Description
Enterprise Architecture Framework Research Paper Assignment
Purpose of this Assignment
This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your research skills, analysis, and critical thinking skills to describe one of the enterprise architecture (EA) frameworks. This will provide you an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of one of the frameworks commonly used. This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes:
- describe enterprise architecture (EA), the appropriate application of EA frameworks, and an overall ongoing EA program
- analyze and examine how enterprise architecture and enterprise systems influence, support, and enable an organization's ability to contribute to strategic decision making and to respond and adapt to the business environment
Assignment
Select one of the enterprise architecture frameworks listed below:
- Zachman Framework
- The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
- Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF)
- DoD Architecture Framework (DODAF)
- Treasury Enterprise Architecture Framework (TEAF)
Research and write a paper that describesthe chosen framework. Your description will include:
- Beginning paragraph to introduce the selected framework
- Framework’s purpose, scope, principles, and the kinds of structures it uses, as appropriate to the framework. Ensure that you adequately cover these four attributes.
- Provide a Graphic or image that shows the structure of the model you have chosen. This provides a good visual of what you are explaining and provides additional context.
- Provide analysis of the framework’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Find more thantwo examplesof organizationsthat have used the framework and briefly discuss them. (NOTE: More than two examples are required to receive all possible points; see Grading Rubric below.) Apply critical thinking, especially when describing the structure and its strengths and weaknesses.
- Concluding paragraph to wrap-up key points.
Your paper will be graded on both the accuracy and completeness of your description. Please be mindful of how you research and provide on-line sources. Refer to UMUC’s policy on plagiarism especially as it pertains to unauthorized student resources.
Your paper should be 3-5 pagesin length (not counting any cover sheet or reference pages). The use of at least three external scholarly resources(other than class materials) is required. (NOTE: More than three external resources are required to receive all possible points; see Grading Rubric below.) You should use scholarly journals(rather than Wikipedia and authorless website postings). If you need assistance with determining what a scholarly journal is, the UMUC library is a very good source of information, accessed via the following link: http://www.umuc.edu/library/libhow/articles.cfm. Remember to correctly cite and reference all sources using APA format.
Submit your paper in Word format via your Assignments Folder as an attached document with your last name included in the filename.
Grading Rubric
Use the rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects of this assignment.
Criteria | 90-100% Far Above Standards | 80-89% Above Standards | 70-79% Meets Standards | 60-69% Below Standards | < 60% Well Below Standards | Possible Points |
Introduction | 5 Points A sophisticated introduction sets the stage for the paper. | 4 Points A well-written introduction sets the stage for the paper. | 3.5 Points The introduction adequately sets the stage for the paper. | 3 Points The introduction does not adequately set the stage for the paper. | 0-2 Points No introduction included. | 5 |
Description of Framework -Quality | 18-20 Points Description of framework is clear and thorough and demonstrates sophisticated understanding of course concepts. | 16-17 Points Description of framework is clear and complete and demonstrates good understanding of course concepts. | 14-15 Points Description of framework includes the main points, and demonstrates adequate understanding of course concepts. | 12-13 Points Description of framework may be incomplete, and/or may not demonstrate adequate understanding of course concepts. | 0-11 Points Description of framework is not included or little is presented. | 20 |
Description of Framework -Coverage | 27-30 Points Sophisticated description covers purpose, scope, principles, types of structures used, as appropriate to the selected framework. | 24-26 Points Clear and complete description covers purpose, scope, principles, types of structures used, as appropriate to the selected framework. | 21-23 Points Description adequately covers purpose, scope, principles, and types of structures, as appropriate to the selected framework. | 18-20 Points Description may not adequately cover purpose, scope, principles, and/or types of structures, as appropriate to the selected framework. | 0-17 Points Little or no coverage of these areas is provided. | 30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses of Framework | 9-10 Points Strengths and Weaknesses identified are clear, compelling, and directly related to the framework, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of course concepts, analysis, critical thinking, and synthesis. | 8 Points Strengths and Weaknesses identified are clear, and are directly related to the framework, demonstrating a good understanding of course concepts, analysis, critical thinking, and synthesis. | 7 Points Description of strengths and weaknesses are related to the framework; demonstrate adequate understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. | 6 Points Description of strengths and weaknesses may not be clear, may not be directly related to the framework; and/or may not demonstrate adequate understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. | 0-5 Points Few or no strengths or weaknesses identified and explained. | 10 |
Examples of Use | 9-10 Points More than two examples of organizations that have used the framework are identified and clearly pertinent points are included in the discussion, using sophisticated writing. | 8 Points More than two examples of organizations that have used the framework are identified and pertinent points are included in the discussion, using clear writing. | 7 Points Two examples of organizations that have used the framework are identified and their use of the framework is adequately discussed. | 6 Points Two or fewer examples of organizations are identified and/or their use of the framework may not be adequately discussed. | 0-5 Points No examples of use of the framework are identified or minimal effort is demonstrated. | 10 |
External Research | 9-10 Points More than three scholarly sources other than the class resources are incorporated and used effectively, contextualized, appropriately researched and supported, and synthesized with original arguments. Sources used are credible, relevant, and timely. Proper APA style is used for citations and references. | 8 Points More than three scholarly sources other than the class resources are incorporated and used effectively, appropriately researched and supported, and support original arguments. Sources used are credible, relevant, and timely. Proper APA style is used for citations and references. | 7 Points Three scholarly sources other than the class resources are properly incorporated and used. Uses APA format for references and citations. | 6 Points Three or fewer sources other than the class resources may be used; may not be scholarly sources; may not be properly incorporated or used to support arguments; may rely too heavily on the reporting of external sources, and/or are not effective or appropriate; and/or are not credible, relevant, or timely. May not use APA format. | 0-5 Points No external research is incorporatedor reference listed is not cited within text. | 10 |
Conclusion | 5 Points Conclusion is convincing, effective and relevant. Demonstrates sophisticated analysis and critical thinking. | 4 Points Conclusion is effective and relevant. Demonstrates analysis and critical thinking. | 3.5 Points Conclusion is provided and is relevant. | 3 Points Conclusion is somewhat effective and/or relevant. | 0-2 Points No conclusion provided, or minimal effort demonstrated. | 5 |
Format | 9-10 Points Paper reflects effective organization and sophisticated writing; follows instructions provided; is written in third person; uses correct structure, grammar, and spelling; double- spaced and presented in a professional format using Word. | 8 Points Paper reflects effective organization; follows instructions provided; is written in third person; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; double-spaced, and presented in a professional format. | 7 Points Paper has some organization; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling. Is double spaced and written in third person. | 6 Points Paper is not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or is not double-spaced and written in third person. | 0-5 Points Paper is extremely poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey the information. | 10 |
TOTAL Points Possible | 100 |
Explanation & Answer
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