Intentional Modeling for Problem Solving in Enterprise Architecture

Abstract

Taking and executing correct decisions is critical in enterprise systems which are characterized by rapid changes along interconnected dimensions. Enterprise architecture (EA) frameworks offer holistic treatment of enterprise systems but constitute only one part of the solution to problems arising due to organizational changes. The other, less explored part is the ability to explicate and analyze the intentions behind major decisions. We investigate a step-by-step approach where intentional modeling is treated as a problem solving technique. In our approach, an intentional model devoid of goals is obtained from the existing EA model via mapping. It is expanded by representing the problems due to organizational changes as goals and soft goals and alternative solutions to them. The final intentional model is transformed back to an actionable EA model via the same mapping. In the case study, we re-imagine the evolution of our model-driven software development unit as an enterprise where two stages in its evolution are treated as as-is and to-be states and the journey is captured in terms of intentional models. Initial explorations suggest that the mapping enables a clear path from as-is to to-be states of an EA model while preserving the reasoning behind every alternative chosen.

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