Ovidiu Sever Noran

An analysis of the Zachman framework for enterprise architecture from the GERAM perspective

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the Zachman framework for enterprise architecture and its mapping onto the Generalised Enterprise Reference Architecture and Methodology (GERAM) framework/ISO IS15704:2000 requirements. Aspects covered concern the ability of the Zachman framework to cover the complete scope of the GERAM metamodel, such as life cycle/life history concepts, modelling framework, enterprise entities and entity recursion, associated enterprise engineering methodologies, modelling languages and reference models.

A Mapping of Individual Architecture Frameworks (GRAI, PERA, C4ISR, CIMOSA, ZACHMAN, ARIS) onto GERAM

This Chapter presents the mapping of selected type 2 (life cycle) enterprise architectures and architecture frameworks onto the Generalised Enterprise Reference Architecture and Methodology (GERAM) framework. It covers aspects regarding the reference architectures (including life cycle / life history concepts and modelling frameworks) and associated modelling methodologies, languages and reference models where applicable. The Chapter builds on previous mapping efforts of established frameworks, giving a refined interpretation of those results. In addition, several emerging frameworks are also reviewed and mapped against the GERAM.

A decision support framework for collaborative networks

Collaborative networks (CNs) enhance the preparedness of their participants to promptly form virtual organisations (VOs) that are able to successfully tender for large scale and distributed projects. However, the CN efficiency essentially depends on the ability of its managers to match and customise available reference models and often, also to create new project activities. Thus, given a particular VO creation project, the CN managers must promptly infer ‘what needs to be done’ (discover the project processes) and how to best communicate their ‘justified beliefs’ to the CN members involved. This paper proposes a framework for a decision support system that can help managers and enterprise architects discover/update the main activities and aspects that need to be modelled for various enterprise task types, with special emphasis on the creation of VOs. The framework content is also briefly explained ‘by example’, in the context of a real-world scenario.

A systematic evaluation of the C4ISR AF using ISO15704 annex A (GERAM)

This paper presents an analytical mapping of the US Department of Defence (DoD) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) AF onto the Generalised Enterprise Reference Architecture and Methodology (GERAM) framework. The analysis aims to find artefacts within C4ISR that match the scope of the GERAM components. The scope of the study covers reference architectures (including life cycle/life history concepts and modelling framework) and associated modelling methodologies, languages and reference models, modelling tools and generic modelling concepts. The analysis identifies areas of concern within C4ISR and proposes some solutions as necessary, thus demonstrating the use of GERAM in evaluating AFs and potentially assisting in their future development.

Effective disaster management: an interoperability perspective

Natural and man-made catastrophic events appear be steadily increasing in intensity and frequency. Proper preparation, response and recovery are essential if mankind and its vital systems are to cope with and survive large-scale disasters. Unfortunately, on account of historical and geographical reasons, the organisations responsible for delivering emergency response services often under-perform (or even fail), typically due to a lack of proper interoperation and collaboration. This paper attempts to analyse interoperability issues specific to disaster management and propose a way forward based on the advances in interoperability research, using an enterprise integration and architecture perspective in order to ensure a holistic approach.

Collaborative Disaster Management: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Abstract Large scale natural and man-made catastrophic events, triggered or augmented by regional conflicts, climate change and new disease strains appear to be steadily increasing in intensity and frequency. Proper preparation, response and recovery are required in order to cope with and survive large-scale disasters; unfortunately however, the institutions responsible for delivering emergency response services form a heterogeneous set that often under-performs due to lack of proper interoperation and collaboration. New innovative, holistic and integrated models, representing all essential aspects of the disaster events and response team participants are necessary to successfully meet these new challenges. Based on previous research and applications, this paper argues that the necessary artefacts can be built using an interdisciplinary, industry-based paradigm enabled by advances in the Interoperability, Collaborative Networks and Enterprise Architecture disciplines. This combined approach aims to provide a sound platform for efficient disaster response delivered by agile and synergic task force teams.

Achieving a sustainable interoperability of standards

Agile enterprises and networks are required to continuously evolve so as to adequately respond to a dynamic, global and very competitive business environment. Unfortunately, this continuous change requirement affects the capacity of the enterprise to effectively interoperate internally and externally. Adding to this problem, the standards typically used as pillars for enterprise and network management and (inter)operation are themselves subject to continuous change and often bring their own interoperability, inconsistency and overlap problems. It is essential that such concerns are identified and addressed in a sustainable manner, i.e. taking into account the life cycles of all entities involved as their interoperability capabilities and requirements change along their lives. This paper focuses on interoperability issues specific to standards and proposes a novel and original way forward based on principles tested in previous case studies combining elements from the Enterprise Interoperability, Architecture and Integration, Collaborative Networks and Artificial Intelligence bodies of knowledge.

Collaborative networks in the tertiary education industry sector: a case study

Collaborative networks (CNs) are an effective way to tackle the geographical and social aspects of globalisation. They enable their participants to establish in advance trust, common policies, infrastructure and thus improved interoperation – endeavours that typically require time and cannot be rushed. As a result, the CN members can react promptly and decisively when the actual need for cooperation arises – e.g. in order to form a virtual organisation (VO) bidding for a project requiring competencies over and above those of any individual CN partner. This paper presents a case study describing a CN and its formation of a VO in the tertiary education industry sector. The application area provides for some interesting variations on the typical CN and VO models, where the VO persists for a long time and the participating CN members cease to operate independently for the life of the VO. As will be seen, CN and VO principles can still be successfully applied to set up and operate the required VO. The paper will describe the CN setting and history, the principles, frameworks and methodologies applied to create and operate the VO and the short and long term effects of the choices made in regards to design and implementation.

Towards a Meta-methodology for Collaborative Networked Organisations

Collaborative Networked Organisations (CNOs) are conceptually well understood, and their potential benefits are commonly accepted. However, there is still a critical need for methodologies and reference models to assist and guide the organizational design of CNOs. The efforts to provide a specific CNO implementation and operation methodology can be greatly assisted by defining a meta-methodology - a method on how to produce methods - for various CNOs or CNO types. This paper describes the concepts, design and possible implementations of such a meta-methodology for the creation and operation of CNOs. Potential and actual applications of the meta-methodology are also briefly presented, followed by conclusions on the feasibility of the concept and design effort and by an outline of suggested further work.

The Operator 4.0: Human Cyber-Physical Systems & Adaptive Automation towards Human-Automation Symbiosis Work Systems

A vision for the Operator 4.0 is presented in this paper in the context of human cyber-physical systems and adaptive automation towards human-automation symbiosis work systems for a socially sustainable manufacturing workforce. Discussions include base concepts and enabling technologies for the development of human-automation symbiosis work systems in Industry 4.0.