Module 6 Guiding Question

This module is complex and critical to understanding what constitutes a Big Data
framework and how it is a subset of an Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model. It
is focused on the technical aspects of supporting Big Data Analytics applications,
technologies, and supporting Information Systems and Technology Infrastructures, for
example, Engineered Systems, Cloud-based environments, etc. Based on
this understanding, we must understand that the Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA)
model is a subset of the Enterprise Architecture (EA) framework. The secondary subject
matter being covered in this module is critical because it addresses Quantitative data
and the various techniques to understand that analyzed data. The third and last subject
matter addresses how business decisions are dependent on what we learned relative to
what constitutes a Big Data framework and how it is a subset of an Enterprise Digital
Architecture (EDA), and the ability to mathematically and statistically understand what
the insights are from the data and content.

Guiding Question
How will interpreting quantitative models be useful in the business world of big data
analytics?

Guiding Question Answer

This module is complex and critical to understanding what constitutes a Big Data
framework and how it is a subset of an Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model. It is
focused on the technical aspects of supporting Big Data Analytics applications,
technologies, and supporting Information Systems and Technology Infrastructures, for
example, Engineered Systems, Cloud-based environments, etc. Based on this
understanding, we must understand that the Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA)
model is a subset of the Enterprise Architecture (EA) framework. The secondary subject
matter being covered in this module is critical because it addresses Quantitative data
and the various techniques to understand that analyzed data. The third and last subject
matter addresses how business decisions are dependent on what we learned relative to
what constitutes a Big Data framework and how it is a subset of an Enterprise Digital
Architecture (EDA), and the ability to mathematically and statistically understand what
the insights are from the data and content.
Several functional business areas in organizations can use Big Data Analytics to
provide recommendations to increase efficiencies and optimize internal operations,
avoiding costs. One area is the IT Infrastructure, where analytics can improve network
traffic relative to bandwidth and understand the current traffic patterns and alternatives
for increasing that bandwidth. In terms of Cyber Security, analytics can be deployed to
study the behaviors and constructs of malicious attacks, for example, SQL Injection
attacks, and be able to construct patterns for future recognition of the same or similar
SQL Injection attack.
 The same can be true for product development and the marketing of that product based
on understanding specific customer behaviors based on the segmentation of those
customers based on specific attributes that a Machine Learning or Deep Learning
Algorithm provided you. The deployment of the correct Big Data framework for an
organization can help drive decision-making so that organizations are more cost-
effective, efficient, and competitive in the marketplace as well as improve an
organization's operations which results in avoiding costs processes that were not
improved optimized for operation.

Enterprise Digital Architecture Model

This subject matter is complex and critical when understood from a hierarchical
perspective. But, before we can discuss what constitutes a big data framework, we
need to understand that this framework is a subset of an Enterprise Digital Architecture
(EDA) model. This is focused on the technical aspects of supporting Big Data Analytics
applications, technologies, and Information Systems and Technology Infrastructures
such as engineered systems, cloud-based environments, etc. Because of this, we need
to understand that the Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model is a subset of the
Enterprise Architecture (EA) framework, which is the overall framework that drives the
development of the Business Architecture model. This is then used to develop the
Information Systems Architecture model, which then is used to develop the Information
Technology Architecture model.
These three models form the EA framework for this hierarchical structure. An Enterprise
Architecture (EA) framework is based on understanding the current and future states of
three key perspectives:

 Strategy
 Business

 Technology

The adjustments to these three key perspectives are to extrapolate, delineate and state
that the organizational business strategic strategy (also referred to as a business
model) contains calculated goals that drive the basis for developing a tactical strategy.
A tactical strategy contains objectives that are executable and measurable. These
objectives help drive change in the business strategic strategy and develop a business
process architecture framework. This will drive the development of business process
models managed by a quality management system (QMS).
These models provide governance, management, oversight, applied knowledge, and
guidance based on business activities across the organization and within each
functional business unit. The Enterprise Architecture Framework is made up of three
frameworks:

