In an article that I wrote for Modern Analyst last March about the Zachman Architecture with John Zachman <<http://bit.ly/6WRJnP>> I talked about the value of models.
Here is a wonderful resource to describe some interesting types of pictures that can be used to describe data, information, concepts and other parts of an Enterprise Architecture or Requirements: http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html
Thank you to Karen Lopez for sharing the information.
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Loretta Mahon Smith
Very neat, thanks for sharing Loretta!
So, what is the essential difference between a Use Case, Data Flow Diagram, BPM diagram, BPMN diagram, and Activity Diagram? If the framework can not address this basic, fundamental question (and it does not), then all it is doing is adding to the dysfunctional thinking that prevades - albiet under the guise of sophistication.
Tony Markos
I don't believe that the "Periodic table for Visualization Methods" is a framework, it is just a reference tool for identifying different types of visual represtation techniques. It is up to the Business Analyst to select the method that would best suit his or her audience's needs. The website www.visual-literacy.org was developed to create course materials for fourteen universities on how to create good visual presentations. And in reality, it is a great example of a visual way of introducing a large number of concepts to an untrained audience.
The essential differences of diagram types are (as far as I know) explained through the Business Analysts best practices, and other course work.
If the comment was regarding the actual Zachman Framework, my answer would be different. John has always said that the framework provides the what of enterprise architecture; and that methodologies provide the "how to". Whether you choose TOGAF, DODAF, or some other framework...and a BA would use the standard diagram choice for that methodology.
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