Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation from Expert in Enterprise Architecture, guiding in TOGAF and ArchiMate:
In the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM), the Preliminary Phase is a foundational phase whose primary purpose is to establish and prepare the Architecture Capability within the enterprise. This phase ensures that the organization is structurally, procedurally, and culturally ready to undertake architecture work in a consistent and governed manner.
A core outcome of this phase is the Organization Model for Enterprise Architecture, which defines:
Architecture roles and responsibilities (e.g., Chief Architect, Domain Architects)
Reporting and decision-making structures
Architecture governance bodies (such as Architecture Boards)
Interaction with other governance and management processes
Accountability and ownership for architecture activities
The Organization Model enables repeatable, controlled, and effective execution of the ADM across initiatives. Without this model, architecture work would lack authority, consistency, and governance alignment.
Why Option A is correct:
The Preliminary Phase explicitly focuses on defining and establishing the Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture as part of building the enterprise’s Architecture Capability.
Why the other options are incorrect:
B. Architecture Roadmap: This is developed later in the ADM when solution options, work packages, and migration paths are defined, mainly in Phases E (Opportunities & Solutions) and F (Migration Planning).
C. Implementation Governance Model: This is primarily addressed in Phase G (Implementation Governance), where architecture compliance and realization are governed.
D. Architecture Vision for the project: The Architecture Vision is the main deliverable of Phase A (Architecture Vision), which follows the Preliminary Phase.
Authoritative References (TOGAF Standard):
TOGAF ADM – Preliminary Phase: Objectives and Key Activities
TOGAF Architecture Capability Framework
TOGAF Architecture Governance concepts
These sources clearly state that the Preliminary Phase exists to define and establish the Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture, making Option A the correct and fully aligned answer.