Information Architecture Definition Matrices

During the definition of the information architecture, you deal with business functions and entity types.
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Information_Architecture_Definition_Matrices
Business_Function_Organizational_Unit_Matrix
Information_Need_Matrix
Business_Function_Entity_Type_Matrix
Functions come from the activity side of the business model. Entity types come from the data side of the overall business model. By creating a Business Function/Entity Type Matrix, you also begin building the interaction side of the business model.
The matrices for information architecture definition provide a bridge between business strategy planning concepts and the model you are building. The matrices help demonstrate to senior managers the relevance of the information architecture to management requirements.
The following standard matrices are useful when defining the information architecture:
  • Business Function/Organizational Unit Matrix
  • Entity Type/Information Need Matrix
  • Business Function/Entity Type Matrix

Business Function/Organizational Unit Matrix

The Business Function/Organizational Unit Matrix maps functions to organizational units with which they are involved. The matrix verifies the completeness of the activity model, determines whether any functions that are performed by the business have been overlooked, and highlights possible areas of conflicting responsibility.
The matrix also provides a starting point for transition planning by identifying functions that impact organizational units.
Gen
populates the functions axis of the matrix if the function dependency diagram or function hierarchy diagram exists. The organizational units axis is populated if organizational units exist in another matrix or the Organizational Hierarchy Diagram.
Permitted values in cells are X, 1 through 9, or blank. Assign a number from 1 through 3 to record the degree of involvement. The suggested cell values are 1 through 3 where:
1 = Lowest involvement
2 = Moderate involvement
3 = Highest involvement
This matrix is 1 of 14 core matrices.

Entity Type/Information Need Matrix

The Entity Type/Information Need Matrix maps entity types to information needs required by the business to meet its objectives. The matrix alerts you to information needs not satisfied by the model.
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populates the entity types axis if the subject area diagram is expanded into an entity relationship diagram.
The information needs axis is populated if the information needs exist in another matrix.
Permitted values in cells are X, 1 through 9, or blank. Use of the X value generally is adequate.
This matrix is 1 of 14 core matrices.

Business Function/Entity Type Matrix

The Business Function/Entity Type Matrix lays the foundation for the interaction side of the business model.
Use the matrix to record the expected effects of business functions on entity types. During Analysis, the Business Function/Entity Type Matrix confirms that each entity type has at least one C, R, U, or D expected effect.
All activities have one of four effects on data:
  • C = Create
  • R = Read
  • U = Update
  • D = Delete
The Create and Delete effects also have the effect of Update and Read. The Update effect also has the effect of Read. These four effects also are called CRUD indicators.
Only the lowest-level functions appear in the business function axis of the matrix.
Gen
populates the rows and columns if the expected effects of lowest-level functions are detailed in the model.
Permitted cell values are C, R, U, D, or blank.
Cluster this matrix to subdivide the business into potential business areas.
During Analysis, the software ensures that the expected effects of functions are consistent with the expected effects of elementary processes. The expected effects of elementary processes form the basis for a detailed Process Action Diagram statement.
This matrix is 1 of 14 core matrices.