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Lesson Plan

Creating a lesson plan for training Solution Architects using TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) standards involves introducing learners to the essential principles, methods, and deliverables within the framework. Here’s a comprehensive lesson plan designed to cover the core concepts and skills a Solution Architect needs, structured around TOGAF.

Lesson Plan for Solution Architects Using TOGAF Standards

Course Title:

Solution Architecture Using TOGAF

Target Audience:

  • Aspiring Solution Architects
  • Experienced IT professionals looking to specialize in architecture
  • Enterprise Architects who want to deepen their knowledge in Solution Architecture

Course Duration:

  • 5 days (30-40 hours)
    Can be adapted to a part-time structure over several weeks.

Day 1: Introduction to TOGAF and the Solution Architect Role

  1. Learning Objectives:

    • Understand TOGAF and its value.
    • Understand the role of a Solution Architect within the framework.
  2. Topics Covered:

    • Introduction to TOGAF 9.2: Overview of TOGAF, key principles, and its components.
    • Solution Architecture Overview: Role, responsibilities, and skills of a Solution Architect.
    • Architecture Development Method (ADM): Introduction to TOGAF’s ADM phases and how they guide the development of architectures.
  3. Activities:

    • Group discussion: The role of Solution Architecture in digital transformation.
    • Case study: Review of a basic solution architecture framework.

Day 2: Architecture Development Method (ADM) and TOGAF Components

  1. Learning Objectives:

    • Understand the ADM phases and how they apply to Solution Architecture.
    • Know the core TOGAF artifacts and their use in Solution Architecture.
  2. Topics Covered:

    • ADM in Detail:
      • Preliminary Phase: Setting the architecture framework.
      • Phase A (Architecture Vision): Establishing scope and high-level objectives.
      • Phase B (Business Architecture): Aligning business goals and strategy.
      • Phase C (Information Systems Architectures – Data and Application): Creating a solution based on data and application architecture.
    • Core TOGAF Deliverables and Artifacts:
      • Architecture Vision, Architecture Definition, and Architecture Contract.
      • Building Block concepts (ABB, SBB).
  3. Activities:

    • Hands-on exercise: Create a high-level architecture vision document.
    • Case study analysis: Walk through a sample ADM process.

Day 3: Architecture Domains and Building Blocks

  1. Learning Objectives:

    • Gain detailed understanding of the architecture domains.
    • Learn to develop and utilize architecture building blocks (ABBs and SBBs).
  2. Topics Covered:

    • Data and Application Architectures:
      • Data modeling, data flows, and governance.
      • Application architecture: defining application components and their interactions.
    • Technology Architecture (Phase D):
      • Mapping solution to infrastructure: platforms, security, and operational layers.
    • Architecture Building Blocks (ABB): Key solution elements used across phases.
    • Solution Building Blocks (SBB): Actual components used in building systems.
  3. Activities:

    • Group exercise: Develop ABBs and SBBs for a specific solution scenario.
    • Use case review: Analyze the architecture domains for an enterprise solution.

Day 4: TOGAF Artifacts and Governance

  1. Learning Objectives:

    • Learn about TOGAF artifacts and their role in delivering solutions.
    • Understand architecture governance and how it supports project success.
  2. Topics Covered:

    • Artifacts for Solution Architecture:
      • Architecture Principles, Models, and Roadmaps.
      • Architecture Repository and Enterprise Continuum.
    • Governance and Compliance:
      • Architecture Governance Framework.
      • Risk management and architecture maturity.
      • Architecture contracts and capability assessments.
  3. Activities:

    • Create an architecture roadmap based on a business scenario.
    • Interactive discussion: Applying governance in a real-world solution.

Day 5: Practical Application and Case Study

  1. Learning Objectives:

    • Apply TOGAF principles to real-world solution scenarios.
    • Learn best practices and troubleshooting for solution architecture.
  2. Topics Covered:

    • Practical Solutions Architecture:
      • Identifying business needs and technical requirements.
      • Managing stakeholder expectations.
      • Evaluating the solution for performance, scalability, and security.
    • Finalizing ADM Cycle:
      • Phase E (Opportunities and Solutions), Phase F (Migration Planning).
      • Phase G (Implementation Governance), Phase H (Architecture Change Management).
    • Case Study:
      • Analyze and architect a solution based on a detailed business case.
      • Present a solution architecture and governance plan.
  3. Activities:

    • Case study project: Develop a full solution architecture for an enterprise problem.
    • Group presentations: Present the solution and review feedback.

Materials Needed:

  • TOGAF Reference Guides (TOGAF 9.2 Standard).
  • Case studies and examples.
  • Whiteboard, flip charts, and post-it notes for brainstorming and planning exercises.
  • Access to architecture modeling tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Visio).

Assessment:

  • Participation: 10% – Group discussions, participation in hands-on exercises.
  • Case Study Assignment: 40% – Develop a detailed solution architecture plan.
  • Final Project Presentation: 50% – Present a comprehensive solution architecture with governance.

Certification Path:

After completing this lesson plan, participants can opt for the TOGAF 9.2 Certification exam to validate their knowledge in TOGAF principles and methods.