Using Reference Models in Enterprise Architecture: An Example

Abstract

This Chapter presents a way to use Reference Models in Enterprise Architecture (EA) by a) assessing and organising them into a Structured Repository using a generalised Architecture Framework (ISO15704:2000 Annex A) and b) providing guidance for the selection of Reference Models that are suitable for specific EA tasks. A brief introduction to EA and current issues in using Reference Models in this domain is followed by sample mappings of several Reference Models from the Company Networks and Virtual Enterprises area onto the chosen framework. This is followed by a brief description of the meta-methodology guiding the selection of the Reference Models and by an example of Reference Model selection for a real situation. The Chapter closes with reflections on improving Reference Models quality and conclusions on the usefulness of the framework and meta-methodology used to structure and select Reference Models for EA tasks.