Managing the Implementation of an Enterprise-Wide Information Architecture

Abstract

In 1994, a team of faculty and staff at the University of Pittsburgh completed the design of an enterprise-wide information architecture and framework for engaging the University in business process reengineering. The architecture provides the blueprint for developing an integrated set of information services, processes, and technologies. It enables significant efficiencies in business and service processes, and facilitates informed decisions concerning information technology expenditures and acquisitions. Implementation of the architecture adapts principles taken from the Oregon Experiment, to grow the envisioned information system from the ground up. The architecture evolves as user-proposed projects are developed in adherence to the information processing patterns articulated in the architecture.This paper explains a unique approach to guiding and managing implementation of a pattern-based enterprise-wide architecture at a large institution, reviews the organizational structures created to support the architecture, and summarizes the status of projects being implemented under the guidelines of the University Information System Architecture.