FINFLEX-CM: A conceptual model for financial analysis of solution architectures considering the uncertainty and flexibility

Abstract

Financial analysis of solution architectures is essential to determine their profitability and justify their implementation. These financial analyses are supported on variables such as costs and benefits which should be standardized, clear and consistent to understand the objectives of the financial analysis, the relationship between the variables and the components of the solution architecture, and the financial indicators obtained once the financial analysis is performed. To do that, the financial analysis of solution architecture should be supported in a conceptual model that contains the concepts, relationships and explanations that support a financial analysis. However, the current models are focused on the structure of solution architectures and they are limited with respect to their financial concepts. As a result, the understanding and identification of those concepts are usually done informally, turning this process into a complicated and an error-prone task. The article presents a theoretical conceptual model, called FINFLEX-CM, that formalizes the concepts and supports the financial analysis of solution architectures, increasing understanding and promoting the standardization.