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Research Data Management: What is Research Data Management

A data management plan (DMP) is a written document that describes the data you expect to acquire or generate during the course of a research project, how you will manage, describe, analyze, and store those data, and what mechanisms you will use at the end

Research Data Management explained

What is RDM?

"Data Management refers to the storage, access and preservation of data produced from a given investigation. Data management practices cover the entire data lifecycle, from planning the investigation to conducting it, and backing up data as it is created and used to the long-term preservation of data deliverables after the research investigation has concluded..."

Source: CASRAI. (n.d.). Research Data Management Glossary.

Am I required to create a data management plan?

Benefits

The benefits of Research Data Management include the following:

  • Fulfills funding body grant requirements, e.g. NRF. See further under the tab Funder Requirements
  • Fulfills publisher requirements
  • Ensures research integrity and replication
  • Ensures research data and records are accurate, complete, authentic and reliable
  • Increases your research efficiency
  • It saves time and resources in the long run
  • Enhances data security and minimises the risk of data loss
  • Prevents duplication by enabling others to use your data
  • Complies with practices conducted in industry and commerce
  • Protects your institution from reputational, financial & legal risk