Self-guided study
From engineering manager to enterprise architect
A learning path through the role, its place in an organization, the skills it needs, and the frameworks behind it, aimed at a scaling organization and lined up with the TOGAF certification exams.
Learning path
Foundations
- 01 What enterprise architecture is (and why it exists)
The problem EA solves, what it covers, and how it creates value in an organization that is growing fast.
- 02 The enterprise architect role
What enterprise architects actually do day to day, how the role differs from other architects, and where it sits in the organization.
- 03 Making the shift from engineering manager
What carries over from engineering management, what doesn't, and the mindset changes that trip up new architects.
Frameworks & Methods
- 04 Business architecture
Capability maps, value streams, and how to use them to connect strategy to investment decisions.
- 05 TOGAF and the Architecture Development Method
The structure of the TOGAF Standard, the ADM phases, and how to tailor it rather than follow it literally.
- 06 TOGAF content, repository, and governance
The content framework, the Enterprise Continuum, the Architecture Repository, principles, and architecture governance.
- 07 Modeling with ArchiMate and C4
Two complementary notations, one for the enterprise and one for software, and how to pick the right view for each audience.
- 08 Lean and agile enterprise architecture
Making architecture work at the speed of agile delivery with ADRs, guardrails, paved roads, fitness functions, and a technology radar.
Practice
- 09 Roadmaps and portfolio management
Current state, target state, transition architectures, application rationalization, and making the business case.
- 10 Stakeholders, communication, and influence
Working with executives, persuading without authority, and telling the architecture story to different audiences.
- 11 Standing up EA in a scaling organization
Your first 90 days, a minimum viable architecture practice, choosing an operating model, and showing value.
- 12 TOGAF certification prep
How the TOGAF Foundation and Practitioner exams work, a study plan mapped to this path, and exam technique.
Reference
Case study: Quillfeather
The fictional scaling company used as a running example throughout the learning path.
Role, responsibilities & career path
A typical EA job description, how responsibilities grow with seniority, and how to prepare for EA interviews.
Frameworks compared
TOGAF, Zachman, FEAF, Gartner's approach, SAFe, BIZBOK, ArchiMate, C4, and more, side by side.
Artifacts catalog
The common EA artifacts, what each is for, who reads it, and an outline for each.
Reading list & resources
Books, free online material, and certifications worth your time, grouped by topic.
Skills self-rating
Rate yourself against an EA skills matrix and see where your biggest gaps are.
Glossary
Searchable definitions of EA and TOGAF terms.