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Course description

Aim of the courses

This set of training courses cover the spectrum from introduction and appreciation of enterprise architecture concepts and the benefits it can provide in defence through to practical planning and development of an architecture using the Ministry of Defence Architectural Framework (MODAF). The four courses cater for all levels of need and will be of benefit to MOD staff, suppliers to the MOD, those with an interest in MODAF and the use of Enterprise Architecture in Government and Defence.

Introduction

There is a need to identify the main components of an organisation or a sub-set of it (such as its information systems), and the ways in which these components work together in order to achieve defined business objectives. The components will include staff, business processes, technology, information, financial and other resources, etc. If the architecture is designed to ensure the choice of appropriate components and to specify how they will operate together smoothly and efficiently, the enterprise will benefit. But if decisions about components and their interrelationships are uncoordinated, ad-hoc or localised, the result is likely to be duplication of effort and resources, poor coordination and control, problems with management and business performance, inability to share important resources such as information, and inefficiencies in operation. Lack of attention to enterprise architectures can inhibit change, and inappropriate architectures can become barriers to progress.

The MOD has recognised the value of an enterprise architecture approach, has developed MODAF in order to realise the benefits that it can provide, developing strategic goals based on the use of MODAF.

Syllabus

The courses range in duration from a half day to five days depending on your requirements, providing a course that will best suit your needs. The table below allows you to see general topics that are covered in the course that you select.

 Attendees will have an opportunity to see and (on Practitioner I and II) use an architecting tool to develop and exploit MODAF architectures. The course focuses on MODAF not the specific tool used and therefore has applicability regardless of the tool you may use or be considering. You will gain insight into the way architecting tools are used and how they support the development and exploitation of MODAF architectures.

Who should attend?

Awareness (1/2 day)

Aim: To provide appreciation of the concept and implications of Enterprise Architecture in the defence environment and an awareness of MODAF.

Who should attend: You have heard of MODAF and/or Enterprise Architecture and need to have them placed in context.

Introduction (1 Day)

Aim: Provide appreciation of MODAF and ability to navigate a MODAF based architecture.

Who should attend: As for Awareness but you require to have a better understanding of MODAF and be able to read and navigate through MODAF architectures.

Practitioner I (3 days)

Aim: To give appreciation of the principles behind the MODAF approach and give participants the opportunity to apply their learning to an existing case study.

Who should attend: You are, or will be, architecting within the Defence Environment or have a need to better understand the MODAF views.

Practitioner II (5 Days)

Aim: To provide opportunity for participants to apply MODAF techniques to develop a new MODAF based architecture and focus on their specific MODAF/architecting issues.

Key Benefits

• Understand the concepts behind Enterprise Architecture
• Be aware of the benefits that an Enterprise Architecture approach can provide to defence
• Rationale behind and familiarisation with MODAF
• Know who uses MODAF and how it is used
• Gain a knowledge of the MODAF views
• Understand how elements within MODAF are related
• Be able to navigate MODAF based architectures
• Understand the governance of MODAF
• Recognise and be aware of the issues associated with the use of Enterprise Architecture and MODAF
• Be aware of the current status of MODAF
• Learn how to plan and develop MODAF compliant architectures
• Gain hands on experience in architecture development
• Talk to experts who have experience in developing MODAF based architectures.

The course is delivered by Cranfield Defence and Security staff at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom – College of Management and Technology and staff from MooD International.

MooD International

MooD International helps leaders of large, complex organisations gain transparency and control of their business, strengthening critical decision making across the enterprise portfolio, and driving considerable in the deployment of cost and capital.

The Company has been working with UK Defence & Security agencies and industry, exploiting MODAF-convergent methods and tools,

for more than ten years.  Project experience include capability management – from strategy & planning through to delivery – business transformation, and operational effectiveness, in all cases working closely with customer teams to ensure benefit realisation and effective skills transfer.