Defining Enterprise Architecture Risks in Business Environment

Abstract

Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a modern approach for managing and developing organizations and enabling them to tackle with the challenges induced by constant changes and increased complexity in their environment. However, as an extensive and strategically important program, EA is not without risks. Therefore, this exploratory study aims at providing an overview of generic risks that can potentially be related to EA in organizations, and at suggesting a classification scheme for the risks to facilitate their management. Data is collected by a literature review and a focus group interview of practitioners involved in EA. As a result, a classification scheme for EA risks is suggested and potential risks related to the elements of the scheme presented.