Writing Your Own Data Management Plan

Regardless of the notes and recommendations here, always begin by being aware of the requirements of the sponsor and with any obligations required in your IRB protocol.

Note: You should consider this a living document. Specific details for data size, types of data and personnel can be difficult to know beforehand.

Name which investigator(s) are responsible for this plan?

    • Identify the source of the data (New or existing)?

    • What are your project鈥檚 data outputs (data format)?

    • How much data will there be (size and number of files)?

    • How long will you need the data available or archived?
    • Do you plan to describe/document your data with metadata?

    • Is it required by the sponsor?

    • You may not know initially how the data will be documented, but there are some general ISO elements that could apply, or you may want to consider available standards for your discipline.

    • Examples:
      • Dublin Core (Generic), DDI (Social Science)
      • ISO 19115 (Geospatial) and EML (Ecological)
    • Who will download, upload, process (Ex. de-identify) the data?

    • Who will have access and to what versions/subsets of the data?

    • Clearly define the roles of and responsibilities of your team.

    • Specify a role for each known individual.

    • Plan to revisit this topic periodically to account for team changes.

    • Where will the data be stored?

    • Will there be backups and who can access them?

    • What protocols are needed for access (VPN, SSH, SFP, etc.)?

    • Are there ethical, privacy or copyright issues to consider?
       
    • Are there any requirement as part of any contract (BAA)?

    • Are there any requirements set forth by the sponsor?

    • Either in the solicitation, RFP or on their online guides.
    • Name individual(s) responsible for life of the data after the project.

    • Identify where the data will reside.

    • How much data will be stored (size and # of files)?

    • How long to preserve data beyond project?
    • Do you foresee sharing this data?

    • With whom do you expect users and uses of this data?

    • Where do you intend to share and in what format?

    • What are reasons not to share or restrict access?

Note: Consider collecting details on the costs associated with the activities around the data. You may or may not include this in DMP, but it is a good exercise could benefit your plan. There may be software, hardware, licensing, training or personnel costs.

Examples Data Management Plans can be found at .