Assessing the BDMM Level
A BDMM assessment is carried out by referring to the BDMM diagram and details,
and scoring each of the Business Architecture and Business Governance
characteristics to determine the extent of that compliance. The assessment is based on
two separate judgments:
◾ A qualitative judgment, which is the extent to which the organization has
developed processes and practices that match the characteristics of the specific level
being assessed.
◾ A quantitative judgment, which is calculated by the breadth of implementation
across the prescribed level of the organization.
These two judgments are maintained separately and are not combined in a single
score. The qualitative assessment is critical in all levels, but the quantitative judgment
is more important the higher the level in the BDMM. The risk of proceeding to level 3
before a sufficient number of projects, given the size of the organization, have
demonstrated a level 2 proficiency would be a high risk. Similarly, a sufficient
quantitative score for a level 3 would be a prerequisite to attempt a level 4 without
significant risk. Finally, from level 4 to 5 it is presumed that the organization would
be widely acculturated to Business Decision Management, and would be at a
relatively high quantitative score. A detailed description of how to conduct such an
assessment is beyond the scope of this chapter.
Characteristics at Five Levels of the BDMM
These are examples of the characteristics for each of the following six levels of the
BDMM.
Level 0:
None At this level there is no awareness of business decisions as a manageable asset,
and business logic is not formally managed or separated from code, documents, or
individual knowledge.
Business Value
There is no business value in the Business Decision Management process existing at
level 0. There is the adverse value due to the business logic being “lost” to the
business. Lack of knowledge of the business decisions and their business logic
presents significant risk to the business in a wide range of areas, and dramatically
increases the cost of business change.
Business Architecture
There is no formal control or management process relating to the business decisions
in the organization. No architecture relating to business logic or business decisions is
present.
Business Governance
There is no business governance of or accountability for business logic.
Assessing the BDMM Level
A BDMM assessment is carried out by referring to the BDMM diagram and details,
and scoring each of the Business Architecture and Business Governance
characteristics to determine the extent of that compliance. The assessment is based on
two separate judgments:
- A qualitative judgment, which is the extent to which the organization has developed
processes and practices that match the characteristics of the specific level being
assessed.
- A quantitative judgment, which is calculated by the breadth of implementation
across the prescribed level of the organization.
These two judgments are maintained separately and are not combined in a single
score. The qualitative assessment is critical in all levels, but the quantitative judgment
is more important the higher the level in the BDMM. The risk of proceeding to level 3
before a sufficient number of projects, given the size of the organization, have
demonstrated a level 2 proficiency would be a high risk. Similarly, a sufficient
quantitative score for a level 3 would be a prerequisite to attempt a level 4 with- out
significant risk. Finally, from level 4 to 5 it is presumed that the organization would
be widely acculturated to Business Decision Management, and would be at a
relatively high quantitative score.
Characteristics at Five Levels of the BDMM
These are examples of the characteristics for each of the following six levels of the
BDMM.
Level 0:
None At this level there is no awareness of business decisions as a manageable asset,
and business logic is not formally managed or separated from code, documents, or
individual knowledge.
Business Value
There is no business value in the Business Decision Management process existing at
level 0. There is the adverse value due to the business logic being
“lost” to the business. Lack of knowledge of the business decisions and their business
logic presents significant risk to the business in a wide range of areas, and
dramatically increases the cost of business change.
Business Architecture
There is no formal control or management process relating to the business decisions
in the organization. No architecture relating to business logic or business decisions is
present.
Business Governance
There is no business governance of or accountability for business logic.
