Metadata Strategies for Complex Adaptive Systems: A Systematic Review and Research Perspective

Abstract

Aerospace and defense systems increasingly face financial losses, schedule delays, and performance risks due to inadequate metadata management. The impact on domain-specific complex adaptive systems is reflected in substantial losses or delays, as in the case of Boeing’s 737 MAX, Artemis I CubeSat Deployment, or ESA Vega Rocket, where these systems failed due to inadequate documentation, failure to adapt Metadata to mission-specific conditions, and providing cross-verification of critical data and system integration. Conventional methods of managing metadata, such as hierarchical databases, Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), and centralized data warehouses, frequently fall short of effectively supporting data description, interoperability, and flexibility. This paper provides a thorough review of current approaches to metadata management within CAS, with a particular focus on how these approaches adapt to the complexities of systems that exhibit emergent behaviors. By assessing the limitations of existing methods, this research underscores the pressing need for decentralized, adaptive strategies that foster metadata alignment and traceability. This article proposes a fundamental approach for enhancing metadata management in dynamic project environments, encouraging collaboration, and optimizing project outcomes. The anticipated findings are expected to provide valuable understanding for scholars and professionals navigating metadata complexities in diverse projects, establishing a foundation for continued investigation in this area.