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Basics of Data Management: Drivers of Data Management

This guide provides an introduction to the basics of data management. Data management best practices are explained.

Drivers of Data Management

 

The management of data is mandated by several entities.

The major drivers are:

  • funders,
  • institutional policy,
  • publishers, and
  • the fact that data management is part of good research practice, as illustrated in two quotes from the Editorial: ‘Data’s Shameful Neglect’ in Nature, vol. 461: 145 (September 2009):

    • ‘Research cannot flourish if data are not preserved and made accessible. All concerned must act accordingly’

      ‘Data management should be woven into every course in science, as one of the foundations of knowledge.’

DRIVERS OF DATA MANAGEMENT: FUNDERS

The images below contain a statement by the NRF, a major funder of CSIR research, regarding the management of funded data: 

DRIVERS OF DATA MANAGEMENT: FUNDERS

The image below is another example of the role funders play with regards to data management. It shows a list of the main research funders in the United Kingdom, and the various requirements they have regarding funded research, and how the data emanating from the research should be managed. 

The column on the left lists the funders, such as the Medical Research Council, or the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council, or the Natural Environment Research Council. Have a look at the top row stating ‘policy stipulations’, and then see the aspects included in their funding policy. The second row funders, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, for example stipulate that funded researchers need to adhere to and address time limits, a data management plan, data access and sharing, and longterm data curation.  This image was included in this presentation to show how funders are drivers of research data management…it is important for a funding body to have assurance that the research they will be funding, and the data generated, will be managed well and according to best practices.

DRIVERS OF DATA MANAGEMENT: INSTITUTIONAL POLICY

Drivers of data management can also include institutional policy. At the CSIR, data management is addressed in the Records Management Policy as well as the Data Management Policy.

Data management is addressed in the CSIR Records Management Policy as follows:

•‘This policy has been established to cover intellectual outputs and records, including data generated or received during the execution of CSIR responsibilities.’ (Under point 5: Scope)

•The CSIR Records Management Policy is supported by the following:…’Data Management Procedure’ (Under point 8: Reference Documentation)

•'Datasets are managed and stored according to the Data Management Procedure’ (Under point 12.1.2: Records Storage)

In addition, the CSIR Data Management Procedure (view procedure) stipulates how data should be managed, and contains sections on data storage, data backups, data sharing, long term preservation, and data destruction. The mandatory creation of a Data Management Plan is also stipulated.