International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication

Volume: 2 Issue: 8

ISSN: 2321-8169
2285 2288

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Knowledge Architecture Framework based on Zachman's Enterprise Architecture

Framework
Mojtaba Nassiriyar

Maryam Haghshenas

M.Sc. graduate
IT Management
University of Tehran
Tehran, Iran
[email protected]

Ph.D Student
Media management
University of Tehran
Tehran, Iran
[email protected]

Roghayeh Shahbazi
M.Sc.student
IT Management
Alzahra University
Tehran, Iran
[email protected]

Abouzar Sadeghzadeh
M.Sc. graduate
Electronics & Telecoms Engineering
University of Bradford
UK
[email protected]

Abstract during the last fifteen years, knowledge management has changed through new perspectives and enhancements from
generation to generation. Numerous researchers have presented research methodologies, frameworks and technologies and have
discussed various theoretical and practical knowledge management issues. However, knowledge management is still in need of
improvement and has not yet reached its maturity. This paper assesses the common research grounds between knowledge
management and Zachman's enterprise architecture framework. Applied research is carried out using descriptive surveys.
Information was gathered by using questionnaires filled out by knowledge management and enterprise architecture experts.
Finally, a knowledge architecture framework was designed according to Zachman's framework.
Keywords- Zachman's framework, knowledge management

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I.

INTRODUCTION

A framework is mainly holistic and summarizes a

description of key elements, concepts and principles of a
particular domain. The main objective of this framework is to
describe the scope and definition of the core content's standard
model as a reference for future projects. A knowledge
management framework consists of knowledge management
key elements, their relationships and principles of how they
interact. Therefore, a reference for making decisions about the
implementation and use of a knowledge management
system/project within an organization or business institute is
created. [1]
A. Knowledge Management
Knowledge management is a process which aids
organizations in defining, selecting, organizing, disseminating
and transferring vital information that is part of the
organizations reputation especially within the realm of being
deployed in a structured manner. Knowledge management is
increasingly becoming an inseparable trade for most
organizations. Manager's awareness of intellectual capital value
has drawn their attention to understand methods of utilizing
these capacities and abilities. Organizational knowledge is the
main source of gaining sustainable competitive advantage. [2],
[4]
Studies and assessments on knowledge management's
evolution reflect the changes in the type and manner of human
thinking. There were times when money and material wealth
was considered a kind of power but presently philosophical
thinking, new ideas and methods of their application in the
right directions are considered great value. Educational
organizations which deal with human evolution are considered
the most dynamic organizations. Transformational change is
one of the current age's most prominent features. In order for
organizations to adapt to global changes and survive, it is
essential to teach employees relevant skills and knowledge.
Achieving this will not be possible without managers with
conscious minds and philosophical thinking skills. [5]

B. Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise architecture links objectives, strategies, and
organizational strategic plans with organizational information
systems. Architectural significance is due to the existence of
various views or perspectives about the organization. The
framework for presenting these perspectives is called
architecture.
In an organization individuals working in different
departments view the organization from different perspectives.
Some individuals working in management prescribe
competitive strategies for the organization. Some employees
define business strategies while others design software to
mechanize processes. Enterprise architecture presents all these
activities in one framework and shows how these components
interact with each other. Organizational architecture is a logical
structure to classify and organize various aspects of an
organization. [6]
In the age of information technology, enterprise architecture
must present a framework for organizational architecture which
is based on information technology. Zachman's framework has
become a framework for enterprise architecture by developing
the concept of enterprise architecture and is currently the most
prominent methodology for designing enterprise architecture.
II.

KNOWLEDGE ARCHITECTURE FRAMEWORK

Architecture provides a technical description of a system

that represents its components, the relationship between them
and the principles governing their design and evolution over
time. Architecture frameworks provide methods for organized
thinking about large and complex systems.
A. Knowledge architecture framework necessity
Nowadays large sums of money are invested for knowledge
management and large percentages of these investments turn
into costs within organizations. Due to the increasing
applications of knowledge management concepts and its
influence in organizations on one hand and the existence of
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International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication

Volume: 2 Issue: 8

ISSN: 2321-8169
2285 2288

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
innovative approaches on the other, presenting an appropriate
knowledge architecture framework will aid in increased
productivity in this field by providing the following:

Necessary flexibility when faced with environmental

changes
Implementation of mission requirements based on
information technology and communications
Reduction in knowledge management projects risks
Effective control and guidance over knowledge
management in the organization
Reduce costs and time to develop knowledge
management systems
Ability to use common systematic components at
organizational level

These issues are considered advantages of utilizing

enterprise architecture which has been localized for knowledge
architecture. As John Zachman, enterprise architecture theorist
stated: "the need to be updated, quality oriented and the speed
of changing conditions force us to turn to enterprise
architecture. In the 21st century, architecture is the determining
factor in the success or failure of organizations". [3]
Specifically, benefits of enterprise architecture approach
can be classified into two main groups.
General benefits associated with organization's
business
Adherence to strategy: Organizational design will be
based on strategic objectives, organizational changes
guidelines and organizational system development.
Instead of focusing solely on carrying out tasks
correctly, carrying out correct tasks will also be
considered.
Reduction of redundant activities: Redundant and
wasteful activities are one of the IT sector's main
concerns but by utilizing enterprise architectural
approach, these activities are identified and
eliminated.
The nature of enterprise architecture processes: All
organizational levels are taken into account which
itself entails major advantages such as increasing
personnel awareness throughout the organization
especially the IT sector and enabling knowledge
sharing.

