Overview: In this week’s assessment, you will use The Open Group Framework (TOGAF) to address how can you strengthen your project proposal to ensure that both the business and technology stakeholder needs are met. This assessment has two deliverables.

Note: Developing a business proposal requires specific steps that need to be executed in a sequence. The assessments in this course are presented in sequence and must be completed in order.

The Open Group Framework (TOGAF) is commonly used as a model that ensures organizations consider the many complex components of their organization as a key step in developing an IT solution.

Suggested resources:

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Understanding Enterprise Architecture

The enterprise is becoming more complex, with new technological advances and market demands. Due to these complexities, the enterprise will fluctuate and change. If business and IT goals are truly integrated, the business needs to ensure that the many IT systems function together seamlessly. For many larger organizations, an enterprise architect is responsible for deciding how all of these systems are integrated. Just as an architect has to develop a blueprint for a building in order to ensure that electrical systems, HVAC systems, plumbing, security systems, and other components all end up appropriately integrated into the larger plan, so does the enterprise architect have to develop an architecture that will combine networks of all types, systems developed both internally as well as those that are outsourced, and all of the application software that ties everything together and customizes the software to your institution’s needs. An enterprise architecture will help an organization during times of change because it guarantees that all of the fundamental systems will still be integrated no matter what is revised. TOGAF enables some definition to be put around enterprise architecture.

Use your The TOGAF® Standard, Version 9. 2 text to read the following:

• Chapter 2, “Core Concepts.”
• Chapter 3, “Definitions.”
• Chapter 4, “The ADM Method.”
• Chapter 7, “Business Architecture.”
  • 7.5.6, “Applying Modeling Techniques.”

  Assessment Instructions:

• Note: Developing a business proposal requires specific steps that need to be executed in a sequence. The assessments in this course are presented in sequence and must be completed in order.
  

  Preparation

  After reviewing the material provided on TOGAF and enterprise architecture, consider if you have everything necessary for the proposed project. For example, does the current architecture of the IT infrastructure within the company allow for ease of integration? Do you have the appropriate personnel to work on the project? Does a budget exist for the project? Can security standards be met? Can users be trained properly? What other IT systems need to be included as part of your proposal?

  Instructions

  Review your proposal that you created for your course project. Using TOGAF, address how can you strengthen the project proposal to ensure that both the business and technology stakeholder needs are met?This assignment has two deliverables: Part 1) a paper, and Part 2) the revised presentation. You will use elements from these deliverables in your final project to submit a coordinated communication package for your project.

  Part 1: Paper

  Prepare a 3–5 page paper in which you do the following:

  • Identify the components of the TOGAF that are going to be included in your proposal.
  • Explain your rationale for including these other components from the TOGAF. Analyze the impact TOGAF components have on the effectiveness of business processes.
  • Describe potential challenges from you expect these additional components to add to your proposal. Plan strategies for overcoming these challenges.
  • Evaluate how the TOGAF model helps align business goals with an IT solution.

  Part 2: Revised Presentation

  Add a third slide to your PowerPoint presentation from last week’s assignment that succinctly identifies:

  • The components TOGAF included in your proposal.
  • Your plan for integrating the associated IT and business components into the proposed solution.

  Submit both of your files in the assignment area, and attach the PowerPoint presentation that has been revised to also include TOGAF components to be considered.

  Additional Requirements

  • Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA found in the Capella Writing Center.
  • Number of resources: Minimum of four resources.
  • Length of paper: 3–5 double-spaced pages.
  • Paper font and font size: Arial 10-point or Times New Roman 12-point.
  • Length of presentation: Three slides.

  Competencies Measured

  By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

  • Competency 1: Examine business goals to determine benefits from information technology and information systems.
    • Evaluate how the TOGAF model helps align business goals with an IT solution.
  • Competency 3: Plan a strategy for designing and employing an information system to meet business goals.
    • Plan strategies for overcoming potential challenges in employing TOGAF components in an information system to meet business goals.
  • Competency 4: Analyze enterprise architectures and the impact they have on the effectiveness of business processes.
    • Analyze the impact TOGAF components have on the effectiveness of business processes.
  • Competency 5: Communicate effectively using professional standards appropriate to the IT field.
    • Follow APA guidelines for resources and citations, and create a document that is clearly and professionally written and generally free of grammatical errors.