Primary Responsibilities of e-business Architect - Quiz Explanation
The correct answers are indicated below, along with text that explains the correct answers.
1.
What would you expect the career background of an e-business architect to be?
Please select the best answer .
A.
A marketing background
B.
A systems background
C.
A commercial background
D.
An operational background
E.
A mixture of most of the above
The correct answer is E.
Although it's likely that an architect will have a strong systems background, an enterprise-wide view of the e-business implementation is equally important, and is usually founded on a solid understanding of business.
2.
As the architect for a large-scale enterprise, you are presented with a report detailing several interesting e-business proposals. However, the report contains terms, jargon, and abbreviations that are unfamiliar to you. Do you
Please select the best answer .
A.
Concentrate largely on the terms, jargon, and abbreviations you are familiar with, and make your own assumptions as to the meanings of other terms used
B.
Return the report to the author with a curt note explaining that you do not understand the meanings of the terms used
C.
Respond by introducing new jargons and terms to demonstrate your e-business expertise
D.
Respond by asking the author for clarification on specific terms listed, explaining that defining terminology upfront might be a useful way to establish a shared vocabulary, and facilitate your mutual understanding of the project
E.
Raise the issue with the author's superiors, to ensure it does not happen again
The correct answer is D.
As the architect, it is your responsibility to gain and maintain a broad understanding of the business, and to be aware of the current business practices and systems. It is also your responsibility as a manager of the process to facilitate communications between all parties involved. An unfamiliarity with e-business terms and jargon does not imply a lack of understanding of e-business; jargon is a convenient, shorthand way for two or more people who understand the jargon to communicate. More importantly, iCommerce and e-business technologies are changing daily, and with a global exchange of information and a global customer network, the meanings of associated jargon changes too. Clarifying the meaning of jargon and acronyms is always good practice.
Defining new terms is a necessity. Because new jargon will only hinder communication, C is incorrect. Using jargon may only confuse the audience, and can damage a project's progress and success. A is incorrect because the architect cannot afford to misunderstand requirements, specifications, or process, and poor communication should be addressed. Answers B and E are incorrect because the architect depends heavily on outside support and should avoid any action that might alienate the project partners in the process.