Informatica

Causal Modelling in Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

Volume 32, Issue 2 (2021), pp. 247–281

Saulius Gudas

https://doi.org/10.15388/21-INFOR446

Pub. online: 2 April 2021 Type: Research Article

Open Access

Received
1 May 2020

Accepted
1 March 2021

Published
2 April 2021

Abstract

The paper deals with the causality perspective of the Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks. The analysis showed that there is a gap between the capabilities of EA frameworks and the behavioural characteristics of the real world domain (enterprise management activities). The contribution of research is bridging the gap between enterprise domain knowledge and EA framework content by the integration of meta-models as part of EA structures. Meta-models that cover not only simple process flows, but also business behaviour, i.e. causality of the domain, have been developed. Meta-models enable to create a layer of knowledge in the EA framework, which ensures smart EA development, allows validation of developer decisions. Two levels of the enterprise causal modelling were obtained. The first level uses the Management Transaction (MT) framework. At the second level, deep knowledge was revealed using a framework called the Elementary Management Cycle (EMC). These two causal frameworks were applied here to justify the causal meta-models of the EA. The new concepts Collapsed Capability, Capability Type and Capability Role which meaningfully complement MODAF with causal knowledge are introduced. Strategic Viewpoint (StV) modelling using causal meta-models is described in detail and illustrated in the case study. The example provided shows a principled way that causal knowledge supports the verification and validation of EA solutions. The presented method provides an opportunity to move the EA development to smart platforms.

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Biographies

Gudas Saulius

saulius.gudas@mif.vu.lt

S. Gudas is a professor at Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Vilnius University, and the head of Cyber-social Systems Engineering Group at the Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies, Vilnius University. From 2005 to 2012 he was a professor at the Department of Information Systems of Kaunas University of Technology. From 2008 to 2013 he was the dean of Kaunas Faculty of Humanities of Vilnius University. His current research focuses on the causal knowledge-based software engineering. His contribution is the monograph “Foundations of the Information Systems Engineering Theory” (2012). The causal model of the enterprise domain defines the hierarchy of management transactions in the abstract space (aggregation, generalization, time), includes a systematic classification of hierarchical interactions of processes (a taxonomy of coordination). Based on causal knowledge a normalized software development life cycle is defined. In addition to the monograph, his scientific and methodological publications include 4 chapters in online books, over 180 scientific publications, 2 textbooks and 10 methodological guides for students.

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Keywords

Enterprise Architecture framework causality causal modelling Management Transaction capability MODAF causal meta-model

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