How are Enterprise Architecture Design Principles Used?

Abstract

Most agree that enterprise architecture (EA) artifacts include not only representation models, but also design principles [35]. While EA modeling and EA models are covered broadly in the EA state-of-the-art, design activity issues and design principles in particular are still neglected. While there has been some work on EA principles recently, their use has not been systematically surveyed so far. This is surprising because EA principles play an important role in practice. Based on a review of the state-of-the-art of EA principle understanding, we summarize findings from a survey among 70 participants from Swiss and German companies. While EA principles are widely defined, well documented, based on IT strategy and generally perceived as useful, deficiencies are apparent regarding stakeholder involvement, business architecture principles (definition as well as usage), regular principle reviews, and business alignment.