About the Business Architecture Center Of Excellence™
Business Architecture Center Of Excellence™ (BACOE™) is a vendor-neutral, practitioner-based organization dedicated to Business Architecture and the Business Architect.
BACOE provides a forum for Business Architects, Analysts, Management, Executives, Technologists, and Academicians interested in developing, implementing, managing, and practicing Business Architecture.
Our work brings together practitioner education, certification, methodologies, tools, professional development, consulting, and Business Architecture resources.
A Practitioner-Based Organization Dedicated to Business Architecture
BACOE provides an environment focused specifically on the practice and professional development of Business Architecture.
Our approach is based on practitioner experience, demonstrated Business Architecture activities, continuing professional development, methods, models, tools, and structured practitioner guidance.
To Advance the Understanding and Implementation of Business Architecture
BACOE's mission is based on several practitioner assumptions.
Practitioner Experience Matters
The Business Architecture profession requires a source of understanding based on actual practitioner experience, implementation, and demonstrated results.
Business Architecture Requires Professional Development
A Business Architecture base of understanding requires professional administration, skills verification, practitioner development, and continued professional growth.
Architecture Builds on Established Practice
BACOE considers lessons from earlier economic and organizational periods when examining practices for the Information Age and Knowledge Age rather than assuming that current technology removes the need for established Architecture principles.
Business Architecture Supports Organizational Understanding
Business Architecture can help organizations:
- address continuing change through Architecture Models
- visualize, develop, present, and understand Business Strategy
- align Technology and Application Strategy with Business Strategy
- provide Technology and Application Implementation Models based on Architecture Models
- reuse Data, Processes, and Technologies
- manage the Knowledge Base of the Business
A Complete Business Architecture Understanding Requires More Than Models
BACOE considers the following components part of a complete Business Architecture practitioner environment:
- a Process
- a Classification, Taxonomy, and Framework
- a Work Breakdown Structure and Methodology
- a Business Architect Maturity Model
- an Organization Change Model, Process, Methodology, and Work Breakdown Structure
- Business Understanding Components
- Technology Understanding Components
- Architecture Models
- Implementation Models
- components supporting short-term value that can contribute to long-term value
- templates and tools for practitioner guidance
- criteria for recognizing increasing practitioner competency based on actual Business Architecture activity
BACOE Board Of Directors
BACOE's Board includes professionals with experience across Architecture, technology, strategic management, information systems, industry, government, and academia.
Mike Boeselager
Director Enterprise Architect
James F. Rudisill
Director, IT Architecture
Michael DeChambeau
Vice President
Hong Zhang
Chief Architect
Peter Milligan
Director, Enterprise Architecture
Carol A. Delbene
Technology Director, Global Technology Solutions - Architecture · Information Technology Services
Joshua Stalker
Director Strategic Management
Kaz Okada
Consultant
Mohammad Dadashzadeh
Professor of Management Information Systems · Director of ATiB - Applied Technology in Business
Rolf Siegers
Architecture Institutionalization and Sustainment Lead · Engineering Fellow
Steven I. Cooper
Partner · Former CIO, American Red Cross, Federal Aviation Authority, Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security
Gary E. Rivord
Deputy Director, Computer Systems and Technologies
Ed Rybicki
Enterprise Information Services Leader
Jeff Gades
Manager Architecture
John Roach
Enterprise Strategy and Architecture
Thomas (Tom) F. Signor
Team Leader, Systems Architecture - Information · Systems Architect, Enterprise Architecture Team
Meet Samuel B. Holcman
Samuel B. Holcman is Chairman of the Pinnacle Business Group, Inc., Managing Director of the Enterprise Architecture Center Of Excellence™ (EACOE™) and Business Architecture Center Of Excellence™, and President of the Zachman Institute for Framework Advancement.
His work spans Enterprise Architecture, Business Architecture, methodology development, strategic planning, Business Process Re-Engineering, practitioner education, and implementation.
Methodology and Architecture Work
Sam conceptualized and developed the ForeSight™ methodology and methodology management product.
His work also includes:
- strategic planning processes used by organizations
- Rapid Analysis
- Business Process Visualization™
- Organization Network Analysis™
- Intellectual Capital Maturity Model™
- Enterprise Architecture Maturity Model
- Cooperatively Optimized Relationships
- The Enterprise Framework™
- The Business Architecture Framework™
He also authored Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change.
Professional Background
Sam worked with Ford Motor Company for 11 years and later served as Vice President of a robotics and factory automation company.
His professional activities have also included participation in technology delegations to the People's Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Sam holds:
- a Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering from Wayne State University
- a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University
- a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
He has been elected to Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi and has participated in numerous professional organizations and seminars.
From ZIFA to BACOE
BACOE's development is connected with the Zachman Institute for Framework Advancement, or ZIFA.
ZIFA was formed by John Zachman and Samuel Holcman as a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Business Group, Inc.
Its stated mission included advancing both the conceptual and implementation states of Business Architecture.
Conceptual Understanding and Practitioner Implementation
John Zachman concentrated on advancing understanding of the Framework and its conceptual basis.
