Implementation (IMP)

What the layer describes

The IMP layer answers the question “How does the architecture change?”. It describes the programmes (Programme) and projects (Project) that change the architecture, their funding (Funding) and the architecture states (ArchitectureState). Delivery of software within the change belongs to DEL.

Concepts and how they relate

A programme is a coordinated set of change activities with shared results. A project is a bounded initiative with planned responsibilities and results. Where needed, a programme aggregates its projects, through the “aggregates” relationship (aggregation).

Funding is a source or an allocation of funds. Where needed, it funds a programme or a project, through the “funds” relationship (funds). A milestone (Milestone) marks a significant moment, planned or achieved.

An architecture state is a baseline, transition or target state. It aggregates the elements that make it up, from any layer. A programme or a project realises an architecture state, an objective (Objective) or a requirement (Requirement), through the “realises” relationship (realisation).

Element types

The layer has 5 element types, in these families: information (1), event (1), change (3). Each type's own fields are listed under its definition; the fields common to every element are described under the core concepts.

• ProgrammeProgramme · change family

  A coordinated set of change activities pursuing shared outcomes.

  Key attributes: startsOnendsOnbudgetcurrency
• ProjectProject · change family

  A bounded change initiative with planned responsibilities and outcomes.

  Key attributes: startsOnendsOnstatusbudgetcurrency
• MilestoneMilestone · event family

  A significant planned or achieved point in an implementation effort.

  Key attributes: dueOnstatus
• FundingFunding · information family

  A source or allocation of funding for an implementation effort.

  Key attributes: sourceamountcurrencyperiod
• ArchitectureStateArchitecture state · change family

  A recorded baseline, transition or target state of the architecture.

  Key attributes: kindeffectiveOn

In the “Family support benefit” example

Figure 4.11 (page 40) shows the IMP layer in the example. The project “Assisted access improvement” is a funded change that adds assisted intake of applications and their reconciliation. It is associated with the goal (Goal) “Timely and fair family support”, from STR, through the “is associated with” relationship (association). The “realises” relationship does not connect a project to a goal; in the example, their link is an association.