Assessing business architecture readiness in organisations

Abstract

Business architecture lags because no theoretical framework or model have yet been validated or tested. This study empirically tests a business architecture model that was developed to assess readiness of environment. It is interpretivist research in which the case study approach was employed. Qualitative data was collected through the semi-structured technique. Actor-network theory (ANT) was employed to interpret the outcome from testing the readiness assessment model. The findings suggest that the model solidifies foundation for the deployment of EBA and bring benefits to managers and architects. The result is intended to boost the confidence of promoters and organisations in the concept and possibly increase implementation and practice. This research empirically tested a business architecture readiness assessment model in five South African public and private organisations. The test draws on four main variables: readiness usefulness; value add; design and automation; and ease of use. The variables purportedly help to detect technical and non-technical factors that can derail the implementation or practice of business architecture in an organisation.