Why Enterprises Clearly Recognize TOGAF’s Limitations in Scope and Understanding
- Sunil Dutt Jha
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Thousands of architects worldwide proudly identify themselves as "TOGAF-certified Enterprise Architects." Yet, when you dive deeper into what TOGAF certification really covers, a troubling fact emerges: these professionals are trained narrowly in IT systems, governance, and technical processes—completely lacking genuine understanding of critical strategic functions such as finance, operations, risk management, human resources, and market strategy.
1. The Dangerous Limitations of TOGAF Certification
TOGAF certification explicitly emphasizes:
IT system governance and ADM processes.
Technology frameworks and IT infrastructure models.
Vendor management and software integration scenarios.
Yet, TOGAF architects receive practically zero training or certification in:
Strategic financial modeling and risk management.
Operational processes, logistics, and supply chain integration.
Workforce strategy, talent management, or organizational culture.
Regulatory compliance frameworks or market and sales strategies.
Remember clearly: This narrow focus means TOGAF architects are fundamentally unequipped to handle genuine enterprise-wide issues strategically.
2. Historical Analogy—The 1820s Medical Certification
Imagine doctors certified in the 1820s, trained to see the human body only through the intestines. Every illness they encountered was treated by looking at just this single organ. Clearly, their limited understanding caused disastrous outcomes.
TOGAF-certified architects similarly view enterprises only through IT systems and governance, completely ignoring the broader "anatomy" of an enterprise. Like those outdated doctors, TOGAF architects often misdiagnose structural enterprise issues, resulting in strategic misalignment, repeated operational failures, and dangerous systemic risks.
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