Background and Objectives: This study aims to investigate and the proposed framework of DODAF information architecture by the managers and experts for the purpose of organizational information architecture of this university and to draw the attention of managers to organizational architecture in order to improve organizational excellence and enumerate the benefits of organizational architecture.
Methodology: The present study was carried out using a combination of two survey methods with experts from Shiraz University. To this end, data were gathered using the relevant documentaries and library studies to examine the forms and documents related to the processes of Shiraz University. In order to collect the data, face-to-face interviews with managers and experts of Shiraz University as well as a review of forms and documents related to the processes of Shiraz University were performed. To do this, interviews with the director and experts of the education and research department of the university (at all levels) were conducted; also, documents related to the documentation of tasks and processes, including job descriptions were collected. Additionally, other documents, including operational plan, performance indicators, organizational excellence, etc. were reviewed and reported. To analyze the data, first, the strategic orientation was determined. For this purpose, intitially, strategic elements were identified and relevant approaches were examined. Then, the existing processes were identified as well. In this vein, all the following indicators were identified for data analysis in two parts: strategic elements and strategic elements of information technology.
Findings: The purpose of information organization architecture at Shiraz University is to achieve the desired architectural outputs in this organization. This process can be implemented alongside other core processes of the organization and run continuously. In general, this process consists of three main steps: 1. Strategic IT planning, 2. Organizational architecture planning, and 3. Implementation of organizational architecture.
Discussion: The results showed that DODAF information architecture is the most appropriate and best option for the information architecture of Shiraz University. In order to manage the desired information organization architecture, Shiraz University needs to model and suggest the status and organization in a desirable situation, describe the occupations and conditions for obtaining organizational posts, and decide on how the organization matures. The organizational architecture will have many benefits for the organization. The benefits of preparing and implementing an organizational architecture plan at Shiraz University include the following: Facilitating interaction and communication within and outside the organization; setting uniformity in university processes, methods, and missions; integration of systems and processes by sharing information and data at different levels of the university; increasing productivity and reducing risk in the university; establishing a basis for IT planning; making ability to use ready-made templates and solutions; standardizing and applying national standards in the university and reducing costs and increasing revenue. There are several major factors involved in achieving these goals. The main factors for success in the organizational architecture project at Shiraz University are the following: Organizational determination to change; support of the management and the president of the university and relevant experts; clarity of organizational strategies; participation and cooperation of all personnel and human resources working in the university; determining the exact scope of the project and the starting time of the project; use of appropriate frameworks, methods, and tools; improving IT management and achieving the desired level of IT management as an important element in the organization. In general, there are expectations from the compilation of this report, and it is hoped that by carrying out this plan, a step can be taken toward the desired architecture in the organization and reaching the desired status from the current situation. In conclusion, the following expectations should be noted: 1. Having a plan and work policy to reach the desired point in a period of three to five years; 2. Fast transformation with program hardware and software environments; 3. Determining the relationship between software and hardware systems to coordinate with each other and avoid imposing additional costs on the organization; 4. Having a cost consumption pattern based on the priorities specified in the master plan; 5. Prioritizing the implementation of projects based on the needs of different departments; 6. Movement to electronic space; 7. Developing IT policies based on the views of managers and experts; 8. Compliance of the comprehensive plan with the needs of the organization, and 9. Compliance of the master plan with the budget.