OGEA-103 Exam Dumps - The Open Group Enterprise Architecture Questions and Answers

The Target Architecture is a description of the future state of the architecture that addresses the business goals and drivers, and satisfies the stakeholder requirements and concerns. The Target Architecture is developed through 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 Target Architecture is typically divided into four domains: Business, Data, Application, and Technology. The Target Architecture also includes a roadmap for change, which defines the Transition Architectures, the Capability Increments, and the work packages that enable the transition from the Baseline Architecture to the Target Architecture12

The best answer is B, because it describes the approach that should be taken to determine and organize the work to deliver the requested architectures, which are the Information Systems and Technology Architectures. The answer covers the following steps:

Refer to the end-to-end Target Architecture for guidance and direction. The end-to-end Target Architecture provides the overall vision, scope, and objectives of the architecture work, and the alignment with the business strategy and goals. The end-to-end Target Architecture also provides the high-level definitions and principles for the four architecture domains, and the roadmap for change that outlines the major milestones and deliverables.

Identify projects, dependencies and synergies, then prioritize before initiating the projects. Projects are the units of work that implement the architecture work packages, which are the sets of actions or tasks that are required to implement a specific part of the architecture. Dependencies are the relationships and constraints that affect the order or priority of the projects, such as logical, temporal, or resource dependencies. Synergies are the benefits or advantages that result from the combination or coordination of the projects, such as cost savings, efficiency gains, or innovation opportunities. Prioritization is the process of ranking the projects according to their importance, urgency, or value, and assigning resources and schedules accordingly.

Develop high-level architecture descriptions. High-level architecture descriptions are the outputs of the architecture development phases (B, C, and D) of the ADM cycle, which describe the Business, Data, Application, and Technology Architectures in terms of the Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) and the Solution Building Blocks (SBBs), which are reusable components of business, IT, or architectural capability. High-level architecture descriptions also include the Architecture Views, which are representations of the system of interest from the perspective of one or more stakeholders and their concerns.

For each project, estimate effort size, identify reference architectures, and candidate building blocks. Effort size is the measure of the amount of work, time, or resources required to complete a project. Effort size can be estimated using various techniques, such as analogy, expert judgment, parametric, or bottom-up. Reference architectures are standardized architectures that provide a common framework and vocabulary for a specific domain or industry. Reference architectures can be used as a source of best practices, patterns, and models for the architecture development. Candidate building blocks are the potential ABBs or SBBs that can be used to implement the architecture. Candidate building blocks can be identified from the Architecture Repository, which is a collection of architecture assets, such as models, patterns, principles, standards, and guidelines.

Identify the resource needs considering cost and value. Resource needs are the specifications and criteria that define the acceptable level and quality of the resources required to complete the project, such as human, financial, physical, or technological resources. Resource needs can be identified by analyzing the scope, complexity, and dependencies of the project, and the availability, capability, and suitability of the resources. Cost and value are the factors that influence the allocation and utilization of the resources, such as the budget, the return on investment, the benefits, or the risks.

Document options, risks, and controls to enable viability analysis and trade-off with the stakeholders. Options are the alternative ways of achieving the project objectives, such as different solutions, technologies, vendors, or approaches. Risks are the effects of uncertainty on the project objectives, such as threats or opportunities. Controls are the measures or actions that are taken to prevent, reduce, or mitigate the risks, such as policies, procedures, or standards. Viability analysis is the process of evaluating and comparing the options, risks, and controls, and determining the feasibility, suitability, and desirability of each option. Trade-off is the decision outcome that balances and reconciles the multiple, often conflicting, requirements and concerns of the stakeholders, and ensures alignment with the Architecture Vision and the Architecture Principles.

