Date of Award
3-17-2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Systems Engineering and Management
First Advisor
John M. Colombi, PhD
Abstract
This research uncovers areas of best practices that support achieving alignment between an organization’s Information Technology (IT) and its business processes. One principal finding of this effort revealed that the means used to achieve alignment exists within the effective application of Enterprise Architecture (EA), a common practice found throughout the Federal Government, Department of Defense, and the Air Force. EA is the tool used to achieve alignment; likewise, the reason for developing IT architecture is to achieve alignment of IT investments and mission objectives. This research groups the best practices into vision, identification, framework, and governance. Interestingly, these practices relate to an Enterprise Architecture’s depiction of the "to be" target state, the "as is" baseline, the tools and models used for communication, and the motivation and management of the "transition" plan. The insights achieved by this research should strengthen the use of Enterprise Architecture within the Air Force by enabling senior leaders and decision-makers to align strategy and IT investment towards improving mission accomplishment.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-GIR-ENV-09-M01
DTIC Accession Number
ADA500738
Recommended Citation
Fetters, Michael A., "Achieving Alignment: An Analysis of Enterprise Architecture Best Practices within the United States Air Force" (2009). Theses and Dissertations. 2601.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/2601