SWOT Analysis: Introduction of TOGAF to the USDA NRCS

Hussein Chinoy of Vistronix recently participated in TOGAF certification training. As a class exercise, he created a SWOT for the adoption of TOGAF by the agency he works for, NRCS. The example is especially relevant since USDA officially endorses the use of TOGAF alongside FEA. Hussein also created a great annotated timeline of EA at http://www.bespokesystems.net/ea/timeline/.

Strengths

attributes helpful to achieving objective

Framework for strategic analysis for thinking about architecture
Customizability – can tailor to agency requirements (and FEA)
USDA has an institutional familiarity with EA (FEA)
A designated federal position (Chief Architect) exists to take up EA
IT focus has good alignment potential

Weaknesses

attributes harmful to achieving objective

Agency posses a perceived slowdown of day-to-day functionality by learning, implementing and communicating new knowledge
Skepticism on time to show value and length of expertise development
Existing project demands trump strategic or cross-project thinking
Many layers between business and technology layers, communication roadblocks

Opportunities

external conditions helpful to achieving objective

Potential synergies revealed by aligning capabilities and solutions with business direction
FEA & FSAM mandate
Meet audit demands proactively
Potential for being a thought leader for other agencies

Threats

external conditions that could damage the objective