References: 1: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 5: Introduction to the ADM 2: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part IV: Architecture Content Framework, Chapter 36: Building Blocks : 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 II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 19: Phase B: Business Architecture : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 20: Phase C: Information Systems Architectures : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM), Chapter 21: Phase F: Migration Planning : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 23: Architecture Principles : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 30: Trade-Off Analysis : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 46: Tools for Architecture Development : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 47: Architecture Board : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 48: Architecture Compliance : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 49: Architecture Contract : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 50: Architecture Governance : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 51: Architecture Maturity Models : The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part VI: Architecture Capability Framework, Chapter 52: Architecture Skills Framework

The best answer is C. You would hold a series of interviews at each of the manufacturing plants using the business scenarios technique. This will allow you to understand the systems and integrations with local partners. You would use stakeholder analysis to identify key players in the engagement, and to understand their concerns. You will then identify and document the key high-level stakeholder requirements for the architecture. You will then generate high level definitions of the baseline and target architectures.

This answer is based on the TOGAF standard, which recommends the following steps to initiate the architecture project1:

Establish the architecture project

Identify stakeholders, concerns, and business requirements

Confirm and elaborate business goals, business drivers, and constraints

Evaluate business capabilities

Assess readiness for business transformation

Define scope

Confirm and elaborate Architecture Principles, including business principles

Develop Architecture Vision

Define the Target Architecture value propositions and KPIs

Identify the business transformation risks and mitigation activities

Secure stakeholder and sponsor approval

The answer C covers most of these steps, by using the business scenarios technique to elicit and validate the business requirements, goals, drivers, and constraints, as well as the current and future states of the architecture2. The answer C also uses stakeholder analysis to identify and engage the key stakeholders, and to address their concerns and expectations3. The answer C also generates high level definitions of the baseline and target architectures, which can be used to develop the Architecture Vision and the value propositions4.

The other answers are not the best approach for architecture development, because:

Answer A focuses on researching vendor literature and conducting briefings with vendors, which is not the best way to understand the business needs and the current situation of the enterprise. Answer A also defines a preliminary Architecture Vision without involving the stakeholders or validating the requirements, which may lead to misalignment and lack of consensus.

Answer B conducts a pilot project that will enable vendors to demonstrate potential solutions, which is premature and costly at this stage of the architecture project. Answer B also does not address the stakeholder concerns or the current systems and integrations, which may result in gaps and risks. Answer B also develops the requirements after the pilot project, which may not reflect the actual business needs and goals.

Answer D develops baseline and target architectures for each of the manufacturing plants, which may not consider the enterprise-wide perspective and the potential benefits of a common ERP system. Answer D also does not involve the stakeholders or address their concerns, which may result in resistance and conflict. Answer D also does not define the business case or the performance metrics, which are essential for demonstrating the value and feasibility of the architecture.

References: 1: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Architecture Vision 2: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Business Scenarios 3: [The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Stakeholder Management] 4: [The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Architecture Definition Document]

In this scenario, the enterprise is undergoing significant transformation due to a merger and the adoption of new technology (hand-held devices). Several key principles from TOGAF's ADM Techniques—particularly those focused on promoting enterprise-wide standardization, adaptability, and data utilization—are pertinent here:

Maximize Benefit to the Enterprise:This principle emphasizes that all architectural decisions should deliver maximum business value. Given that the company is integrating systems to cut costs and improve offerings, maximizing the benefit is crucial. Ensuring that the EA efforts align with enterprise-wide benefits supports the goal of optimizing costs and enhancing offerings, which aligns with the CEO’s vision for the merger.

Common Use Applications:Standardizing applications across the merged entity will be essential to achieve cost savings and to simplify operations. The goal of reducing the number of applications fits with this principle, ensuring that reusable and widely adopted applications support business functions across the organization. Adopting this principle will also aid in harmonizing the systems from both organizations and avoiding unnecessary diversity.

Data is an Asset:Data plays a central role in the company's operations, especially with the use of AI-driven inventory management and the integration of systems. Treating data as an asset is essential for reliable and accurate decision-making. This principle ensures that data is viewed as a critical enterprise resource and is managed with care, maintaining integrity, accuracy, and value.

Responsive Change Management:The organization’s ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changes, such as integrating new handheld devices and merging systems, is essential. This principle will facilitate the smooth transition required for integrating the new handheld devices and the merger-related system updates while minimizing disruption to store operations.

