The Development of an Instrument for the Assessment of Performance in Enterprise Architecture Functions

Enterprise architecture (EA) is an inherent part of large organisations and is becoming more serious and explicitly outlined these last years. This research project aims at developing an assessment method for the enterprise architecture function. In contrast with existing assessments this research focuses not only on process efficiency but takes effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction into account. The models that support this theory along with the variables that influence the performance of the EA function were evaluated through the means of an online survey. Data analysis showed that architects make no difference between EA in theory and in practice. Efficiency is, as previous research also showed, the main driver for stakeholder satisfaction, however, effectiveness acts as a mediator.