1. Business Process Architecture

1. Information Systems

1. Information Technology

Based on this, we must align Information Systems to an Organizational Business

Strategic Strategy and Tactical Strategy. The key to alignment is knowing how well the
existing and future Information Systems will support these strategies by enabling
efficiencies to support the effectiveness of Business Process Models. In other words,
Business Process provides an organization with effectiveness in correctly conducting its
business functional activities instead of Information Systems, which provides
efficiencies to these processes. Therefore, without this effectiveness, these Information
Systems' potential to be efficient has no practical value. For example, compare a level
of automation that expedites customer deliveries and payments to an organization
versus an organization that is expediting payments to a supplier for goods received by
an organization.
This alignment of Business Process Models to Information Systems enables these
Information Systems. This mindset can be called the three E’s of an Enterprise
Architecture framework. The three E’s only work if senior management demonstrates
their leadership, shares their vision, and works with all levels of an organization through
active collaboration. The following is a graphical overview of the three E’s models:

A staircase model represents the 3 E’s model that starts with enablement at the bottom, then transitions to efficiency, and ends with
effectiveness at the top.

We will address in further detail how one proposes a framework and strategy for
aligning Information Systems to Business Processes by developing a Business Process
Architecture framework and enabling the Information Systems through the deployment
of Information Technology. The approach must be addressed starting with the Value of
Business Architecture, then designing a business architecture, and finally with Business
Process Management.

Value of Business Architecture

The value of business architecture is derived from how well one provides senior
management with confidence. Value is derived by eliminating and mitigating their noted
and well-defined business challenges. For example:

 Global Business Competition

 Rapid Innovation (through increased changes in business requirements)

 Disruptive Technologies
 Regulatory Compliance Challenges
 Increasing Cost Pressures

Based on the degree of confidence achieved, the next steps are to explain the expected
outcomes from this alignment and how they will be measured. Then defining what
alignment means from an Information Systems and Information Technology
perspective, and finally, what strategy will use to achieve the realignment. These
decisions will be made at the senior management level, so there needs to be a
Business Process Architecture framework, Information Systems Architecture
framework, and Information Technology Architecture framework context for this
realignment based on an overarching Enterprise Architecture framework.
The primary goal of a Business Process Architecture framework is to support an agile
approach that supports decentralized development and business evolution in the future.
To achieve this, there needs to be a set of Business Process Models that can be readily
changed, decoupled, and reassembled when the business needs arise in response to
market trends and changes in competition.

Designing a Busienss Process Architecture

Framework
Designing a Business Architecture is based on deploying the Enterprise Architecture
framework using Lean-Value Stream Mapping. If you recall from previous modules, we
reviewed a detailed step-by-step process for using this framework to document the
current state, the future state, and the specific work needed to cross this chasm from
the current state to the future state.
The following are recommendations for using the business process management
model:

 Define the internal best practices and guidelines to ensure that business process models
are consistently developed
 Develop business models for processes
 Inventory, register, and publish existing business models
 Recommend standards-based modeling and execution languages to be used by Software
Engineers for implementing and integrating business process models.
 Build a business architecture layer as part of enterprise architecture

 Establish an enterprise governance process for Business Process Management

A business process should be represented as models that address the policies,

procedures, and work instructions your QMS manages. The policy level defines the
requirements by functional business unit and group. A procedure defines the key
attributes of the what, where, why, and how as it pertains to a specific process. For
example, Purchase price variance and integration with one or more processes such as
perpetual inventory etc. The work instruction defines the specific “how-to tasks”, a set of
steps that must be executed, and describes the inputs and outputs required for each
step to execute the business process.

Value Proposition for a Business Process

Architecture Framework
The value proposition for a Business Process Architecture framework and structured
Business Process Models is centered around the need for a level of business process
description. This allows us to connect any system associated with the process, identify
the people who support it, link financial resources, acknowledge and cross-
organizational boundaries, identify compliance (financial, records) points, identify data
and information quality control points, identify common steps and sub-processes to
simplify and reuse applications and provide managers with the capability to monitor the
process for improvement and planning purposes.
The current status of Business Process Modeling is that Business Process Models exist
for some business processes, but they are represented at varying levels of detail,
quality, and focus. In other cases, business processes are described as documentation
when the processes address business policies, procedures, work instructions,
administrative and technical documentation, etc. Business Process Architects must
work closely with the business functional groups and conduct a systematic inventory,
assessment, and audit of business process models. This is so they can identify the
current state and what is required for initial and continuous improvement to achieve a
future state that aligns with an organization’s business model and strategic strategies.
These improvements can also trace back to identifying a needed increase in specific
core competencies such as training, mentoring, and core capabilities. For example,
Information Technologies for integration, interoperability, and orchestrated workflow of
specific Information Systems by deploying a Services Oriented Architecture framework.
Which is supported by middleware technologies that enable these specific Information
Systems that provide efficiencies to these business processes.
Step Sequence for Business
Process Architect
Step Sequence for Business Process
Architect
The following steps are required for a Business Process Architect:

