INMR85-Business Architecture

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Vaughan Michell
Email: v.a.michell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The digital business architecture module develops an architecture model from strategy through service and process design to the linkage with appropriate digital information system applications and the related hardware infrastructure.  The teaching includes lectures and multiple case studies to enable hands on experience of using the techniques to support the development of skills to understand how such a model can be developed for any business and how digital solutions can be planned, designed and evaluated at a strategic architectural organisational level. 

Aims:

Business architecture teaches students the basic knowledge and techniques for the design and modelling of a digital enterprise architecture. The module addresses the design, planning, implementation and governance of enterprise architecture to support business strategy and exploit digital solutions. The vehicle for this is an EA framework. Typically, the IAF framework is used, but other EA frameworks may be substituted to keep up with business progress and innovations in the subject. The module will teach the structure and principles of EA frameworks as well as general EA principles applicable to the domain and digital technology solutions.

This will enable students to model a business across four domain areas: business, application, data and technology in the digital world. The module involves frequent workshops and practical case assessments based on business examples where students tackle problems and use and develop their knowledge of enterprise architecture techniques and methods. During the workshops students are encouraged to develop their digital architecture models using architectural modelling standards. Where possible students are required to present their work in architectural teams to develop and demonstrate both the knowledge of, and ability to apply enterprise architecture techniques. Being able to respond well to time and complexity pressure is a fundamental ability taught by the module. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On the completion of the course, the students will be able to: 

• Understand the content, structure and the formation of business architecture; 


• Understand the role of business strategy in business architecture; 


• Understand and develop an architecture model and solution based on enterprise architecture principles; 


• Understand the key positioning of technology architecture in the whole spectrum of business activities from strategy to delivery and operation; 


• Define and build business transformation roadmaps and how to relate to the Information System and technical Infrastructure areas. 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The course covers the following areas: 

• Business architecture: digital technology and digital business capabilities, governance structure, business processes and business information. 


• Integrated views of a business: Strategy, Digital Technology Capabilities, Processes, Organisational and Knowledge. 


• The IAF or similar Architecture Framework: design, planning, implementation and governance of a digital information architecture. 


• Context of Architecture: Integrated Architecture Framework; Contextual input, Case studies. 


• Content of the Digital Architecture: Engagement Roadmap; Business and information conceptual models; Business and information logical models; Business and information physical models; Security & Governance 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed, but will focus largely on lectures, in-class practical case studies, group work and independent supported learning.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessed course work involves a separate 5000-word individual coursework report based on given essay questions and or a case study. (100%)  due in Spring term, week 3 (full time) and Spring term, week 7 (part time). 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be required to produce a number of presentations and work as a member of a team where possible. Their performance will be assessed relative to up to six or more factors that mark their architecture and consulting abilities, including teamwork and ability to assimilate and apply the architecture knowledge. The marks will be given for advice, but will not be formally assessed. 

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% to pass the assessment. Pass criteria - To pass this module, the students must demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the principles of business architecture and demonstrate a satisfactory ability to apply them.

Distinction criteria - To achieve distinction the students must exhibit their original thoughts and critical-analysis ability and an excellent understanding and ability to apply the methods in the module to the set problem.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by re-submission of coursework adjusted if necessary as required by the module convenor and to suit health and other circumstances.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 13 May 2021