What is Strategy Layer in ArchiMate?
The strategy Layer include elements for capability, resource, and course of action which are added to support modeling strategy, capability-based planning, and related domains. This supports the increased usage of Enterprise Architecture in supporting strategy execution, and is in line with approaches used in related standards, such as the TOGAF Framework and the Business Motivation Model.
The Figure shows below in an example using both motivation and strategy elements:
Note that:
- The outcome, course of action, capability, and resource are new elements introduced in the ArchiMate 3.0 Specification. Increase Profit is a goal that can be decomposed into a number of other goals: Decrease Costs and Increase Revenue.
- The former is related to the Operational Excellence strategy of the company, modeled as a course of action.
- This is decomposed into two other courses of action: Centralize IT Systems and Standardize Products.
- These result in two outcomes: Decreased Costs and Loss of Customers, which influence the goals in positive and negative ways.
- This shows an important difference between goals and outcomes: not all outcomes lead to the intended results.
- The courses of action are realized by a number of capabilities: IT Management & Operations and Product Management, and appropriate resources Human Resources and IT Resources are assigned to the former.
- The model fragment also shows that these resources are located in the Headquarters of the organization, in line with the Centralize IT Systems course of action.