Process Step 1: Determine Participants and Launch Project (3YQF)
Step Description and Purpose (3YQG)
A key input to this step is a prioritized segment selected for architecture development. The methodology begins with the Determine Participants and Launch Project process step which includes activities to identify the overall governance framework for the segment architecture development, educate the business owner(s) on the process and time commitment for developing the segment architecture, select the executive sponsor, formulate a specific purpose for the segment architecture being developed, and form the core team to guide the segment architecture development. (3Z8U)
Typically, the business owner is the highest-level decision maker within an organization for the segment under development. Since segment architecture may result in recommended policy or even regulatory changes to optimize business processes, it is important that the business owner has the political and organizational influence to champion and drive needed changes to effect performance improvements. (3Z8V)
In some cases, segments span several organizations (e.g., cross-agency initiatives) and each organization may have an affected business owner and other related governance bodies. This step outlines guidance for establishing a cross-agency governance framework for creating and sustaining the segment architecture. This step also includes guidance on bringing key business owners together to achieve a common purpose, educating them on the process of segment architecture development and identifying and appointing a senior executive as executive sponsor for the project. (3Z8W)
Also within this step is the formation of a core team. This core team is a working level body of individuals, typically at the program manager level within the segment. The core team is an important group, as these subject matter experts will guide the development of the segment architecture. The core team might also include key stakeholders and IT personnel, from security for instance. At the conclusion of this step, the charter will be approved to develop the segment architecture in the context of the purpose statement crafted by the business owner(s). It is important that the business owner(s) formulate a purpose for the architecture being created so the core team and the chosen executive sponsor have a clear understanding of what is expected in terms of high-level performance improvements. In addition to selecting an executive sponsor and forming a purpose statement, the Determine Participants and Launch Project step also has activities to secure the right people to participate in the segment architecture development process. During this step, the executive sponsor solicits key personnel from each affected organization to form the core team that will remain as a standing body throughout the segment architecture development process. The formation of the core team includes the development of the core team charter that bonds the team members into active and constructive participation throughout the architecture development process. (3Z8X)
Lastly, the Determine Participants and Launch Project step is intended to start the segment architecture development off on a solid project management foundation. This step includes guidance for developing the project plan and communications strategy; both will be used throughout the segment architecture development process. (3Z8Y)
Note that suggested analytical techniques are included for activities within the methodology to better define what is core for a complete segment architecture in the form of descriptive (not prescriptive) guidance on how to accomplish the analysis. The suggested analytical techniques provide guidance as to what outputs are core for defining a complete segment architecture. (3Z8Z)
Step Outcome (3YQM)
The outcome of this step is to establish the segment governance framework, validate the business owner(s), formally appoint an executive sponsor and a core team, establish the purpose statement to guide the architecture development, and to establish a good project management foundation with a project plan and communications strategy. Note: In the case of a mission-critical segment, that only affects one organization, the business owner and executive sponsor will likely be the same individual. (3Z90)
Step At-A-Glance (3YRY)
Step References (3ZIQ)
None (3ZIR)