'Shelfware' or Strategic Alignment? An Enquiry into the Design of Enterprise Architecture Programs

Strategic alignment between IT and the business is still considered one of the foremost concerns for IT Management. Enterprise Architecture (EA) is seen as a vehicle to realize strategic alignment, however very little is understood about how EA programs actually go about realizing such a goal. This research analyzes the results from a large case study of an EA program. To analyze the results, the philosophy of design science is used. However, design science is used quite differently than what is found in conventional IS design science research. Rather than using one of the popular frameworks, design science is used as a lens to understand the work practices of EA programs as phenomena of enquiry. A model is presented that shows emergent themes and design perspectives, and the notion of 'IS Engagement' is presented as a topic for further exploration in IS research.