Why TOGAF Isn’t Enough: A Case Study In Real Enterprise Architecture
This exploratory Enterprise Architecture case study examines how a large organisation used TOGAF as a starting point but ultimately created a customised enterprise architecture model. It explains what parts of the framework were kept, what was discarded, and how the organisation built an EA practice that delivered real value—offering actionable lessons.
Enterprise architecture (EA) has long been positioned as a strategic enabler—its promise: clarity amid complexity, alignment between business and IT, and a coherent roadmap for digital transformation. TOGAF, the most cited and adopted EA framework globally, purports to offer the blueprint for achieving these outcomes. However, what happens when a framework designed for universality confronts the messy particularities of a real organisation? This question was examined through a rigorous exploratory case study of a large, technology-forward institution operating in a highly diversified environment.
The organisation adopted TOGAF as its official EA foundation with widespread certification among architecture staff and executive-level endorsement. However, there was a significant divergence between theory and execution, leading to the systematic discarding of key elements of TOGAF. Architects found TOGAF’s structured processes impractical and instead embraced an adaptive, stakeholder-centred approach that prioritised outcomes.
Faced with the limitations of TOGAF, the organisation reimagined its enterprise architecture practice, creating tailored documentation and structures that reflected operational realities rather than adhering to a prescribed model. This case encapsulates the broader reality many CIOs and architecture leaders face: formal frameworks can often fail to yield real-world results.
Key Points
- The case study details the attempt to implement TOGAF as an EA framework in a large organisation.
- It highlights the disparity between TOGAF’s methodology and the practices ultimately adopted.
- The organisation developed a more flexible EA practice that suited its unique needs and operational constraints.
- The study critiques the complexity of TOGAF, which often hinders effective utilisation in real scenarios.
- It illustrates the importance of adaptability and contextual intelligence in successful enterprise architecture.
Why should I read this?
This article offers valuable insights for CIOs and IT leaders navigating the complexities of enterprise architecture. It provides a compelling case study that challenges the application of rigid frameworks like TOGAF in favour of more adaptable, outcome-focused practices. By showcasing how one organisation successfully redefined its EA approach, this article can guide leaders in developing frameworks that are operationally viable and aligned with real-world business goals.