Sam Holcman's work focused on applying Framework concepts through:
- methodology development
- Framework elaboration
- Enterprise Architecture engagements
- Business Architecture engagements
- practitioner education
- implementation
Together, ZIFA conducted conferences and education seminars.
Why BACOE Developed
As Business Architecture developed, practitioners increasingly needed more than an explanation of what a Framework was.
They also needed answers to a practical question:
How do we actually develop a Business Architecture?
BACOE's position is that a Framework and Methodology need to work together for practitioners who are responsible for performing Business Architecture.
Sam continued developing Business Architecture through research and practice across Frameworks and Methodologies.
The Business Architecture Center Of Excellence™, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Business Group, Inc., continues the mission of advancing the conceptual and implementation states of Business Architecture.
Develop and Support the Practice of Business Architecture
BACOE and its predecessor and parallel organizations have spent more than 40 years developing a practitioner base of knowledge around Architecture, model-driven business and technology planning, Business Process Engineering, methodology, and implementation.
Business Architecture for the Organization and the Practitioner
Business Architecture can provide a structured connection between Business Strategy, Business Goals, information, applications, technology, and organizational change.
BACOE Certified Business Architects are expected to demonstrate Business Architecture capability through practitioner work and continued professional development.
Advanced certifications require additional evidence of Business Architecture experience and demonstrated work.
Practice-Based Training and Strategy
BACOE distinguishes Architecture from Implementation.
Architecture provides models and understanding used to plan what should exist. Implementation concerns the construction or realization of those plans.
BACOE uses practitioner methods and visual Architecture Models to help stakeholders understand business information, relationships, priorities, and intended change.
The practitioner environment includes training, Workshops, consulting, certification, professional development, tools, methods, and continued learning.
What We Offer
Business Architecture Training and Certification
BACOE Business Architecture Workshops combine practitioner training, practical activities, methods, tools, and certification.
Participants learn Business Architecture concepts and apply them through Workshop activity rather than relying only on examination-based learning.
Business Architecture Consulting
BACOE consulting supports organizations working to connect Business Strategy, operations, processes, information, applications, and technology through Business Architecture.
Services can address existing Architecture activity, new Business Architecture development, assessments, implementation, and other organizational objectives.
Virtual Business Architecture Services
On-demand Business Architecture services provide access to practitioner expertise remotely, on-site, or through a combination of both approaches.
The service can support organizations that require Business Architecture guidance and experience without maintaining the same expertise internally.
About BACOE Frequently Asked Questions
Why the Business Architecture Center Of Excellence™?
BACOE is a vendor-neutral, practitioner-based organization dedicated to Business Architecture and the Business Architect. Its certification process is based on learning Business Architecture, performing Business Architecture activities, having that work reviewed by experienced practitioners, and receiving the appropriate certification level.
Why Does Practitioner-Based Business Architecture Matter?
BACOE considers a consistent base of understanding important for producing Business Architecture that can be reviewed and verified. Its practitioner environment combines knowledge with methods, tools, models, practical work, review, and professional development. BACOE's advisory Board is drawn from the practitioner community, and BACOE states that it does not receive outside funding or support from software or service vendors.
Who Is Eligible for Certification?
BACOE Business Architect Certification begins through the practitioner Workshop. Advanced certification categories require additional Business Architecture experience, work products, submissions, and review.
Can I Attend the Workshop Without Seeking Certification?
Yes. The Workshop is also intended for people who manage, work with, or want a structured understanding of Business Architecture and Business Architects. Certification is optional for Workshop attendees.
What Is Included With the Workshop?
The current Workshop includes components such as: Business Architecture Process · Classification, Taxonomy, and Framework · Work Breakdown Structure and Methodology · Business Architect Maturity Model · Organization Change Model and supporting Methodology · Business Understanding Components · Technology Understanding Components · Business Architecture Models · Implementation Models · practitioner templates and tools · competency criteria · classroom presentation and Workshop materials
How Do People Know I Am BACOE Certified?
BACOE certification materials identify the certification classification and validity period. Certified practitioners may also use the appropriate BACOE certification logo while their certification remains valid.
How Long Does Certification Take?
Initial Business Architect Certification can be completed through successful Workshop participation and practical exercises. Senior Business Architect, Distinguished Business Architect, and Business Architect Fellow certifications require additional submissions and reviews.
Who Reviews Certification Work?
BACOE states that certification work is reviewed by Certified BACOE Business Architects with substantial Business Architecture practitioner experience and knowledge of the techniques taught through BACOE Workshops.
What Is Required for Advanced Certification?
Advanced certification involves demonstrating actual Business Architecture experience and work products. Evidence may include Architecture Models, project plans, Business Architecture documents, testimonials, surveys, and other relevant materials. BACOE can accept appropriately redacted material where confidentiality is required.
Does BACOE Certification Require Re-Certification?
Yes. BACOE certification is time-limited and requires continued demonstration of professional competence. Refer to the current BACOE Certification page for the applicable validity period and Re-Certification requirements for each certification level.
Can I Display My BACOE Certification?
Yes, while the certification remains valid.
Learn, Practice, and Demonstrate Business Architecture
Explore BACOE practitioner Workshops, certification, consulting, methods, and professional resources for Business Architects and organizations.