A Problem Oriented Enterprise Architecture Approach Applied to Wicked Problems

This chapter proposes that a problem oriented approach to Enterprise Architecture can deliver a better outcome than one based upon needs and requirements, especially when dealing with Wicked Problems. A distinction is drawn between what an Enterprise Architect does, solve business problems, and what the architect produces, descriptions of end states. It also suggests that the approach to modeling and understanding a problem can have significant impacts on the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of potential solutions and the decisions made in identifying optimal solutions and implementation projects. Finally, the chapter discusses the use of the proposed problem oriented Enterprise Architecture approach to Wicked Problems in the context of e-Government.