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Understanding and improving Enterprise Architecture
Implementing and maturing Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a common challenge for organisations. They need structured ways to develop their EA capabilities effectively so that IT truly supports business goals. Maturity models are often used as guides for this development.
The website https://architectuurgroeimodel.nl introduces the Architecture Growth Model (AGM), also known as the DYA Maturity Matrix, developed by Sogeti. This model is presented as a pragmatic tool to help organisations assess and advance their EA practices. It is a key part of the Dynamic Architecture (DYA) framework, which promotes a goal-oriented and practical approach to architecture.
The Architecture Growth Model (AGM) in Practice
The main purpose of the architectuurgroeimodel.nl website is to support the practical use of the DYA Maturity Matrix (AGM). It is linked to Sogeti’s DYA framework, which focuses on making the architecture function effective within organisations. The website acts as a tool, allowing organisations to use this specific part of Sogeti’s methodology.
The website and the AGM are for organisations wanting to evaluate and improve their EA capabilities. This includes enterprise architects, IT managers, and other stakeholders. The goal is to help organisations assess their current practices, identify strengths and weaknesses, and plan step-by-step improvements.
The website offers key tools:
- Maturity Matrix Tool: Allows registered users to complete an assessment based on the AGM questions and get a maturity profile.
- DYAMM Viewer: Provides explanations for the matrix structure, questions, and capability levels, helping users understand the model’s logic.
- Bilingual Support: Available in Dutch and English for wider access.
- Result Sharing: Users can share assessment results with others.
These tools help organisations not just measure maturity but also understand how to improve effectively.
The Research Behind the AGM
The Architecture Growth Model is largely based on the PhD research of Dr. Marlies van Steenbergen at Utrecht University, conducted while she was also a consultant at Sogeti. Her research aimed to understand how organisations can achieve an effective EA practice – meaning one that contributes to business goals. This research used a Design Science approach, creating and evaluating practical tools like the architecture effectiveness model and the EA maturity model.
A key concept from this research is the “focus area maturity model.” Unlike traditional models with a few generic levels for the whole domain (like CMM), the focus area model identifies specific ‘focus areas’ within EA. Within each area, it defines ‘capabilities’ representing increasing maturity levels for that specific area.
This approach has advantages:
- Incremental Improvement: It’s good for gradual, step-by-step development. Organisations can focus on improving specific capabilities.
- Granularity and Flexibility: It provides a more detailed view of maturity, allowing for smaller, more manageable improvement steps.
- Balanced Development: The structure helps ensure organisations develop capabilities across different areas in a logical, balanced way.
The research also found that EA practices contribute to business goals through intermediate results, like better compliance with standards or improved insight among decision-makers. This understanding shaped the AGM to focus on practices that lead to these outcomes. The model was refined and validated through empirical data, including case studies and analysis of assessment data from many organisations.
Connecting Research and Practice
The AGM on the architectuurgroeimodel.nl website is a direct implementation of the focus area maturity model developed in the research. The website’s tools reflect the research principles:
- The Focus Area Structure is central to the assessment tool.
- The model guides an Incremental Improvement Path, based on the research’s emphasis on step-by-step development.
- The justifications in the viewer page draw from the research’s rationale for the model’s structure and how capabilities link to effectiveness.
The website’s goal of supporting an effective architecture function aligns perfectly with the research’s focus on EA contributing to business goals. While the tool measures maturity, its ultimate aim, rooted in the research, is to help organisations achieve genuine business value through EA.
The empirical validation from the research phase means the AGM is not just theoretical. It has been tested and refined based on real-world experience, making it a more reliable guide for organisations.
Conclusion
The architectuurgroeimodel.nl website provides access to the Architecture Growth Model (AGM), an instrument that translates rigorous academic research into a practical tool. The AGM is directly based on Dr. Marlies van Steenbergen’s research, conducted within Sogeti’s DYA programme.
Its strength lies in being a “focus area maturity model,” designed to guide the incremental, balanced, and effectiveness-oriented development of EA capabilities. The research shows that maturity is a means to achieve greater EA effectiveness and business contribution.
The website effectively brings this research to life with interactive tools and explanations. Organisations using the AGM benefit from a model with a strong theoretical foundation focused on improvement and effectiveness, validated by real-world application. It offers a structured, research-informed way to develop a mature and effective Enterprise Architecture practice.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221581365_The_Design_of_Focus_Area_Maturity_Models