The Standard groups the ADM phases into four iteration cycles, each with a distinct purpose. These groupings show which phases tend to be iterated together.
| Iteration cycle | Phases | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Capability iterations | Preliminary and A | Establish or adjust the approach, principles, scope, vision and governance |
| Architecture Development iterations | B, C and D | Create the architecture content, with broader stakeholder reviews; may extend into E and F as work converges, to consider implementability |
| Transition Planning iterations | E and F | Create formal change roadmaps |
| Architecture Governance iterations | G and H | Govern change towards the Target Architecture |
Requirements Management is not part of any single cycle; it serves all phases, as described in Chapter 8, Phases G, H and Requirements Management. Figure 12.1 shows the four cycles and where Requirements Management sits.
Common trap: Phase A belongs with the development phases B, C and D - in the four iteration cycles, Phase A is paired with the Preliminary Phase in Architecture Capability iterations.