The role of Enterprise Architecture and IT governance in cross-organizational value networks

Abstract

Organizations are increasingly engaging in cross-sector collaborations, which enhance strategic perspectives and resource availability. These collaborations necessitate effective management through Enterprise Architecture (EA) and IT governance to handle the diverse requirements and complexities. The variability in requirements across sectors impacts the use, value creation, and alignment of artifacts in both practices. However, it remains unclear which specific EA and IT governance artifacts add value and ensure alignment in a cross-organizational value network. This research aims to bridge this knowledge gap by offering guidance on the effective utilization and alignment of EA and IT governance for organizations involved in cross-organizational value networks.

The study employed a combination of research methods, starting with a literature review, followed by a qualitative case study supported by document analysis. The data was analyzed using a pattern-matching approach.

Findings from the qualitative case study highlight that in a cross-organizational value network, artifacts are primarily used to align with strategy, maintain an overview, and ensure control and organization. The Business Capability Map emerged as a critical artifact, integrating layers from EA and IT governance practices and serving as a comprehensive tool. Initially, artifacts are used during the design and preparation phases; however, due to rapidly changing business requirements and enterprise solutions, they are also utilized during the implementation and maintenance phases.

This study offers an empirical perspective on the role of artifacts in aligning EA and IT governance within a cross-organizational value network, thus contributing valuable insights to the EA and IT governance disciplines.

Date of Award	5 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Maurice Pattij (Supervisor) & Rogier van de Wetering (Co-assessor)