The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Practice Exam

What describes a concern in TOGAF?

1. A concern is solely related to a specific stakeholder.

2. A concern is a non-critical area of interest.

3. Concerns always translate directly into requirements.

4. A concern includes aspects such as performance.

The correct answer is: A concern includes aspects such as performance.

In the context of TOGAF, a concern encompasses a range of considerations that can impact the architecture of an organization. These concerns can relate to various aspects, including performance, security, usability, and compliance, among others. Concerns represent the interests and priorities of stakeholders, influencing how architectures are developed and implemented. For instance, performance as a concern would involve considerations around how well the system can handle load, response times, and resource utilization. By addressing such concerns, architects ensure that the architecture aligns with the operational goals of the organization. The other perspectives on concerns have limitations or do not capture the comprehensive nature of what a concern can entail. While a concern can be related to a specific stakeholder, it is not limited to just one; it can be shared among multiple stakeholders. Concerning the notion of being non-critical, many concerns can indeed be critical to the overall effectiveness of an architecture. Lastly, concerns do not always translate directly into requirements because they may influence the design process in more nuanced ways, rather than resulting in specific, identifiable requirements.