Exploring the Role of Enterprise Architecture in IS-enabled Ot: An EA Principles Perspective

Abstract

Although EA principles have received considerable attention in recent years, there is still little known about how EA principles can be used to govern the transformation of the Information Systems enabled organization. In this research-inprogress paper, we communicate our initial step towards answering the sub-question: how do enforcing EA principles contribute to IS-enabled OT? Based on a comprehensive literature review, we initially propose five testable hypotheses and a research model, which is a prerequisite to developing a datadriven theory for this important area of research. It is anticipated that the ensuing theory will provide a basis for further research studying the impact of EA on IS-enabled OT. The tested research model will also provide guidance to practitioners on how to effectively design and use EA principles in managing transformative changes caused by IS within their organizations and overall industry sectors.

The Uncertain Path to Enterprise Architecture (EA) Maturity in the South African Financial Services Sector

“…Research shows that EA is an instrument that can be used to reduce system complexity (Lankhorst, 2013;Lumor, Chew, & Gill, 2016); achieve business-IT alignment (Bricknall, Darrell, & Nilsson, 2006;Pereira & Sousa, 2005); improve system integration (Boh & Yellin, 2007;Venkatesh, Bala, Venkatraman, & Bates, 2007); enhance IT management and strategic competitiveness (Kappelman, 2010); and assist stakeholders to visualise design (Cardwell, 2008). These benefits illustrate the value and growing relevance of EA to organisations.…”

Are Architecture Principles Effective?

“…Recently, Lumor et al [76] introduced a third type of principle, namely architecture-management principles. These architecture-management principles reflect the view that EA is also a process.…”

“…These architecture-management principles reflect the view that EA is also a process. The idea behind this third type of principles is the fact that, in general, architecture and its principles might be a product, a process, a result, and so on [20], [34], [75], [76]. An architecture principle should also address the process view.…”