The Higher Education Reference Models provide standardised business and data architectures that communicate a generalised view of how higher education institutions are organised and the information they use.

These resources can be used by institutions within higher education in a variety of ways, such as a starter kit to accelerate an institution's business and data architecture, a reference point to explore commonalities and differentiators for the institution, and a communication tool to engage stakeholders.

The Higher Education Reference Models help members to:

• increase the value and efficiency of their architecture teams
• describe a 'whole of institution' view to colleagues within their institution
• facilitate the exchange of architectural knowledge and good practice in the sector
• support interoperability and collaboration between member organisations
• improve engagement with industry in major projects and initiatives

The Higher Education Business Reference Model describes a standard set of business architecture elements relevant to higher education. It can be used by business stakeholders, enterprise architects and technology strategists to discuss the effectiveness of the organisation, its needs and challenges. As of Version 2.6.0, the Business Reference Model comprises a Business Capability Model and a new Business Model Canvas.

Business Capability Model Files

• HERM-BCM-V260-model.pdf = poster
• HERM-BCM-V260-catalogue.xlsx = catalogue of descriptions
• HERM-BCM-V260-changelog.xlsx = changelog from previous version
• HERM-BCM-V260-archimate-beta.archimate = beta version ArchiMate
• HERM-BCM-V260-model.vdx = beta version Visio VDX
• HERM-BCM-V260-model.vsdx = beta version Visio VSDX

Business Model Canvas Files

• HERM-BMC-V260-canvas.pdf = poster
• HERM-BMC-V260-supporting.pdf = supporting explanatory notes
• HERM-BMC-V260-visio-beta.vdx = beta version Visio VDX
• HERM-BMC-V260-visio-beta.vsdx = beta version Visio VSDX

The Higher Education Enterprise Architecture Data Reference Model describes a standard set of conceptual data architecture elements relevant to higher education. It provides a common language for business stakeholders, enterprise architects and technology strategists to communicate clearly.

Data Reference Model Files

• HERM-DRM-V260-model.pdf = poster
• HERM-DRM-V260-catalogue.xlsx = catalogue of descriptions
• HERM-DRM-V260-changelog.xlsx = changelog from previous version
• HERM-DRM-V260-archimate-beta.archimate = beta version ArchiMate
• HERM-DRM-V260-visio-beta.vdx = beta version Visio VDX
• HERM-DRM-V260-visio-beta.vsdx = beta version Visio VSDX