the effectiveness of the transformation in achieving the desired enterprise capabilities and goals. Both case studies illustrate the benefits of utilizing enterprise architecture frameworks to realize the enterprise transformation goals. This thesis concludes that the application of enterprise architecture frameworks enhances enterprise transformation efforts. Because there is no recipe that all companies can use to transform effectively, applying enterprise architecture frameworks to enable successful enterprise transformation will increasingly become a strategic advantage for enterprises to ensure their success and longevity.