Towards a human capabilities ontology in enterprise Architecture

Abstract

This thesis aims at understanding and formalising human capabilities in enterprise architecture (EA). It begins by justifying why it is important for EA research and practice to consider human capabilities, and then proceeds to construct a computational ontology that defines human capability concepts and relationships in the EA domain. The research is motivated by the need to mainstream humans and their capability concerns into EA research and practice by creating mechanisms that would allow EA to function in an environment where the demand for equity, justice, sustainability, and progressive ideals is high. This research is in response to a call for more research from a holistic perspective of EA that takes into account shifting economic, environmental, and human conditions. Based on Amartya Sen’s human capabilities approach (HCA), which asserts that the true value of any developmental initiative lies in its potential and outcome to promote human capabilities, this research seeks to answer questions like what roles do or could human capabilities play in EA, what human capabilities should EA practices account for, and whether or not a human capabilities ontology can support EA practice. Within a design science research (DSR) approach, literature review, thematic analysis, framework synthesis, and ontology modelling are deployed to create the ontology artefact. A panel of experts from banking and finance, as well as higher education, were engaged to validate the ontology. The surveyed experts agreed that the ontology adequately reflects key human capability concepts and relationships pertinent to EA. They also acknowledged that the concepts are valid for a diverse user group. In addition to contributing to the paucity of literature at the interface of EA and human capabilities, this research promotes human capabilities-conscious EA practices. Both theoretical and practical applications of EA and the HCA stand to benefit from the ontology. By supporting a shared understanding of human capabilities in the EA domain, the ontology might enable enterprises and their stakeholders to develop a common vision for a sustainable future.