Step 1
The architect must first ensure that the design and implementation of several Enterprise
Level Repositories for Business Process Models are consistent with Enterprise
Architecture Best Practices.

Step 2
The architect must ensure that the Information Systems and Information Technology
Architecture frameworks and models have traceability to those Business Process
Models.

Step 3
Next is establishing and integrating a review process for all Business Process Models
consistent with the Business Architecture Governance Model and the Quality
Management System. This review addresses a comprehensive peer and management
assessment of new models and subsequent revisions. It also works to keep the current
configuration management of these models.

Step 4
Additionally, the assessment reviews should address and identify any redundancies and
variations in these models relative to the requirements, process steps, inputs/outputs,
and integration across an organization as defined by their Quality Management System.
The Business Process Architecture is the “grey matter” that drives the value that an
organization seeks to achieve to be successful in the execution of its business model.
This is what will allow them to be competitive in the marketplace. Additionally, this
architecture becomes a catalyst relative to the deployed Information Systems and the
Information Technology that enables this deployment. The following
graphic provides insight into the importance of Business Process Architecture and the
development of a set of integrated business models:

To fully understand the business process architecture, you need to think of it in the
context of the Enterprise architecture model. The following are some points to consider
as you reference the flow chart:

 Acquire an applied knowledge of BPMN models relative to the knowledge of this course that
is specific to Business Process Modeling

 The development of these BPMN models would be enabled through the application of one
or more BPMN technologies
 Acquire a thorough understanding of how these models fit into an organization's Business
Process Architecture (BPA) framework/models and how these models drive the business
requirements for the type of information systems needed to support these models and the
information technologies needed to enable these information systems.

Enterprise Digital Architecture Model

Based on this knowledge of what an Enterprise Architecture (EA) framework is and its
three KEY PILLARS, let us turn to what an Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model
is and address its relationship to the EA framework. The EA framework is a subset of
the EDA model.
An Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model is a modern approach to the Enterprise
Architecture framework because it focuses on the deployment of Big Data Analytics and
the capabilities of supporting technologies to bring visibility to an organization’s intended
business outcomes. It is based on analyzing data and content that revises the business
strategies to reach those outcomes. This occurs through a multidimensional approach
to understanding how data and content are managed and how Big Data applications
and supporting technologies are applied to that data and content.
An Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model focuses on the Enterprise Architecture
(EA) framework and its three KEY PILLARS of a Business Process Architecture,
Information Systems Architecture, and Information Technology Architecture but with an
emphasis on Application Architecture. Application Architecture focuses on developing
Machine Learning Algorithms, cognitive agents, and intelligent SMART workflow so that
this logic can act upon the specific data and content. This results in learning from this
data and content. In the context of an EDA model, the Business Process Architecture
focuses specifically on business outcome-driven models and multidimensional process
views. These are derived from multiple logic sets based on Boolean and Implied
Boolean logic. The Information Systems Architecture specifically focuses on identifying
and creating sets of data and content to be used by those Machine Learning Algorithms.
The Information Technology Architecture is focused on the hardware and technology
selected, such as engineered systems and cloud-based technologies.

