TL;DR
Governance is the system by which the current and future state are directed and controlled. Architecture Governance applies this idea to enterprise architecture so that architecture development and implementation change move toward the target architecture.
Governance in general
Governance is a system by which the current and future state are directed and controlled.
The two key words are:
- directed
- controlled
Governance is a committed and hierarchical decision-making process.
It uses defined relationships, structures, measurements, and metrics to direct and control the enterprise so it can achieve its goals.
Good governance supports:
- equality of concern
- transparency
- protection of business rights and interests
- disciplined decision-making
- measurable behavior
When applying a governance approach, clarify:
- why governance is needed
- what must be governed
- when governance happens
- how governance is performed
Corporate governance
Corporate governance is the system by which business corporations are directed and controlled.
It ensures that the business is conducted properly.
It focuses on:
- rights of shareholders
- roles of shareholders
- equitable treatment of shareholders
- board responsibilities
- disclosure and transparency
- strategic guidance
- monitoring management
- board accountability
In many corporations, boards review and guide corporate strategy and monitor achievement of performance objectives.
Examples include supervisory boards and executive boards.
Architecture governance
Enterprise Architecture Governance, also called Architecture Governance, directs and controls enterprise architecture at an enterprise-wide level.
Architecture Governance is part of corporate governance.
It may include:
- business architecture governance
- domain architecture governance
- implementation governance
Governance structures can exist in tiers.
Each tier has its own processes and disciplines.
Architecture Governance may also exist at multiple geographic levels, such as:
- global
- regional
- local
Why architecture must be governed
Governance directs and controls change.
Creating, developing, maintaining, and realizing an enterprise architecture all involve change.
Because ADM is a method for creating, developing, and maintaining enterprise architecture, ADM itself must be governed.
Without governance, implementation projects may change the architecture in a direction that does not lead to the target architecture.
Architecture Governance helps ensure that the enterprise actually moves toward the target architecture.
What is governed
Architecture Governance covers two broad areas.
First, it governs the development of the target architecture.
Second, it governs the implementation and change activity needed to reach the target architecture.
In simple terms:
| Area | Governance focus |
|---|---|
| Architecture development | making sure the target architecture is developed properly |
| Architecture implementation and change | making sure projects and changes conform to the target architecture |
How governance is performed
Stakeholders direct and control the enterprise architecture team and implementation teams.
Enterprise architects use governance mechanisms such as:
- Statement of Architecture Work
- Architecture Requirements Specification
- architecture checklists
- Architecture Contracts
- compliance reviews and assessments
The Statement of Architecture Work helps govern development of the target architecture.
Checklists help verify whether the architecture team has worked properly and whether the developed architecture meets target architecture specifications.
Architecture Contracts and Architecture Requirements Specifications help govern implementation and architecture change.
Governance information
TOGAF places architecture governance artifacts and processes in the Architecture Repository.
Governance information can be grouped into three types.
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference data | governance procedures, guidance, and implementation instructions |
| Process status | status of governance processes, such as outstanding compliance requests, dispensation requests, and compliance assessments |
| Audit information | completed governance actions, key decisions, responsible parties, process developments, and guidance |
Value of architecture governance
Architecture Governance creates several benefits.
Discipline
There is a commitment to follow procedures, processes, and authority structures.
Responsibility
Each contracted party is required to act responsibly.
Accountability
Groups are authorized and accountable for their actions.
Fairness
Decisions, processes, and implementations should not create unfair advantage for any party.
Transparency
Decisions and supporting actions are available for inspection.
Independence
Processes, decision-making, and mechanisms are established to reduce conflicts of interest.
Exam note
- Governance directs and controls the current and future state.
- Corporate governance directs and controls the corporation.
- Architecture Governance directs and controls enterprise architecture.
- Architecture Governance is part of corporate governance.
- Architecture Governance can exist in tiers and at global, regional, or local levels.
- ADM must be governed because ADM creates and changes enterprise architecture.
- Governance covers both target architecture development and implementation change.
- Governance mechanisms include Statement of Architecture Work, Architecture Requirements Specification, Architecture Contracts, checklists, and compliance reviews.
- Governance information is stored in the Architecture Repository.
- Key governance benefits include discipline, responsibility, accountability, fairness, transparency, and independence.