Enterprise architecture programmes frequently struggle with scope confusion, misaligned stakeholder expectations, and poor traceability between business requirements and delivery plans. This paper presents a building block approach — distinguishing Business Building Blocks (capabilities) from Solution Building Blocks (systems and technologies) — developed and validated on a multi-project transformation programme at a rapidly expanding South African telecoms company. The result was dramatically improved communication between sponsors, stakeholders, programme managers, and development teams, and a shared, navigable picture of what would be delivered, when, and in what sequence.
Managing Information Technology Projects
Most project management texts focus on either general methodology or system development — very few address the full range of IT project types a practising manager actually faces. Co-authored with Derek Smith and drawing on 45 years of combined industry experience, this book equips IT and information systems project managers with the knowledge to handle everything from systems development and package implementation to hardware installation and business process reengineering. It covers planning, scope and change control, risk management, quality, and the people skills that determine whether projects succeed or fail.