The Execution Challenge

Chapter 2The Role of Strategic Business Architecture in Strategy Development and Execution

As discussed in Chapter 1, we've seen decades of research and education in the area of strategy execution, yet little improvement in our ability to execute business strategy. The chapter also introduced a study that suggests that part of the reason for the poor track record with strategy execution may rest with the set of topics typically covered when addressing strategy execution and the lack of any real guidance on the how of strategy execution—specifically, how to link the execution layer (projects) with business strategy and manage ongoing changes to business strategy. Without this linkage, the execution layer quickly falls out of alignment with current strategy.

Much of the traditional thinking regarding strategy development, alignment, and execution is incomplete and lacks specifics on the crucial how of strategy execution. In this chapter, we begin the discussion on a more pragmatic, comprehensive approach to business strategy execution and explore how the discipline of strategic business architecture creates the enterprise perspectives, understanding, and connections needed for effective strategy development and execution.

What Is Strategic Business Architecture?

A strategic business architecture is a holistic view of an organization that creates common understanding and aligns strategy and execution.¹ It helps us understand how an organization is structured to deliver value ...