Technology Independence:Since the enterprise will likely encounter varied technologies from the merger, it is crucial to maintain flexibility. This principle advocates for using technology solutions that are adaptable and not bound to a single vendor or specific technology. This ensures that the enterprise can integrate various technological components from both organizations and evolve with minimal constraints.

These principles align well with TOGAF's broader recommendations for guiding architectural changes, as found in Section 2.6 of the TOGAF ADM Techniques. They ensure that the EA practice is aligned with business objectives while maintaining flexibility, data integrity, and a focus on enterprise-wide benefits. These guiding principles are critical for the successful execution of the integration and adoption of new technologies while achieving cost efficiencies and improving service delivery.

For reference, TOGAF's ADM Techniques highlight the importance of architectural principles in guiding transformational initiatives, ensuring that decisions are made consistently across the enterprise. Each principle supports organizational agility, system integration, and the efficient use of technology resources, all of which are vital for the enterprise's stated objectives.

The Business Transformation Readiness Assessment is a technique that can be used to evaluate the readiness of the organization to undergo change and to identify the actions needed to increase the likelihood of a successful business transformation. This technique can help to address the concerns of the key stakeholders about the risks and value of the proposed reorganization. The technique involves assessing the following aspects of the organization: vision, commitment, capacity, capability, culture, and communication. Based on the assessment, the risks associated with the transformations can be identified, classified, and mitigated for. The technique also helps to identify the dependencies between the set of changes, including gaps and work packages, and the improvement actions to be worked into the Implementation and Migration Plan. The technique also supports the determination of the business value, effort, and risk associated for each transformation, which can be used to prioritize and sequence the work packages and the Transition Architectures1 References: 1: The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 27: Business Transformation Readiness Assessment

The purpose of the Gap Analysis technique is similar to the previous question, but with a focus on the Target Architecture. The technique helps to identify the items that are not included or specified in the Target Architecture, such as capabilities, services, components, standards, or technologies. These items may be essential for achieving the vision and goals of the enterprise, or for addressing the stakeholder concerns and requirements. By identifying the items omitted from the Target Architecture, the technique helps to ensure that the architecture is comprehensive, feasible, and realistic.

An Architecture Contract is a deliverable that specifies the responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved in the implementation and governance of an architecture. It ensures a system of continuous monitoring to check integrity changes decision-making and audit of all architecture-related activities. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 3.3.4 Architecture Contracts.

A set of architecture principles that cover every situation perceived meets the recommended criteria of completeness. Completeness is one of the six criteria that should be applied when developing or assessing architecture principles. Completeness means that there are no gaps or overlaps in the coverage of principles across all relevant aspects of the enterprise’s architecture. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 3.3.7 Architecture Principles.

According to the TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, a transformation readiness assessment is a technique that evaluates the preparedness of the organization to undergo a change, and identifies the actions needed to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. A transformation readiness assessment can be conducted in Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions, and the actions resulting from it can be dealt with in Phase F: Migration Planning 1. In Phase E, the transformation readiness assessment can help to identify the major implementation challenges and risks, and to define the critical success factors and key performance indicators for the architecture project. In Phase F, the actions resulting from the transformation readiness assessment can help to develop a detailed and realistic migration plan, and to address the gaps, issues, and dependencies that may affect the transition to the target architecture 1. References: 1: TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition, Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques, Chapter 29: Business Transformation Readiness Assessment.

 In the ADM documents which are under development and have not undergone any formal review and approval process are called “draft”. This indicates that they are subject to change and refinement as the architecture development progresses. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 4.2.5 Architecture Deliverables.

The Architecture Landscape is divided into levels known as Segment Strategic and Capability Architectures. These levels correspond to different scopes and purposes of architectures within an enterprise. Segment Architectures are architectures that address specific business units, functions, or processes within an enterprise. Strategic Architectures are architectures that provide a high-level view of the enterprise’s vision, goals, and direction. Capability Architectures are architectures that address specific business capabilities or services that span multiple segments or domains. Reference: The TOGAF® Standard | The Open Group Website, Section 2.4 Architecture Repository.