Enterprise architecture knowledge for top management / Nik Hazliana Nik Abdullah Hafaz

Enterprise Architecture or EA continues to gain global recognition as the management tool that would improve organization efficiency and productivity and streamline operations. Realizing these benefits depend on extensive assimilation of the tool in the organization. Literature however found that lack of EA knowledge hinders the utilization of EA. It is posited that top management participation has a strong influence on the success of IS innovation assimilation in an organization. Therefore, this research sets out to gauge EA knowledge required for top management to support EA usage. Based on a qualitative research methodology using a single case study approach, this research investigates on the top management roles and EA roles in an organization. The research then identifies the relevant roles and synthesizes the roles to determine the EA knowledge required for top management. A conceptual model of enterprise architecture knowledge is proposed that describes the relationships between the roles of top management and EA knowledge. The data analysis revealed two sets of EA knowledge for top management; business knowledge and technology knowledge. Findings from this research provide academicians and practitioners with knowledge of how to improve EA usage and a structured roadmap for understanding EA in order to achieve high business value.