Enterprise Architecture Evaluation Using Utility Theory

Abstract

With the increase in the number of quality attributes (e.g. cost, availability, reusability), that are being considered in the process of enterprise architecture analysis, the decision maker needs a systematic way to balance these attributes against each other to obtain the best possible architecture. Utility theory addresses this need by providing methods for numerical representation of preferences of a stakeholder involved in a decision-making process. In this paper utility theory key concepts are explained with examples. The process of calculating the utility metric, which reflects stake holder's set of preferences to select the most preferred architecture scenario is explained. The paper provides an explanation of how utility theory can be applied in enterprise architecture models which are meta-object facility compliant. This paper concludes by an example comparing two quality attributes on two architecture scenarios using utility theory and calculating the decision maker's overall utility metric across both quality attributes is provided. This shows the applicability of utility theory on architecture scenario analysis with multiple quality attributes.