Final answer:
According to Ong (2011), the Metadata layer is the element in the BI architecture that applies across all levels, providing a universal context to ensure consistency and accuracy in data management and usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Ong (2011), the element in the proposed Business Intelligence (BI) architecture that applies across all levels is the C. Metadata layer. The metadata layer plays a critical role in a BI system as it delivers the necessary context for data, facilitating the understanding and usage of the information stored within the BI system. It includes descriptions of the data structures such as data definitions, relationships, mappings, and origin, which are essential to interpreting the data correctly.
Metadata is significant because it ensures consistency and accuracy across different levels of BI architecture—from the data sources through the ETL processes (extract, transform, load), to how the data is visualized and interpreted by the end-users. It acts as a guide for users at every level, ensuring they have the proper tools and understanding to work with the data effectively. For example, in the ETL layer, metadata dictates the transformation rules, while in the reporting and analysis tools used by end-users, metadata helps to make sense of the data by providing context and explanatory details.
By underpinning the various elements and facets of the BI architecture, the metadata layer improves the integration of the entire system, enhances maintenance efforts, and assists in data governance procedures. The importance of metadata cannot be underestimated in a comprehensive BI strategy as it connects all pieces into a coherent and functional whole.