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Foundations of Enterprise Architecture & Business Alignment

Packt via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Part of

Enterprise Architecture with .NET

Overview

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Enterprise architecture connects IT systems with business goals, ensuring technology supports organizational strategy. This course introduces foundational principles for aligning software, systems, and business processes effectively. You will explore industrial principles applied to software, methods for achieving business-IT alignment, and techniques to manage technical debt and system evolution. The course also covers SOLID principles, C4 modeling, service orientation, and API-driven design to build scalable and maintainable enterprise systems. What makes this course unique is its focus on combining theoretical frameworks with practical approaches, enabling learners to design IT systems that meet business objectives while adhering to sound architectural practices. This course is ideal for enterprise architects, software engineers, IT managers, and business analysts seeking to strengthen alignment between IT and business strategy. A basic understanding of software development and IT systems is recommended. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

The Sad State of Information Systems

This module explores the foundational components of information systems, investigates the root causes of software inefficiency, and contrasts craftsmanship with industrialized approaches in IT development. Learners will analyze real-world examples to understand the impact of poor planning and maintenance on system reliability and business outcomes.

Applying Industrial Principles to Software

This module introduces the application of industrial principles such as modularity and standardization to software development. Learners will discover strategies to manage complexity, improve system interoperability, and ensure scalable, maintainable software architectures. The module also explores the importance of defining clear interfaces and the role of standards in building effective modular systems.

Reaching Business Alignment

This module delves into the principles and challenges of aligning business objectives with IT systems, using frameworks like the CIGREF four-layer diagram. Learners will explore best practices, common pitfalls, and real-world examples to enhance system efficiency and business relevance. The module also examines the impact of digital transformation on organizational alignment.

Dealing with Time and Technical Debt

This module explores how time influences the evolution of information systems, focusing on the challenges of technical debt, system coupling, and the application of Agile principles. Learners will examine the causes and consequences of technical debt, compare architectural approaches, and discover practical strategies for sustainable system design. By the end, you'll be equipped to make informed decisions that balance immediate business needs with long-term system health.

A Utopic Perfect IT System

This module introduces the foundational components of an ideal IT system, focusing on Master Data Management (MDM), Business Rules Management Systems (BRMS), and Business Process Management (BPM). Learners will explore how these elements work together to ensure data consistency, adaptable rules, and efficient process orchestration. Practical examples and comparisons will help clarify the roles and implementations of each component.

SOLID Principles, from Code to Systems

This module guides learners in applying SOLID principles to the design of modular and scalable information systems. Through real-world scenarios and critical analysis, you will explore how to decompose system functions, define clear API contracts, and assess the practical impact of these principles on maintainability and business alignment.

C4 and Other Approaches

This module introduces the C4 model and alternative architectural approaches for structuring software systems. Learners will examine how to align business objectives with technical design at various abstraction levels, including context, container, component, and code. The module also explores hexagonal architecture and its practical application in building scalable, maintainable systems.

Service Orientation and APIs

This module delves into the evolution of software interoperability, focusing on service orientation and the development of REST APIs. Learners will explore how web standards and API management practices enable scalable, interoperable IT systems, and apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. The module also covers the importance of norms and standards in facilitating seamless data exchange between applications.