QuestionQ21
The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2You are the Lead Enterprise Architect for a convenience-store chain with more than 15,000 retail outlets across the Asia-Pacific region.
Each store is an independently owned and operated franchise. The stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many have belonged to the franchise for more than 10 years and still use the original IT systems deployed at that time.
The chain’s CEO has expressed concern about inefficiencies in the current systems and identified a need for change. He has defined a new strategic vision to enhance the business by giving franchisees new services that help them compete with other retail outlets and online retailers. This strategy is part of a long-term commitment to improve the brand image and increase revenue for the chain. He has also stated that improved financial results are expected by the end of the current fiscal year.
The changes will provide the chain with improved products and more efficient operations. Stores will also serve as delivery and return locations for a large online retailer, further increasing the potential customer base. Adding a corporate-wide data warehouse will provide analytics that enable the marketing group to better target advertising and new products to specific regions.
The chain has a mature Enterprise Architecture practice at its headquarters and uses the TOGAF standard as its method and guiding framework. The CIO sponsors the activity.
The Chief Architect engaged a leading consulting firm specializing in business strategy. An initial study was conducted to identify the strategic changes required to implement the CEO’s vision. It recently concluded with approval of a strategic architecture covering the entire chain, including detailed requirements and recommendations.
Based on the initial study’s recommendations, the chain has decided to adopt a packaged suite of integrated applications tailored to franchise needs.
The Chief Architect has asked you to propose the best approach for architecture development to realize the CEO’s vision.
Based on the TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, which of the following is the best answer?
- A You proposed that the target architecture is defined first, followed by transition planning. This is because the vision is well understood and the strategic architecture agreed. The target first approach will ensure that the current problems and inefficiencies of the baseline architecture are not carried forward, and the baseline architecture are not carried forward, and that the proposed solution addresses the requirements identified in the initial study.
- B You propose that his engagement define the baseline architecture first in order to assess the current infrastructure capcity and capability. The initial priority is to understand the problem. Then the focus should be on transition planning and architecture deployment. This will identify requirements to ensure that the prjects are sequenced in an optimal fashion so as to realize the vision.
- C You propose that the team focus on defining the target architecture by going through the architecture definition phases (B-D). This is because the initial study identified the need to change. This will ensure that the change can be defined in a structured manner and address the requirements needed to realize the vision.
- D You propose that the team focus on architecture definition with a specific emphasis on understanding the strategic change parameters of the business strategy. Once understood, the team will be in the best position to identify the requirements, drivers, issues, and constraints for this engagement. You would ensure that the target architecture addresses non-functional requirements so as to ensure the target architecture is robust and secure.
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