Determining an effective current and future enterprise architecture in the federal government: A Delphi study.

摘要

The problem addressed in the study was the lack of knowledge about transitioning a current enterprise architecture (EA) to a future EA. Federal agencies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on technology projects that failed to comply with business requirements. The Government Accountability Office identified EA as a solution for controlling costs and merging business and technology requirements. Enterprise architecture defines the overall design structure of the business, the information, and the technical infrastructure that supports the business. Based in the theoretical perspective of Zachman and federal EA frameworks, the purpose of the study was to determine how federal agencies can use EA governance and measurement processes to develop an effective current and future EA. The specific research questions addressed understanding the processes that are effective for merging current and future EA business and technology requirements to bridge the knowledge gap that exists between strategy and implementation. The mixed-method Delphi research model employed a 3-phase iteration of surveys from 21 federal architectural and technical subject-matter experts. Sequential frequency mappings of Likert-type ratings were used to direct subsequent input and evolve a consensus model of the core elements critical to achieving an effective EA. The results described an effective EA framework as progressing across 4 stages of development and containing the thematic elements of governance, content, use, and maturity. Conclusions drawn from the research suggest that an effective EA will advance the delivery of government services. From the economy and the environment, to education, health care, and beyond, citizens who receive the services, and society as a whole, should experience social change and prosper from the improved quality of life.