The Business Architect 31 The business architect also works closely with the project manager. The business architect appro- ves the overall project plan on behalf of the client. In doing so, the business architect ensures that the proper level of client involvement has been planned as the product is being defined, built, and tested. The business architect also is a required member of the project-tracking team run by the project manager. Lesson 4.6 The business architect ensures the proper level of client involvement as the product is being defined, built, and tested. Is a Catalyst for Resolving Business-Related Problems The business architect is a catalyst to resolve or facilitate the resolution of business-related prob- lems and conflicts. When a problem arises--and the outcome can have an impact on the client's satisfaction of the product--the business architect is involved in influencing that outcome on behalf of the client. Most projects suffer from too little advocacy for the client. The business architect helps bring the client's perspective to the day-to-day decisions that must be made during product devel- opment. The addition of a business architect on a project can result in better business decisions being made on the project. Lesson 4.7 The business architect brings the client's perspective to the day-to-day decisions that must be made during the development of the product. Performs Business Process-Related Mentoring to Project Members The developers of a product need to understand the client's problems. They need to place them- selves in the client's shoes when making product-related decisions. This is not easy to do; nor typically is there a relatively expedient manner to acquire this perspective. In steps the business architect who provides the important function of mentoring project members with regard to the im- pact that their product decisions can have on the client's overall satisfaction with the product. Lesson 4.8 Without the influence of the business architect, products often err, being insensitive to sat- isfying the client. Q&A Q4.1 Must the business architect report directly to (be an employee of) the product manager and be an in-house member of the development organization? A4.1 This is preferred but is not a must have . For example, the business architect could be an employee of the client or work in a marketing organization within the company developing the product. However, if the business architect does not report directly to the product manager, the business architect must be dotted line to the product manager and assume the role de- fined in this chapter. The development organization must accept this outsider (someone tem- porarily assigned from the client or another organization from within the company) as one of the project members and work accordingly with that person.