Benefits associated with the IT sector, information

systems and business resource:
Reduction of excesses: Decreasing excess data and
processes which the former enables increased
accuracy and the latter enables easier maintenance and
altogether cause decreases in costs related to the
information systems.
Effective systems: Through the integration of business
and IT, developed organizational systems will be
more objective oriented and in line with the core of
the organizations business objectives.
Increased systems quality: Inter-departmental analysis
in enterprise architecture causes target-driven systems

development based on a holistic approach and

therefore of higher quality.
System integration: Enterprise architecture's holistic
approach pays special attention to the integration and
governance of system standards. This will also
prevent dispersed information throughout the
organization.
III.

RESEARCH METHOD AND FRAMEWORK

In this study, the primary means of data collection was

interviews and questionnaires. The Zachman framework was
first described and localized models were illustrated using
colored rows in tables. The Zachman framework consists of a
number of cells where each one is formed when a row and
column intersect. Each cell contains an indicative model which
shows architecture from the perspective of various organization
stakeholders. Each route in the Zachman framework illustrates
a methodology. In other words, architecture frameworks arent
considered methods, but rather a type of metadata. Architecture
frameworks can be used for creating or assessing
methodologies. Methodologies indicate certain movements on
the framework
Based on figure 1, two main ideas are involved in this
formation:
Rows which illustrate various shareholders views
towards organization architecture.

Columns which represent various descriptions of the

same products from different perspectives.
Each of framework's rows is explained below:
Scope: A concise view of the physical formation and main
mission of the organization. This row shows the architect or
investor's perspective who estimate organization business costs
and future performance. Board members and stakeholders are
examples of perspectives shown in this row. Almost all
information shown in this row is presented as text.
Organization model: Business owners perspective is shown
here. Personnel (top and middle level managers and executives)
views are stated here. What is shown here is generally known
as the business model.
Systematic model: The results of analyzers who assess the
organization and its businesses are shown here. High level
analyzers and organization architects perspectives are
presented.
Technology model: The architecture obtained from the
previous rows need to be maintained using technology.
Implementation standards are presented here. Technology
standards for designing information systems are presented and
then put out to tender by the organization. In analogy to
software engineering, this row contains the detailed design of
the system.
Components: Here, information systems architecture
relevant to technologies used is divided into smaller
components. This row is related to software engineering in that
personnel used are typically software programmers.
Subcontractors usually take this role and provide a working
team of analyzers, designers, architects, programmers etc.
Working organization: This is not a model since it is not
seen in most architecture implementation methods because it
cannot be presented through charts. This row presents the real
organization and organization users.
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International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication

Volume: 2 Issue: 8

ISSN: 2321-8169
2285 2288

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Figure 1. Zachman's Framework

Once vertical examination is complete, attention is turned

to the horizontal part of this framework.
The columns are now assessed
Data: Each row of this column processes organizational
data. In an additive way, modeling details of different rows
vary. Details may include a simple list of objects, business
model entities, conceptual model, logical model, physical
model, databases and data storage.
Function: This column explains how the organization
objectives are broken down into more detailed operations. The
first row presents a list of objectives and the organization's
main mission. This list is then divided into the business model
process, sub-systems, components and finally actual workflow.
This column also focuses on organizational activities
geographical distribution. Lists of departments in terms of
geographical location, logistics, deployment model, network
architecture, network address and details of actual network are
included.
Personnel: This column shows personnel duties and is of
vital importance in terms of security. A list of organization
departments, personnel interaction with main information
systems, user interfaces, and user interface interactions is
included here.
Time: The effect of time on the organization is presented on
this column. A list of important events and times, business
scheduling, operational sequence diagrams, components and
actual timing of work order is also included.

Motivation: Focus is made on how results are obtained

using aims and strategies along with potential restrictions. A
list of aims and strategies, work rules model, professional
constraints, sub-system regulations, and how these regulations
affect work flow is presented.
IV.

RECOMMENDED KNOWLEDGE ARCHITECTURE

FRAMEWORK

In this section the knowledge architecture framework is

explained from different perspectives. Table 1 explains the
macro view of planning. Table 2 is about the enterprise model
from the owner's perspective. Table 3 illustrates the system
model from the architect's perspective. Tables 4 and 5 explain
the technology model and detailed representations respectively.
TABLE I.
Title
Data
(What)
Function
(How)
Network
(Where)
People
(Who)

ROW1: SCOPE; MACRO VIEW OF PLANNING

Explanation

The overall vision and strategy of the organization

knowledge areas are determined here. The industry
knowledge portfolio is specified.
A list of knowledge functions and classes are determined
along with the knowledge portfolio at macro level.
A list is obtained from areas where the industry has
flourished to design an overall network of industry
activity fields.
In this cell a list of the industry's knowledge main
players is created and studied.

