Architectural Modeling of Organizations

Course Description

Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise modeling. IST 424 Architectural Modeling of Organizations (3) Enterprise Architecture is the overall framework and set of strategic objectives for the usage of technology over time across an organization. Enterprise Architecture can also be described as the top-down, strategy-driven, integrating framework that brings together and manages the organization model, applications and technology. Its primary goal is to facilitate improvement and deliver organization-aligned information systems. Effective modeling is crucial for successful EA. This course provides an exposure to the foundational concepts and practices of effective enterprise modeling for EA. Students will acquire knowledge about the key foundational knowledge in modeling different layers of the enterprise, learn what decisions need to be made and how to make them, and be able to explain and justify their models and recommendations. This course explores the use and effectiveness of architectural modeling to describe an organization and to integrate and manage IT resources strategically from an enterprise perspective. Hands-on exercises and cases studies are used to illustrate the role and effect of enterprise architecture concepts and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on understanding different architectural approaches, standards, and styles. Students will use enterprise architectural tools to develop descriptive models and understand how to integrate and manage IT within and between organizations. For each general topic area, core readings are used to define standard vocabulary, concepts and relations, methods and criteria for evaluation, and implications for enterprise architecture. Students participate in class discussions as well as complete written assignments that focus on solidifying the understanding of the course content. Students also complete a team modeling project that is motivated by, and whose outcomes are discussed with respect to, one or more theoretical frameworks covered in the course.