Enterprise Architecture in a Cross-Organizational Value Network: Exploring the role and challenges of Cross-Organizational EA

Abstract

This research explores the role of enterprise architecture artifacts in achieving alignment between business and IT within a cross-organizational value network. The research identifies and examines various artifacts that contribute to this alignment and analyzes their impact on collaboration, decision making and overall value creation. The research takes a multidisciplinary approach, considering insights from business and IT perspectives.
The findings indicate that enterprise architecture artifacts play a crucial role in facilitating alignment by providing a comprehensive view of the organization, bridging communication gaps, supporting improvement opportunities, enabling standardization and facilitating effective change management. The artifacts serve as boundary objects, promotes collaboration, improves shared understanding and ensures that business and IT initiatives align with the shared strategic goals of the value network.
The research provides valuable insights for practitioners, decision makers and researchers seeking to improve the alignment between business and IT in cross-organizational value networks. The findings underscore the importance of using enterprise architecture artifacts to optimize operations, improve decision making and achieve successful alignment in today's interconnected and dynamic business environment.

Date of Award	13 Apr 2023
Original language	English
Supervisor	M. (Maurice) Pattij (Supervisor) & Rogier van de Wetering (Examiner)