A Conceptual Model for Expressing the Evolution of Enterprise Architecture Models

The role of enterprise architecture (EA) is to assist enterprises in achieving a successful strategy execution by conducting enterprise analysis, design, planning, and implementation. EA projects enable enterprise transformation by altering the current state of the organization’s architecture model, which, in turn, impacts the digital resources and capabilities of the enterprise. Therefore, to support digital transformation, a sound conceptual understanding of the architectural aspects leading to the evolution of EA models is required. This chapter introduces a conceptual model which can be used for describing EA model evolution, hence clarifying misunderstandings concerning the evolution of EA models. Design science research was the methodology of choice for addressing this research.