Paper Number
ICIS2025-1308
Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
This paper explores the interplay between Technical Debt (TD) and Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM). We make a distinction between 'administrative' (top down) and 'adaptive' (bottom up) approaches towards EAM and investigate their role in managing (various dimensions of) TD. The study focuses on the question how balancing administrative and adaptive EAM approaches can optimize TD management. Based on the results of our empirical exploration in four case studies, we identify the complementary strengths of, and trade-offs between, both EAM approaches. We present a theoretically informed model, the Strategize, Steer, Prioritize (SSP) Balance Framework, that identifies the governance mechanisms through which the different EAM approaches can be balanced in managing TD. Our research provides both theoretical contributions to the fields of EA and TD management, as well as practical guidelines for organizations seeking to manage TD.
Recommended Citation
van Baar, Rolf; van den Hooff, Bart; and Elshan, Edona, "Technical Debt in the Balance: The Role of Enterprise Architecture Management" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 3.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/isdesign/isdesign/3
Technical Debt in the Balance: The Role of Enterprise Architecture Management
This paper explores the interplay between Technical Debt (TD) and Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM). We make a distinction between 'administrative' (top down) and 'adaptive' (bottom up) approaches towards EAM and investigate their role in managing (various dimensions of) TD. The study focuses on the question how balancing administrative and adaptive EAM approaches can optimize TD management. Based on the results of our empirical exploration in four case studies, we identify the complementary strengths of, and trade-offs between, both EAM approaches. We present a theoretically informed model, the Strategize, Steer, Prioritize (SSP) Balance Framework, that identifies the governance mechanisms through which the different EAM approaches can be balanced in managing TD. Our research provides both theoretical contributions to the fields of EA and TD management, as well as practical guidelines for organizations seeking to manage TD.
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Comments
13-DesignDevPM