by Iyata Adikpe, Aisha Garba and Fatima Ali
Dear Reader,
This research studies three broad Enterprise Architecture (EA) implementation models in enterprises as published by James Lapalme (2012) in the article: “Three Schools of Thought on Enterprise Architecture”. These schools of thought include:
- EA for IT Architecting;
- EA for Enterprise Integrating;
- EA for Ecosystem Adaptation.
This article expands upon these schools of thought by highlighting the merits and demerits of each. The study also x-rays the EA implementation model adopted in Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and its attendant opportunities and drawbacks.
The authors then propose a matrix to guide the selection of suitable EA implementation models based on certain identified organisational characteristics including the enterprise size, regulatory environment and business scope. This research is particularly useful as it builds upon existing knowledge in the EA discipline as well as drawing from the experiential knowledge of the authors, and the review of EA subject matter experts working in a large energy enterprise with multiple subsidiaries (i.e., the NNPC Limited).
This study is suitable for individuals/organisations who are looking to maximise the benefits of EA in their organisations or mitigate/remediate risks often encountered in the implementation of EA as an organisational practice. It is also useful for academic purposes.
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Iyata Adikpe
About the Authors
I have six combined years of experience in the Information Technology (IT) space, spanning the Financial Technology (FinTech) and IT for energy. I worked as an Enterprise Architect at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) between 2020 to 2023, responsible for developing Enterprise Architecture artefacts for business process optimisation. I am an IT Strategist at the NNPC Limited Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria (year 2023 till date).
I also actively support the advancement of knowledge through research and publication of articles. I have collaborated with academia to publish an article on operational research in the American Journal of Operational Research (doi:10.5923/j.ajor.20180801.01). My research interests include operations research, IT economics, enterprise architecture, information security, etc. I also have trainings/certifications that span Agile, Change Management, IT Governance, Data Analytics and Digital Transformation (details on LinkedIn).
My professional interests are advancing IT as a transformative agent for organizational efficiency. I enthuse the opportunity of having IT serve as a strategic business partner that maximises the quadruple bottom line of purpose, people, planet and profits. In addition, I have a soft spot for macroeconomics as it impacts the development of a State and the role of energy in influencing macroeconomic decisions.
Fatima Z. Ali
I have a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and have been working in Information Technology (IT) for over three years now. I was both an IT strategist and enterprise architect from 2020 to 2022 in an energy company, where I developed strategies, enterprise architecture artefacts, budgets, governance model, policies, and procedures among others to ensure that IT Investments drive operational efficiency and business objectives realization. Currently, I’m mainly an IT strategist, while serving as a change practitioner and business relationship manager as secondary roles.
I’m certified in COBIT, PROSCI Change Practitioner, APMG International’s Business Relationship Management Professional. I’ve also been trained on digital transformation, project management, cost engineering, oil and gas industry overview, data management and strategy, etc.
My professional and research interests are IT strategy and planning, digital transformation in energy sector, technology for women empowerment, and energy security for developing nations. Recently, I developed an interest in and am learning about data analytics. I’m open and happy to collaborate and share with those that have similar interests. I really like learning and believe that there is always something to learn from everyone.
I am a passionate young professional exploring diverse fields with academic backgrounds in Information Systems, Software Engineering (MSc.), and an MBA in Finance & Investments. With five years’ experience in Software Engineering and Management comprising Development, Documentation, Testing, and Quality Assurance, my new role as a Business Analyst has encouraged me to explore Data Analysis, Strategic Business Planning and Process Modeling amongst others, within the Business Analysis space.
I have obtained training in Software Management and Business Analysis, covering Data Analytics, BRMP, Agile Practice (PMI-ACP), Service Management (ITIL), and earned certifications in Microsoft Power Platforms, PROSCI Change Practitioner, COBIT 2019 Foundation, and ISTQB. My project experiences align closely with these domains.
I am committed to collaboration and have had the pleasure of working alongside esteemed colleagues, exchanging insights, and contributing to collective knowledge in both Software and EA. I strongly value open communication and effective collaboration. I believe these principles not only foster progress but also drive innovation in my daily tasks. Looking ahead, I am excited about exploring more fields in IT to enhance my expertise in strategic technology implementation. I aim to contribute to advanced solutions that optimize business processes and drive digital transformation, creating measurable value for organizations.
