The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Practice Exam

When performing gap analysis, which of the following is not a valid response to the case of an Architecture Building Block that was present in the Baseline Architecture found to be missing in the Target Architecture?

1. A review should occur.

2. If the building block was correctly eliminated, it should be added to the Target Architecture in the next iteration.

3. If the building block was correctly eliminated, it should be marked as such in the "Eliminated" cell.

4. If the building block was incorrectly eliminated, it should be reinstated to the architecture design in the next iteration.

The correct answer is: If the building block was correctly eliminated, it should be added to the Target Architecture in the next iteration.

In the context of gap analysis within the framework of architecture development, the identification of a missing Architecture Building Block (ABB) from the Target Architecture compared to the Baseline Architecture prompts a critical evaluation of the reasons for its absence. Option B indicates that if the building block was correctly eliminated, it should be added to the Target Architecture in the next iteration. This response is not valid because if an ABB has been purposely eliminated—meaning its removal was based on informed decision-making—then reintegrating it contradicts the rationale for its elimination. Instead, the development team needs to understand why it was removed and ensure that the current architecture aligns with the strategic goals and requirements. Proper documentation or marking of this decision would suffice to reflect that a conscious choice was made regarding its elimination without returning it to the architecture unless circumstances change. In contrast, reviewing the architecture after identifying the missing ABB (Option A), marking it in an "Eliminated" cell if it was correctly removed (Option C), or reinstating it only if it was found to be incorrectly eliminated (Option D) are all appropriate actions that contribute to a clear understanding of architectural changes and the rationale behind them.