View: Architecture Description Framework Context

Answers the question: What is the purpose of the Enterprise (SoS) Architecture Description Framework?

The system-of-interest for this Architecture Viewpoint Definition (AVPD) is the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS).

This context view uses a Use Case Diagram to highlight the concerns and needs of the stakeholders of the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS) The key stakeholders of the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS) represent the following domains:

  • Top Management.
  • Organizational design
  • Team Management.
  • Business Management.
  • Product Management
  • Systems thinking and systems engineering (ISO 42010, ISO 15288, ISO 15704)
  • Quality Management. (ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and others with the same pattern / design)
  • Programme and Project Management.
  • Finance Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Capability / Process Management.
  • Information Technology Management.
  • Business Change

The Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS) is a people intensive system that is derived from a Social System integrated with technology which is also known as a sociotechnical system (STS).

As a result of this type of system, stakeholders are both internal and external to the systems.

For the Enterprise (SoS) Architecture Viewpoint Definition, the following stakeholders have been identified.

Enterprise Stakeholders

Each of the stakeholders has a concern or interest in the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS). These interests are written as requirements using a user story style.

The Enterprise (SoS) Architecture Description Framework Context Model for the Enterprise Perspective is shown below:

Architecture Framework Context: Enterprise Perspective

The following establishes the context for the Capability Perspective:

Architecture Framework Context: Capability Perspective

The Architecture Description Framework Context View provides the key purpose and objectives for the Enterprise (SoS) Architecture Description Framework:

  • To provide a holistic view of the architecture of the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS)
  • To provide views that use the terminology of the various domains working within the Enterprise (SoS) Architecture Description Framework.
  • To use a consistent set of terminology across the whole Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS)
  • To identify a repeatable process (model kinds) for creating the views from the viewpoints
  • To provide a basis for architecture led transformation and change.
  • To establish links to customers and their needs from the start.

The specific concerns will be mapped to each of the identified viewpoints. The summary of the requirements is listed below:

  • Establish and agree the purpose of the enterprise.
  • Identify customer needs and expectations.
  • Provide a whole enterprise view of the enterprise.as a system of systems
  • Establish the organizational approach and allocation of ownership / contribution
  • Identify the core capabilities necessary to achieve the purpose
  • Identify the external standards that the enterprise must meet.
  • Identify the full set of technology needed for the enterprise and it's ownership.
  • Establish the supply / demand balance and capacity to meet customer needs.
  • Mechanisms to assess customer satisfaction
  • Establish enterprise continuity approaches.