How does TOGAF define architecture governance?

TOGAF defines architecture governance as the framework for ensuring that the implementation of the architecture aligns with business goals. This emphasizes that architecture governance is not just about creating architectural designs but ensuring that those designs are effectively realized within the organization to meet strategic objectives. It involves the establishment of principles, policies, and practices that guide decision-making in relation to architecture, facilitating alignment between the architectural work and the organization’s broader goals and strategies.

In this context, architecture governance helps maintain consistency and quality across all architecture initiatives and projects. It ensures that all stakeholders understand and adhere to the defined architecture, fostering accountability and coherence in achieving business value. By aligning architecture governance with business goals, organizations can better adapt to changes and challenges, ensuring that their IT capabilities support overall business objectives.

While project management, regulatory compliance, and cost control are important aspects of overall governance and management processes, they do not capture the holistic and strategic alignment focus that is central to the definition of architecture governance in TOGAF. Hence, the accurate choice reflects the purpose of governance in both guiding and evaluating architectural initiatives in alignment with the business's vision and mission.