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International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication

Volume: 2 Issue: 8

ISSN: 2321-8169
2285 2288

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Title
Time
(When)
Motivation
(Why)
TABLE II.
Title
Data
(What)
Function
(How)
Network
(Where)
People
(Who)
Time
(When)

Motivation
(Why)
TABLE III.
Title

Data
(What)

Function
(How)
Network
(Where)
People
(Who)
Time
(When)
Motivation
(Why)
TABLE IV.
Title
Data
(What)

Explanation

Title

Important events relevant to the industry and business

are listed. These events may be repeated periodically or
may occur unexpectedly.
Business objectives are determined including issues such
as overall missions and business critical success factors.

Function
(How)
Network
(Where)
People
(Who)

ROW2: ENTERPRISE MODEL; OWNER'S PERSPECTIVE

Time
(When)
Motivation
(Why)

Explanation
The organization's knowledge entities are determined
from the perspective of senior managers and key
personnel. Knowledge entities classification and their
relevance to business are shown here.
Organizational knowledge management processes
model, knowledge resources and their processes are
determined.
Organizational opportunities in determining knowledge
logistics network are listed by determining
organizational knowledge management system locations
and relations.
Knowledge workers are identified and knowledge based
organizational positions are studied.
Knowledge management cycle times and important
events are identified for the knowledge management
system and a comprehensive schedule is drawn up. The
mentioned events may be periodically repeated or occur
unexpectedly.
Motivational factors are listed using organizational
objectives and strategies to advance knowledge
management goals.
ROW3: SYSTEM MODEL; ARCHITECT'S PERSPECTIVE
Explanation
Knowledge issues are attended to with the aid of
managers and personnel. A list is then created for each
knowledge field and classifications are made based on
previous knowledge entities classification. Finally, the
knowledge issues logical model is derived.
Knowledge management system applications
architecture is designed here. This process is completed
by determining system functions which are identified
using users' reviews.
Knowledge distribution network design takes place here
by utilizing industry/business knowledge network along
with their functions.
System users' interface, system's various individual
roles, access levels, and results reports are determined
here.
At this point the timing and sequence of events is
specified. The sequences of interest relevant to system
functions must correspond to the business logic. These
events may be accidental or occur periodically.
Business rules are determined by senior managers and
knowledge management performance criteria are
specified.

TABLE V.

Knowledge issues physical model is created and by

using key points and indicators, a database is designed.

ROW5: DETAILED REPRESENTATIONS; CONTRACTOR'S VIEW

Title
Data
(What)
Function
(How)
Network
(Where)
People
(Who)
Time
(When)
Motivation
(Why)

Explanation
Knowledge issues and data are defined in detail at this
level.
System functions along with relevant programming
languages and control blocks are determined.
Network architecture is designed by preparing
communications protocols.
System security architecture is attended to and by
specifying system users, detailed access methods and
user roles are defined.
A schedule is drawn up for the knowledge management
system effectiveness.
System regulations and sub-conditions along with
relevant steps are explained.

V.

CONCLUSION

To utilize any type of technology, tools, approaches and

management methods, the organization requirements and
objectives must first be identified. Then with a good
understanding of the tools and approaches, decisions are made
on how and to what extent these tools should aid the
organization in achieving its goals.
In this paper a framework and tools to analyze
organizations, knowledge management and effective
knowledge management necessary for organizations are
presented. In other words an applicable framework to
implement knowledge management projects in organizations is
presented with a completely operational approach.
REFERENCES
[1]

[2]

[3]
[4]

ROW4: TECHNOLOGY MODEL; CONSTRUCTIVE VIEWPOINTS

Explanation

Explanation
Computer functions and technology templates are
specified here.
At this point, required software and hardware for
creating the communications network are identified.
Knowledge management system key players, screen
formats, and technology system access methods are
studied.
The control structure and system components cycle are
assessed and developed here.
A rules system is designed to explore different
conditions using technologic functions.

[5]
[6]

Holsapple, C.W., & Joshi, K.D. (2003). A knowledge management

ontology. In C.W. Holsapple (Ed.), Handbook on knowledge
management: Knowledge matters. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.
Grover, V., & Davenport, T.H. (2001). General perspectives on
knowledge management: Fostering a research agenda. Journal of
Management Information Systems, Vol 18 No (1),pp 5-21.
Zachman, A Framework For Information System Architecture (1999).
Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995) The knowledge creating company:
How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Nonaka, I. (1994). A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge
creation. Organization Science, Vol 5 No (1),pp 14-37.
Nonaka, I. (1991). The knowledge creating company. Harvard Business
Review, (November-December),pp 96- 104.

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