Developing an Enterprise Architecture Foundation – Case Study of a Global Manufacturing Company
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Perustieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
Ask about the availability of the thesis by sending email to the Aalto University Learning Centre oppimiskeskus@aalto.fi
Authors
Date
2015-12-14
Department
Major/Subject
Service Design & Engineering
Mcode
IL3005
Degree programme
Master's Programme in Service Design and Engineering (SDE)
Language
en
Pages
100 + 10
Series
Abstract
During the past two decades, organizations have rushed into information technology for the potential it offers. Over time, the complexity of these implementations increases and begins causing problems for the business. To deal with these problems organizations are looking at enterprise architecture (EA). This case study, at a global manufacturing company, explores how organizations can begin implementing enterprise architecture. We study the meaning, challenges, benefits and the process of enterprise architecture during the initiation stages. To do this we made use of qualitative methods, more specifically semi-structured interviews to collect the data and grounded theory for analysis. Enterprise architecture is a complex and developing practice which is made evident from the extensive and numerous definitions found in literature. Developing a common understanding is one of the main EA challenges that were identified during this study. Looking at the benefits that EA offers, we find that the creation of shared platforms and support for strategic acquisitions are the main benefits that the case organization stands to gain from EA. Finally, we analyze the case organization by defining their operating model and their stage on the EA maturity model. The generalizability of the findings in this thesis is limited to large organizations in the manufacturing industries. However, all organizations need to consider EA in their own context and aim to develop a common understanding thereof. By doing this, companies can identify how EA can support them but more importantly they are able to transform themselves through the continuous, learning process od EA.Description
Supervisor
Kauppinen, MarjoThesis advisor
Helenius, MikaKeywords
enterprise architecture, enterprise transformation, challenges, benefits