Generic Enterprise Architecture Framework Adoption Practices in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Recent studies have provided much information about enterprise architecture (EA) and reference architectural models in general but less concerning the adoption of enterprise architecture frameworks (EAFs) suitable to higher educational institutions (HEIs).
The purpose of this study is to explore EAF adoption in HEIs and identify the key requirements and empirical evidence for the successful adoption of EAFs. To answer the research questions, an exploratory holistic single-case study research approach is adopted. Data is collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders and by performing document and archival research put at our disposal by one specific HEI.
Findings based on the researcher’s own research conducted at their own case organization show that EAFs can be adopted to be suitable for successful usage in HEIs. Key requirements of a successful adoption are a centralized EA vision and decision authority, sufficient EA resources (mandate included), tailoring existing EA frameworks, avoiding over-standardization, an agile and lean implementation approach, management buy-in, unambiguous key performance indicators and tangible deliverables, stakeholder participation (business-driven), leveraging via outsourcing, and open organizational culture.
Identifying tangible quick wins by promoting participatory development at the board level and adopting an agile phased approach based on the cyclical TOGAF architecture development method practice are highlighted as practical implications.

Date of Award	12 Feb 2021
Original language	English
Supervisor	Rik Bos (Examiner) & Ella Roubtsova (Co-assessor)