5 exercises — practice the language for Architecture Review Boards, waiver requests, architecture decision reviews, and IT governance models.
0 / 5 completed
1 / 5
A solution architect submits a proposal to use a NoSQL database for a new customer data platform. The Architecture Review Board requests changes before approval.
What is the role of an Architecture Review Board (ARB)?
An Architecture Review Board (ARB) is the governance mechanism for architecture decisions. It ensures that local decisions (one team choosing a technology or pattern) do not undermine enterprise-wide standards, security posture, or strategic direction. Typical ARB outcomes: Approved / Approved with conditions / Deferred pending clarification / Rejected with rationale. In TOGAF, the ARB is a key component of the Architecture Governance framework.
2 / 5
A team needs to use a technology that is on the enterprise Hold list due to a deadline constraint. They submit a waiver request.
What should a waiver request language include?
A waiver request is the formal mechanism for requesting an exception to an architecture standard. Good waiver language includes: (1) Scope — what specifically is being waived; (2) Justification — the business or technical reason; (3) Risk acknowledgement — what risks the exception introduces; (4) Mitigation — how those risks are managed; (5) Time bound — when the team will remediate or migrate. Waivers are exceptions, not permanent exemptions.
3 / 5
Complete the governance process description:
"All proposed changes to the enterprise reference architecture must go through an Architecture _____ Review — a structured assessment where architects evaluate the proposal against standards, risks, and strategic fit before recommending approval."
An Architecture Decision Review is a formal evaluation process — typically triggered when a team is making a significant architectural choice (adopting a new platform, changing an integration pattern, selecting a cloud provider). It is distinct from a waiver request (which asks for an exception) — a decision review is the standard process for all significant architecture choices. The output is typically an Architecture Decision Record (ADR) with the chosen option, rationale, and any constraints.
4 / 5
What best describes an IT governance model in a large enterprise?
An IT governance model defines: who makes decisions (decision rights), what decisions require escalation, how IT investment is prioritised and authorised, and how risk is monitored and reported. Common frameworks include COBIT, ITIL, and TOGAF's governance components. The governance model answers: "How does the organisation ensure that IT delivers value and manages risk?" It encompasses the ARB, investment approval, portfolio governance, and compliance mechanisms.
5 / 5
Which sentence correctly uses enterprise IT governance vocabulary in an architecture review context?
Option B demonstrates correct governance language: conditional approval (not binary approve/reject), specific conditions (security review, catalog registration), and a time bound (60 days). This is realistic ARB communication — boards rarely give unconditional approval for significant changes; conditions protect enterprise standards while unblocking delivery. Option A is a caricature of governance as obstruction. Option C normalises bypassing governance, which undermines the model entirely.
What does the "Enterprise IT Governance Vocabulary — Enterprise Architecture English Exercise" exercise cover?
Practice English for enterprise IT governance: Architecture Review Board, waiver requests, architecture decision reviews, and governance model language. 5 exercises.
Is this exercise free to use?
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How many questions are in "Enterprise IT Governance Vocabulary — Enterprise Architecture English Exercise"?
This exercise has 5 questions. Each one gives instant feedback with an explanation, so you can see exactly why an answer is right or wrong.
Do I need to create an account to save my progress?
No account is required. The progress bar and score are tracked in your browser for the current session -- the exercise is designed to be a quick, repeatable drill rather than something you resume later.
What happens if I get an answer wrong?
You'll see the correct answer highlighted immediately, along with a short explanation of why it's correct. Wrong answers aren't penalized beyond your score, and you can keep going through every question.
How is this exercise different from reading an article?
Articles explain vocabulary and concepts through prose, while exercises like this one are interactive drills -- multiple-choice questions -- that test and reinforce your recall of specific terms and phrasing.
Can I retry this exercise?
Yes -- use the "Try again" button on the results screen to reset your score and go through all the questions again from the start.
Where can I find more Enterprise Architecture Language exercises?
Browse the full Enterprise Architecture Language hub for related drills, or check the site-wide exercises index for other IT English topics.
Is this exercise suitable for beginners?
This exercise assumes basic familiarity with IT terminology. If a term feels unfamiliar, check the site Glossary for a plain-English definition before attempting the questions.
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