TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Architecture Board
No Chapter 4 definition — closest official wording
“A cross-organization Architecture Board to oversee the implementation of the strategy. This body should be representative of all the key stakeholders in the architecture, and will typically comprise a group of executives responsible for the review and maintenance of the overall architecture.”
It is the executive-level group responsible for the review and maintenance of the strategic architecture and all of its sub-architectures, and needs an executive sponsor from the highest level of the corporation (CG §4.3.1).
Source: CG §4.1 · CG §4.3.1 — Chapter 4 has no “Architecture Board” entry
Memory aid
4 or 5 around the table (never more than 10), rotating seats, staggered terms for continuity.
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
The small group of senior people who own the architecture decisions, enforce compliance and grant exceptions.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
DUK's Board: the CIO (chair), the Registrar, the Finance Controller, the Head of CDIPD and a faculty dean — five members, meeting monthly.
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
Architecture Board
SIZE
4 or 5 permanent members (no more than 10)
LEVELS
Local (domain) and Global (org-wide)
GRANTS
Dispensations; approves Architecture Principles
SIGNS OFF
Compliance reviews (with the Customer)
NEEDS
Executive sponsor from the highest level
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
The architecture team (does the development)
Source: CG §4.1–4.3, §6.4.3 · TECH §2.4
02What the Board is responsible for (CG §4.2)
| Perspective | Examples of responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Goals | Basis for all architecture decision-making; consistency between sub-architectures; targets for re-use; flexibility of the EA; enforcement of Architecture Compliance; improving architecture maturity |
| Operational | Monitoring and control of the Architecture Contract; meeting regularly; resolving escalated issues; ensuring compliance and granting dispensations; validating reported service levels and cost savings |
| Governance | Usable governance material; formal acceptance and approval of architecture; control mechanism for implementation; identifying divergence and planning realignment through dispensations or policy updates |
Source: CG §4.2
03Typical triggers for setting one up (CG §4.3.1)
Organizational eventsnew CIO · merger or acquisition · restructuring
Technology & alignmentmove to newer forms of computing · IT poorly aligned to business
Strategy & growthcompetitive advantage via technology · EA program · rapid growth · complex cross-functional solutions
Source: CG §4.3.1
04Where it appears in the ADM
Phase G · Compliance review step 11
Accept review and sign off — Architecture Board and Customer.
CG §6.4.3 · ADM §11.3.4
Phase H · Step 12.3.6
Manage Governance Process — hold an Architecture Board meeting to decide on handling changes (technology, business and dispensations).
ADM §12.3.6
Architecture Principles
Developed by Enterprise Architects with key stakeholders and approved by the Architecture Board.
TECH §2.4
05Exam traps
“The Board can be as large as needed” → Recommended 4 or 5 permanent members, no more than 10
“Board members are the project architects” → Typically a group of executives, representative of key stakeholders
“The Board needs no sponsor” → It needs an executive sponsor from the highest level of the corporation
“Dispensations are granted by the project manager” → The Board ensures compliance and grants dispensations
“Membership must never change” → It may be rotated, with staggered terms for continuity
“It must be called the “Architecture Board”” → “The title is not important”
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1What is the recommended size of the Board?
Four or five permanent members, and no more than ten.
Q2Who typically sits on it?
A group of executives, representative of all key stakeholders in the architecture.
Q3Name the two levels in larger enterprises.
Local (domain experts) and Global (organization-wide).
Q4Give two triggers for establishing a Board.
E.g. a new CIO; a merger or acquisition (also restructuring, EA program creation …).
Q5Who approves Architecture Principles?
The Architecture Board.
Q6Who grants dispensations?
The Architecture Board.
Q7Which Phase H step holds a Board meeting on changes?
Step 12.3.6 — Manage Governance Process.
Q8How is continuity kept with rotating members?
Set terms that expire at different times.