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 lifecycle of the data, from planning the investigation to conducting it, and from backing up data as it is created and used to 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
- Saves time and resources in the long run
- Enhances data security and minimise 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
