How to write aData Management Plan

for your project

A taster of the Transferrable Skills module

Gareth KnightProject Manager

RDM Support Service

Research Data

Data is produced using many methods:

• Observation: Watch & record variables of interest

• Experiment: Apply treatment or control condition & record variables of interest

• Simulation: Produce model that imitates a real-world process or system

• Derivation: Secondary data processed to produce new research results.

Digital or physical material that is collected, observed, or created for the purposes of performing original research

http://libraries.mit.edu/guides/subjects/data-management/what.htmlhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/flow14/3714092493/

LSHTM Expectations“Data produced during the research activity should be managed

appropriately, ensuring that it is stored, organised and documented in a manner that allows it to be understood and

used for the intended purpose.”LSHTM Research Degrees Handbook

“A Data Management Plan describing the approach that will be taken to create, manage, and share research data should be produced by all School-led research grants that are creating,

capturing, or enhancing data.”LSHTM Research Data Management Policy

Why PlanData Management?

• Identify end goal & practical steps you need toperform

• Anticipate problems and reduce likelihoodthat they will occur

• Recognise support needs & resource implications

• Communicate objectives to your supervisor

• Demonstrate you’re taking a responsible approach to projectmanagement

• Meet sponsorship obligations

Identify research topic & funding

Perform literature review

Develop research plan

Upgrading seminar

Perform research

Write-up results

Produce several drafts

Finalise & submit

Session Outline

The session will cover the following topics:

• Reasons to manage your research data

• The role of Data Management Plans in research

• Key decisions that should be made related to:• Data handling practices• File formats and software tools• Quality control• Documentation• Storage and security• Data archiving and sharing

• Concluding thoughts & recommendations