Big Data Framework

From this knowledge of an Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) model comes a Big
Data framework, a subset of the EDA model. The Big Data framework developed is
unique to the organization because it is based on its EA and EDA models and their
strategies. The Big Data framework is also built based on its strategy. It guides an
organization through selecting and developing Big Data Applications and supporting
technologies and developing and deploying Machine Learning Algorithms, cognitive
agents, intelligent SMART workflow, etc. The organizational Big Data framework and its
strategy are key to the aspects that must be included in this strategy, such as Big Data
Architecture models. Big data architecture models facilitate the integration and
interoperability of the Information Technology Infrastructure with the Big Data
Applications and supporting technologies and the facilitation of computational clusters,
engineering systems, cloud-based technologies, etc.
The Big Data framework drives the strategy for what will be developed and deployed,
for example, Machine Learning Algorithms. It drives the core competencies for internal
Data Analysts, Data Scientists, or Software Engineers. This is contingent on having an
in-depth applied knowledge of statistics and algorithms so that they can extrapolate
insights from data and content by applying algorithms to large multivariate sets of data
and content.
This Big Data framework is supported by identity and defining what Big Data Processes
are needed. These processes provide focus and structure to this Big Data initiative and
the key metrics needed to manage this Big Data infrastructure effectively. Additional
areas of support for the Big Data framework come from its strategy. This includes its
core capabilities relative to organizational structures and functions. For example,
establishing a Big Data Center of Excellence, which is a subset of the Enterprise Center
of Excellence within your organization that provides guidance and subject matter
expertise to institutionalize its functions.
The following model provides a graphical representation of the hierarchy of Enterprise
Architecture (EA) to Enterprise Digital Architecture (EDA) to Big Data Architecture:

Data Architecture Reflection

Review Article
 Review this article to learn more about business process data management based on
Big Data Approach.
A Framework for Business Process Data Management Based on Big Data
ApproachLinks to an external site.

Reflection Activity
Consider this scenario: You are the Chief Information Officer at Dell Computer and have
been mandated to establish a Big Data Architecture framework supported by a Big Data
Center of Excellence.
Use the scenario to answer the following prompts.

1. Define what is needed before and after establishing a Big Data Architecture framework
supported by a Big Data Center of Excellence.
2. Define the key components to implement a Big Data Architecture framework successfully.

Based on your definitions, answer the following question:

 Why is there a hierarchical structure leading to the establishment of a Big Data

Architecture framework?

Keep these answers in your journal for this course.

Quantitative Data Analysis

To understand quantitative data relative to Big Data Analytics, we need to define this
data as information derived from extensive qualitative analysis. If you recall, this was
mentioned in Module 5 under “Data Mining Techniques”. There are two main kinds of
quantitative data: discrete and continuous. Discrete data has a limited number of
possible values. For example, whole numbers from 1 through 100, while continuous
data has unlimited possibilities, including fractions and decimals such as 1/5 of the
height percentile for your age or your current weight/body mass is 135.8 pounds for
your age group.
Data can be organized into three different levels of measurement:
Nominal Data: Each variable has a different value, but no order exists.
Ordinal Data: Data follows a specific progressive order based on values. Data is
continuous and has an order along a scale.
Ratio Data: Data is continuous and has an absolute zero. Ratio data is very similar in
properties to interval data.
Data can also be classified in three ways.

 Univariate (single variable) – presented as a list

 Bivariate (two variables) –has rows and columns
 Multivariate (multiple variables) – has rows and columns

Seven Key Quantitative Techniques

The following seven key quantitative techniques are used in data analytics:

Frequency Distribution
This overviews all distinct values in some variables, the number of times they occur,
and how frequencies are distributed over values. These distributions are used for
summarizing categorical variables.

Descriptive Statistics
These are brief descriptive coefficients that summarize a given data set, representing
the entire set or a population sample. They are broken down into measures of central
tendency and measures of variability.

Comparison of Means Tests

This helps to determine if your groups have similar means. There are many cases in
statistics where you will want to compare means for two populations or samples. The
four major ways of comparing means from data assumed to be normally distributed are
Independent Samples T-Test. The additional tests are the One-Sample T-Test, Paired
Samples T-Test, and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Cross Tabulation
This method quantitatively analyses the relationship between multiple variables. Also
known as contingency tables or cross tabs, cross-tabulation groups variables to
understand the correlation between variables. It also shows how correlations change
from one variable grouping to another.

Correlation
This refers to any statistical relationship between two random variables or bivariate
data, whether causal or not. In the broadest sense, correlation is any statistical
association, though it commonly refers to the degree to which a pair of variables are
linearly related.

Linear Regression
This is a linear approach to modeling the relationship between a scalar response and
one or more explanatory variables. The case of one explanatory variable is called
simple linear regression.

