What does an Architecture Governance Framework define?

An Architecture Governance Framework is crucial in establishing the overarching policies and procedures that guide how architecture development and management are conducted within an organization. This framework ensures that architectural decisions are aligned with business goals, compliance requirements, and best practices. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of various stakeholders, ensuring that there is accountability and consistency in the architectural approach.

By clearly defining these policies and procedures, the governance framework helps in managing architecture effectively, thus facilitating decision-making processes and ensuring that resources are allocated and utilized properly in line with architectural principles. It emphasizes the importance of governance in maintaining the integrity and quality of the architecture over time, fostering a structured environment where architectural changes can be made systematically.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of IT and architecture, do not encapsulate the broad and comprehensive nature of an Architecture Governance Framework. Defining a technology stack, coding standards, or budget allocation are specific components that might be influenced by governance but do not represent the governance framework itself.