A good reading to share….

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“Business Architects design, obtain approval, translate and administer the implementation and ongoing improvement of the transformational business initiatives that enable organizations to convert strategy into commerce and prevail in the marketplace.”

“Strategists are primarily concerned with the direction of the organization, Business Architects with the design of its dynamic structure, and line managers with driving results.”

-- Paul Arthur Bodine

Business Architecture is an important new corporate activity. Organizations like Allstate, Wells Fargo, Pepsico, HSBC, W.W.Grainger, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Air Lines have taken the lead and are already piloting Business Architecture Groups. Business Architecture is performed by cross-organizational generalists who possess professional skills for transforming corporate strategy into business designs that enable corporations to increase market share, profit margins and flexibility, while reducing risk. Their unique skills include:

· Designing dynamic, flexible new models for businesses that enable them to adjust and thrive in constantly changing competitive environments.

· Preparing business cases that provide Executive Management with the information they need to make wise decisions.

· Incorporating the insights of customers, line employees and managers to ensure their unique needs are accommodated.

· Engaging subject matter experts throughout the organization in the solution process.

· Coordinating and sequencing solutions to remove conflicts.

· Defining metrics that provide the data necessary to make improved decisions in the future.

· Generating necessary documentation, packaging and translating it into terms each audience can understand and embrace.

Business Architecture skills are obtained through specialized training and real-world experience, magnified by a broad network of skilled professionals accessed through active participation in professional industry associations like the Business Architects Association®. In order to be effective, Business Architecture practitioners must enjoy open relationships with an organization‘s Executive Management, line managers, front line employees, subject matter experts and consultants, enabling them to get to and solve cross-organizational issues early and prevent them from becoming caught up in debates among functional departments.

Those performing Business Architecture activities provide direct support to Executive Management by making them aware of emerging issues and trends, providing training in new management methodologies, and researching opportunities and concerns as they arise. They also work to ensure all elements of the corporate strategy are implemented properly.

There is universal agreement on the value a Business Architecture program brings to an organization, the need to include experts from all areas of the organization and the importance of direct sponsorship from Executive Management. Failure to maintain an up-to-date business architecture can result in loss of agility and competitiveness, destabilization and business failure.

Business Architecture: An Emerging Profession by Paul Arthur Bodine and Jack Hilty, edition: April 28, 2009, published by: Business Architects Association Institute™