ICMG Certified Chief Product Architect Assignments
Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Foundations of Product Architecture Using Enterprise Anatomy
Overview : In this foundational phase, participants develop a strong understanding of the Enterprise Anatomy framework. They explore why traditional, IT-centric product architectures often fall short, and learn to strategically align product goals with overarching enterprise objectives. Participants become skilled in defining precise system logic, clearly mapping business processes, and applying the six essential perspectives (Strategy, Process, System, Components, Implementation, Operations). The introduction to Enterprise X-Ray diagnostics enables participants to accurately identify and analyze structural gaps, setting a robust foundation for building effective product architectures.
Deliverables: Product Strategy Model, System Logic Definition, Initial Component Mapping
Week 1-2 | One Enterprise, One Anatomy
Week 3-4 | Strategy & Goals Alignment
Week 5-6 | System Logic & Process Flow
Week 7-8 | Six Perspectives Introduction
Week 9-10 | Data, Rules & Timing Variables
Week 11-12 | Enterprise X-Ray Introduction
Focus: Understand why traditional IT-centric architectures fail.
Assignment: Research typical points of failure.
Project: Analyze a real-world failed IT-centric product architecture.
Focus: Define strategic objectives in product architecture.
Assignment: Draft a product strategy aligned to enterprise goals.
Project: Present a product strategy model aligned with specific business objectives.
Focus: Map the system logic clearly supporting business processes.
Assignment: Create detailed system logic maps.
Project: Identify and address gaps in existing product system logic.
Focus: Explore ICMG's Six Perspectives (Strategy, Process, System, Components, Implementation, Operations).
Assignment: Map a product using the six perspectives.
Project: Apply perspectives to an actual industry product case.
Focus: Use data, rules, and timing to structure precise product designs.
Assignment: Define variable models for specific use cases.
Project: Develop a detailed variable-based product design model.
Focus: Diagnostic review using Enterprise X-Ray.
Assignment: Analyze and document findings.
Project: Present comprehensive Enterprise X-Ray findings for evaluation.
Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Defining a Robust Product Architecture Model
Overview : The second phase emphasizes creating comprehensive and scalable product architectures explicitly aligned to strategic enterprise goals. Participants learn how to bridge strategic intent, operational processes, and detailed system logic into fully integrated architecture models. The focus on component-level specifications and interoperability ensures participants can develop modular, reusable product structures. Additionally, this phase covers designing product architectures optimized for scalability, performance, and user experience, equipping participants to craft resilient architectures capable of adapting to evolving business needs.
Deliverables: Comprehensive Product Blueprint, Detailed Component Specifications, Interoperability Standards
Week 13-14 | Linking Strategy, Processes & Systems
Focus: Ensure seamless integration from strategy to systems.
Assignment: Identify strategy-process-system gaps.
Project: Develop an integrated architecture model explicitly linking strategy and systems.
Week 15-16 | Component Specifications & Interoperability
Focus: Modular components and interoperability standards.
Assignment: Define clear component-level structures.
Project: Create interoperability standards for product components.
Week 17-18 | System Logic & Modularization
Focus: Analyze existing product structures for modularity.
Assignment: Break down product into reusable components.
Project: Redesign product architecture emphasizing modularity.
Week 19-20 | Scalability & Performance Models
Focus: Achieve scalability and optimize performance.
Assignment: Benchmark and identify performance issues.
Project: Redesign architecture for enhanced scalability and performance.
Week 21-22 | UI/UX Integration in Architecture
Focus: Integrate UI/UX explicitly with architecture.
Assignment: Identify UI components within system logic.
Project: Develop architecture-driven UI/UX models.
Week 23-24 | Peer Review & Refinement
Focus: Peer feedback and architecture refinement.
Assignment: Peer-review other participants' models.
Project: Finalize your product blueprint based on peer feedback.
Phase 3 (Months 7-9): Implementation & Operational Excellence
Overview : Phase three transitions from architectural planning to practical, detailed implementation and operational readiness. Participants gain proficiency in translating high-level architecture blueprints into executable implementation tasks. An example for Software product would clearly specify APIs, middleware, databases, and integration points. Emphasis is placed on defining operational models explicitly aligned to implementation activities, ensuring smooth product launches and sustainability. Participants master lifecycle planning, performance optimization, and compliance alignment, enabling them to effectively manage products from MVP through full-scale operations and continued improvement.
