Enterprise Architecture Fundamentals

Synopsis | Topics

Learn How to:

• Describe the context and content of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) within the federal government
• Leverage the FEA to identify opportunities for mission/business area alignment, modernization and transformation
• Explain Enterprise Architecture (EA) as a management tool integral to the processes of strategic planning, CPIC, performance improvement and governance
• Explain the role of governance in the successful transformation of EA concepts into measurable results
• Describe how EA assessment frameworks can be used to assess EA maturity levels in support of business transformation and performance improvement
• Identify EA implementation challenges and strategies for addressing them

Synopsis

True business transformation requires leaders and team members to fully understand Enterprise Architecture (EA) in relation to strategic planning and results. Coordination of common business practices and processes improves efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This course will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of EA in the federal government. A solid understanding of EA concepts is critical and can give you an advantage, whether you are a project manager, project team member, business analyst, program manager or work with EA artifacts.

You’ll get a hands-on overview of the EA process and the content and context of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA). You will learn the language and tools associated with EA as it applies to strategic planning, Capitol Planning and Investment Control (CPIC), performance improvement and governance. You’ll also learn about evaluating EA maturity and developing strategies for dealing with EA implementation challenges.

The course emphasizes leveraging EA to identify opportunities for mission/business alignment, modernization and transformation. You’ll benefit from relevant discussions with your peers and an experienced EA instructor. This approach allows you to practice new skills and ask questions as you assimilate a broad array of practical experience that can immediately be applied when you return to the workplace.

Topics

1. Key Concepts in Enterprise Architecture
1. Definitions
2. Origins of EA
3. EA goals
4. EA in the federal government – laws, policies, directives
5. The Federal Enterprise Architecture Program
6. The Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework
7. The enterprise architecture life cycle
2. Integrating Enterprise Architecture
1. Using EA to transform government
2. OMB EA Guidance
3. Performance improvement (architect, invest, implement)
4. Transition strategy
5. EA and strategic planning
6. EA and CPIC
3. Enterprise Architecture Initiatives and Resources
1. Federal Enterprise Architecture Consolidated Reference Model
2. Performance Reference Model
3. Business Reference Model
4. Service Component Reference Model
5. Technical Reference Model
6. Data Reference Model
7. FEA Profiles
8. Security and privacy
9. Records management
10. Geospatial
11. Lines of business
12. Segment architecture
13. Service oriented architecture
14. CORE.gov
15. Federal Transition Framework
4. Evaluating Enterprise Architecture Effectiveness
1. Assessing EA maturity
2. OMB EA Assessment Framework (completion, use, results)
3. GAO EA Management Maturity Framework
4. Governance models and challenges
5. Agency EA policy, management structure and control
6. EA roles and responsibilities
7. The Investment Review Board
5. Enterprise Architecture Challenges and Strategies for Success
1. GAO reports
2. EA implementation challenges
3. Achieving success
4. EA best practices (government, national, international)