Business architects analyze their company’s business goals and strategic initiatives, and then develop the capability models needed to operate the organization. TOGAF details the inputs, activities, outputs and application of business architecture. My favorite work products are the capability maps, value stream maps, and organizational accountability frameworks. My top three tools in my business architecture toolbox are HODI, RACI/RAPID, and the Purpose Statement.
Howdy!
A How Others Do It (HODI) analysis is a business architecture tool I created a few years ago. I was tasked to find out how we could bring inside an activity we had previously outsourced. Taking a look at our competitors and adjacent industries when doing my business capability modeling, I was able to see improvements our team could make to bring value to our customers.
- Best practices were collected from our staff who managed the vendor
- How competitors sell on the website, in articles and over webinars helped me see what they perceived to be their competitive advantage
- Published case studies from technology vendors often give insight on how others are executing their processes
RACIs and RAPIDs
Many projects fail due to missed expectations. I love developing clear lines of accountability for getting the work done and decision-making. It is important not to conflate the two — as an example, there are times you are accountable for a task but you don’t have the authority to make a decision about that task. When people know who does what and who decides what, we better meet each other’s expectations.
- Drive decision authority with Bain’s RAPID framework. A leader gathers Input and develops a Recommendation, running it by the necessary stakeholders for Agreement. This leader take the recommendation to the Decision-maker and with a “Go” brings it to the team to Perform the work. This leads to the RACI.
- Manage task accountability with a RACI. Accountable is on the hook for getting the work done on time and to expectations, keeping stakeholders Informed. Responsible has to do the hands-on work, Consulting with subject matter experts (SMEs.)
- Publicize, socialize and systematize your RACIs and RAPIDs.
The Purpose Statement
The purpose statement can be used as an element of your project charter. It centers your team on the why, what and how of your work. Stakeholders can shape the business value portion, making them active contributors to your team’s success.
📊 This project/work/group/team… (what is produced)
✅ In a way that… (bullets of how, including the constraints)
💰 So that… (business value why)
Pro Tip: I often edit the “In a way that” bullets through discovery in a project as we learn more about the constraints.
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Image Description: Cowgirl saying “Howdy” to a purpose/porpoise while racing down rapids.
Blue Cairn 