Deliverables: Implementation Roadmap, Operational Model Definition, Alignment with Strategic Objectives
Week 25-26 | Implementation Blueprint
Focus: Detailed implementation planning.
Assignment: Translate architecture into practical tasks.
Project: Create implementation plans for APIs, middleware, and databases.
Week 27-28 | Component Implementation Pipeline
Focus: Effective component-based implementation.
Assignment: Design implementation workflow.
Project: Prototype initial product implementation.
Week 29-30 | Product Lifecycle & Phased Execution
Focus: Structured execution from MVP to scaling.
Assignment: Lifecycle mapping and planning.
Project: Develop detailed phased product launch plan.
Week 31-32 | Operational Readiness
Focus: Operational models aligned to implementation.
Assignment: Define operational and compliance models.
Project: Validate operational readiness and compliance.
Week 33-34 | Optimization & Efficiency
Focus: Performance and operational efficiency.
Assignment: Analyze and optimize performance.
Project: Optimize architecture for efficiency and stability.
Week 35-36 | Peer & Expert Feedback Integration
Focus: Refine architecture through feedback.
Assignment: Evaluate peers' models.
Project: Finalize comprehensive operational architecture.
Phase 4 (Months 10-12): Specialization & Final Enterprise X-Ray Project
Overview : The final phase offers deep specialization tailored to participants' professional contexts and strategic goals. Participants select one of three specialization paths: Scaling a Product as a Business Unit, Business Model Innovation & Monetization, or Industry-Specific Product Architecture. Each path provides advanced training in addressing real-world challenges using the Enterprise Anatomy Model, Enterprise X-Ray diagnostics, and practical industry insights. Participants culminate their learning with a comprehensive, practical project, followed by a rigorous presentation and defense before an expert panel, validating their expertise and readiness to drive strategic product leadership and enterprise success.
Path 1: Scaling a Product as a Business Unit
Final Deliverable: Enterprise X-Ray Model & Scaling Blueprint
Week 37-38
Scaling Challenges
Identify critical breakpoints using Enterprise X-Ray diagnostics
Week 39-40
Enterprise Expansion Model
Develop detailed Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy aligned with product anatom
Week 41-42
Team & Funding Structure
Design organizational structure and define funding/investment model
Week 43-44
Commercial Viability & Market Entry
Build commercial strategy including partnership models, pricing strategies, and new market entry
Week 45-46
Live Panel Defense
Present Scaling Blueprint and Execution Plan to ICMG expert panel
Path 2: Business Model Innovation & Monetization Strategy Final Deliverable: Complete Business Model & Monetization Strategy
Week 37-38
Monetization Strategy
Define revenue model (Subscription, Licensing, SaaS, Hybrid, etc.)
Week 39-40
Market Differentiation & Positioning
Leverage Enterprise X-Ray insights to clearly differentiate product from competitors
Week 41-42
Ecosystem & Partnership Expansion
Identify strategic partnerships, define pricing strategy, and leverage ecosystems
Week 43-44
Sustainable Business Model Lifecycle
Clearly define lifecycle from customer acquisition to retention
Week 45-46
Live Panel Defense
Present comprehensive Business Model Innovation Blueprint to expert panel
Path 3: Industry-Specific Product Architecture
Final Deliverable: Fully Mapped Industry-Specific Enterprise Anatomy Product Blueprint
Week 37-38
Industry Pain Points & X-Ray Diagnostics
Conduct Enterprise X-Ray analysis addressing specific industry challenges
Week 39-40
Product Lifecycle & Regulatory Alignment
Align architecture explicitly with industry-specific trends and regulations
Week 41-42
Customizing Architecture for Industry Use Cases
Tailor product architecture to precise industry scenarios (e.g., FinTech, Healthcare, Retail)
Week 43-44
Interoperability, Compliance & Scalability
Validate architecture interoperability, data governance, and regulatory compliance
Week 45-46
Live Panel Defense
Present Industry-Specific Product Architecture Blueprint to expert panel
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants earn the prestigious credential:
1. Designing robust, modular, scalable product architectures aligned to enterprise strategy
2. Applying rigorous Enterprise X-Ray diagnostics to identify structural and operational inefficiencies
3. Structuring actionable implementation plans and operational frameworks
4. Driving commercial success through clearly defined monetization strategies and industry-specific solutions
This structured, detailed approach positions participants as strategic enterprise leaders, fully equipped to deliver sustained product and business value.