Complex system design utilizing a meta-data dictionary

The design of software for complex systems requires the use of CASE tools. Meta-Data dictionaries can support the design of complex systems including design capture, conceptual tool integration, organizational learning, system architecture and re-engineering, by providing a central store for all (core) enterprise data This data can then be managed so as to be consistent and re-usable, with tools configured to store their results in the repository. Individual tools can be strongly or loosely coupled with the meta-database (as the problem warrants). In essence, the meta-database will maintain abstractions of the information existing in the individual tools. (It should be noted that we do not propose an environment in which tools are completely integrated, but rather one in which few key elements of information are shared between tool and the meta-database). In this research, a multilevel approach is taken to the design of the meta-data dictionary.