The aim of research data management is to produce excellent research data that answers the research questions and has enduring value. A data management plan (DMP) ensures that researchers create and collect data in a way that complies with Oxford Brookes University and funders' policies. The information below provides advice on creating a plan to manage research data systematically. It outlines best practices that can be adopted to avoid potential problems. The DMP will guide the researcher through the steps of the research data life cycle, and will assist the researcher to appropriately plan to collect, analyse, publish, preserve and archive data.
Research data management planning
Researchers are asked to utilise the provided flowchart and consult the connected spreadsheets for additional detailed information on writing their plans. Oxford Brookes University offers these practical options to researchers and does not advise using any other data storage or collaboration services.
Writing a Data Management Plan
Research data can be understood as any information that a researcher uses to produce research results. A data management plan is written to ensure that the data collection methods are feasible and detail the management of that research data. It is required by all research staff and students for all research proposals. The plan should include the following elements:
- Data Description
- Methodologies
- Analysis and Publication
- Security and Storage
- Preservation and Archiving
Data Management Plans are sometimes called Data Management Statements. Templates for these plans can be obtained from the University, the Graduate College, and funders. A Data Management Plan also allows estimates of the costs of data management to be made, which can then be included in any project budget. Some funders have indicated a willingness to cover data management costs such as dedicated data managers.
Data Management Plan Templates
Data management plans are generally created inside of either grant application forms or questionnaire-style templates. It is strongly recommended that researchers should familiarise themselves with the latest funders' requirements.
For research that does not have a funder, there are Oxford Brookes University Templates available. All applications for research study by research students require a DMP. The specific guidance for writing Data Management Plans for submission to the Research Degree Committee can be found on the Research Degrees Regulations website.
DMPonline is a browser-based tool to assist users in creating plans. It is a recommended tool for Oxford Brookes University researchers.
Tools
The additional tools below allow researchers to make templates online and supply context specific guidance.
- Argos - Strongly focused on compliance with findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) principles in the European setting. It is integrated with OpenAIRE Service Catalogue.
- Data Stewardship Wizard - Uses knowledge models as opposed to templates. Knowledge models are complex decision trees. It is linked to Elixir Europe. It has a useful costing component and can produce basic machine-actionable data management plans.
- DMPtool - Associated with DMPonline.
Data Sharing
Researchers should consider sharing data where possible and identify any barriers that may exist as part of the move towards Open Research and Open Access. Oxford Brookes University Research Data Management Policy embraces Open Research but acknowledges that some research data will not be completely open. A research proposal should balance how much and in what way data can be shared. See the Data Sharing Flowchart for more information.