The journey to refresh the SIAM Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs) in 2025 has officially begun, marking a pivotal moment for the SIAM community. The SIAM BoKs have been critical in guiding service integration and management practices since they were first written in 2016/2017. However, with the rapid evolution of technologies and practices, there was a growing need to update them to ensure their continued relevance.
In this blog, Lead Architects Michelle Major-Goldsmith and Simon Dorst share a sneak peek into what’s coming up…
Approach
To address the changing environment in which SIAM now operates, we commenced initial discussions with key stakeholders, primarily Scopism and EXIN. The November 2024 SIAM Leadership Council served as the platform to discuss the recommended approach and key topics to be addressed, thereby providing an endorsed scope for the 2025 refresh activity. Concurrently, we solicited volunteers from the SIAM Community to participate in the refresh. While contributions from previous participants were welcome, it was opportune to include new contributors to introduce fresh content.
Solution
We have agreed a layered model, with a core that consists of the fundamental SIAM concepts and theory. These foundational elements are timeless and ensure that the basic framework remains consistent, even as other aspects of the technology landscape evolve. Surrounding the core is a layer of compendiums that extend this theory into practical application or explore specific topics within the context of SIAM. These might include emerging technologies, best practices in various industries, and case studies that provide real-world examples of SIAM in action. Whilst the core is expected to remain stable, the compendiums are designed to be updated more frequently, allowing the BoK to remain current with the latest advancements and trends. This model allows for flexibility and adaptability without compromising the stability of the core content.
This tiered approach offers several advantages:
- Stability: By keeping the core principles intact, practitioners can rely on a solid foundation that doesn’t shift with each new iteration.
- Flexibility: The compendiums can be easily modified or expanded, ensuring that the SIAM BoKs stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment.
- Diversity of Content: With multiple compendiums, there’s room to explore a wide range of topics, catering to different interests and needs within the SIAM community.
- Ease of Use: Users can focus on the core for a comprehensive understanding of SIAM, while also exploring specific compendiums that align with their interests or requirements.
Overall, this layered model aims to provide a robust and versatile framework that supports the continuous evolution of service integration and management practices.
Why Refresh?
Originating in 2016/2017, with a previous update in 2020, these foundational resources are being refreshed to ensure that SIAM remains relevant and adaptable to changing business needs, technology trends, and ways of working.
The refresh project thrives on collaboration, with defined roles ensuring structured progress. There are five key roles in the project:
- Lead Author: Oversee section development and manage team collaboration.
- Author: Create content for assigned sections and incorporate feedback.
- Reviewer: Ensure content accuracy and relevance through constructive feedback.
- End-to-End Reviewer: Maintain consistency and support across sections.
- Debater: Provide critical insights and challenge concepts during discussions.
Contributors are supported by comprehensive guidelines, collaborative tools, and an inclusive, respectful environment to ensure seamless teamwork.
Program of Activities
The project will follow a structured timeline to ensure effective collaboration and timely completion:
- January/February: Kick-off and start authoring with regular check-ins.
- March/April: Complete first draft milestones and reallocate volunteers if needed.
- May/June: Complete draft content and begin review and alignment.
- July/August: Conduct end-to-end reviews and start EXIN syllabi reviews.
- September/October: Finalize the content.
- November: Launch at Service North on November 4th, 2025.
This structured approach, supported by clear roles and responsibilities, will ensure the successful refresh of the SIAM Bodies of Knowledge, keeping it relevant and valuable for the community.
What Next?
As the project unfolds, we will be publishing regular updates via blogs to keep everyone informed of our progress and any significant developments. Stay tuned for more information as we work together to achieve our goals. You can read some of the suggestions for new content areas and vote for your favorites in this thread in the SIAM community.
