An Enterprise Modeling Methodologist

After working for a while at an organization someone asked, what is it that I do? And I had no answer. After some research, Eureka! "Enterprise architecture methodologist'

The complexity of EA necessitates that a trained method engineer in Enterprise architecture modeling and methodology techniques, instruct the EA practice to managers and architects, and in situations conduct the EA it self, through iterative interviews. Using a methodologist such as me, provides an experienced knowledge base from which ideas and suggestions on overall improvements can be obtained.

Promoting enterprise architecture: A change management approach

EA requires high buy-in due to many inhibitors. The EA manager has a highly important task to promote and sell this initiative to the organization. An important aspect for this task is “Change Management (People)” is very important to handle the high buy-in required by Enterprise Architecture modeling initiative. Kotter’s "Winning at Change" Leader to Leader, proposes a 8 step strategy which can be adopted to successfully handling change. Its relevance to EA is evident.

· Establish a Sense of Urgency

1. Examine current realities and position of the Enterprise Modeling initiative, using the performance measurement system created.

2. Identify and discuss inhibitors, potential inhibitors, or major opportunities for Enterprise Architecture

· Form a Powerful Guiding Coalition

1. Assemble a steering group with enough power to lead the change effort.

· Create a Vision

1. Create a vision to help direct the change effort

2. Develop strategies for achieving that

· Communicate the Vision

1. Use every vehicle possible to communicate the new vision and strategies.

2. Empower Others to Act on the Vision

3. Handle obstacles and inhibitors to the change

4. Encourage employees to accept the change

· Plan for and Create Short-Term Wins

1. Plan and target for visible and incremental short term performance improvements.

2. Recognize and reward for such improvements

· Consolidate Improvements and Produce Still More Change

1. Reinvigorate the process with new initiative by increasing scope of the modeling initiative.

· Institutionalize the change

1. Change needs to become institutionalized and has been widely accepted as part of the organizational culture, if not it can be subject to degradation. Hence efforts are required to anchor the change into the organizational culture.