Text Analytics
This is the automated process of translating large volumes of unstructured text into
quantitative data to uncover insights, trends, and patterns. Combined with data
visualization tools, this technique enables companies to understand the story behind the
numbers and make better decisions.
The following model summarizes the key stages a data analyst and data scientist should follow.

Quantitative Analysis Practice Activity

Review Article
Review the article about Big Data.

Where Big Data Can't Go: The Indispensability of Qualitative Research in the

Evolving Landscape of Measuring Behavior Links to an external site.

Reflective Activity
Use the same scenario from the previous section where you acted as the Chief
Information Officer of Dell Computer. Refer to your previous responses and build upon
them to answer the following prompts.

 Define at least three Data Analytics Quantitative Techniques that can help Dell Computer
quantitatively understand the completed qualitative analysis.
 Why are these Data Analytics Quantitative Techniques important?

Answer these questions in your journal for this course.

Decision-Making and Big Data

A recent Harvard Business Review study, “ The Evolution of Decision Making: How

Leading Organizations Are Adopting a Data-Driven Culture, Links to an external site.”

found that companies rely on data for better financial performance. The study surveyed
646 executives, managers, and professionals from industries around the globe. They
found that many corporations integrate data capture and analysis into their decision-
making processes. Many business executives are enhancing their skills to allow them to
integrate analytical tools into their business decision-making practices. There are
several examples in the industry.
The following businesses are examples of companies using data to make decisions that
increase their success and profitability.

 Southwest Airlines

 Amazon
 Google

The following functional business areas use Big Data Analytics to provide
recommendations to increase the efficiencies and optimization of internal operations,
avoiding costs.

IT Infrastructure
Analytics can be used to improve network traffic relative to bandwidth
and understand the current traffic patterns and alternatives for increasing that
bandwidth.

Cybersecurity
Analytics can be deployed to study the behaviors and constructs of malicious attacks.
For example, SQL Injection attacks. This allows organizations to construct patterns for
future recognition of the same or similar SQL Injection attacks.
Customer Behaviors
The same can be true for product development and marketing of a product based on
the understanding of specific customer behaviours. The understanding is based
on segmenting those customers from their specific attributes provided by a Machine
Learning or Deep Learning Algorithm.

Correct Framework
The deployment of the correct Big Data framework for an organization can help to
drive decision-making so that organizations are more cost-effective, efficient, and
competitive in the marketplace as well as improve an organization's operations.
This avoids costly processes that were not improved and optimized for operation.

Decision-Making and Big Data Practice Activity

Review Article
Review this article on UX and Conversion.

10 Product Recommendation Techniques to Improve UX & Conversions Links to an

external site.

Reflective Activity
Here is an opportunity to apply critical thinking toward a business like Dell and consider
what it needs from a business recommendation perspective. Continue to use the
scenario from the previous sections and build upon it to answer the following prompts.

 Define three Dell Computer business recommendations based on the quantitative

techniques you defined for them.
 Why are these business recommendations important?

Assignment Overview
The final project of this course covers the development of a framework for
applying Big Data Analytics across the e-commerce industry value chain. You already
created the technical and business recommendation frameworks in Milestones 1 & 2.
You are now tasked with creating a value proposition canvas based on your technical
and business frameworks.
If you need a few examples of a business value proposition, examine the following
article: The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Value Proposition with over 30

Examples Links to an external site.

Assignment Description
Utilize the AIA 6650 Final Project Value Proposition Canvas Worksheet Download
AIA 6650 Final Project Value Proposition Canvas Worksheet to complete this
assignment. Page 1 of the worksheet showcases an example of how to design a value
proposition. Page 2 of the worksheet is your opportunity to create your own value
proposition for the e-commerce company of your choice. You will use the information
from your milestones to populate the worksheet. You will also need to search for and
create additional content to finish the value proposition. The Nexford University Library
is a great place to locate resources.

Assignment Instructions
Step 1. Download the Value Proposition Canvas Worksheet
Step 2. Review the examples of Creating a Value Proposition
Step 3. Complete page 2 of the worksheet
Make sure that you include citations within the worksheet and list your references.

Assignment Tips
 Include a minimum of two references using in-text citations and listing them on the reference
list. The NXU citation style can be found in your writing lab.
 Review the rubric before submitting the assignment.
 Review the guide to creating a value proposition mentioned in the assignment overview.