Topic outline

  • Data Management: Practicalities
    Estimated Time: 3-6 hours - (This is the longest Data Tree module by a large margin!)
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  • Topic 1: Why is Good Data Management Important in Modern Research?

    The aim of this topic is to explain why the effective management and sharing of research data is such an important issue for all those involved in the research process. We also introduce the idea of a Data Management Plan, which is an invaluable tool for ensuring you consistently follow good data management practices, and which we will be referencing throughout the module.

    Learning Outcomes:

    At the end of this topic, you will be able to :

      • Describe why effective data management is central to good research practice
      • Identify the benefits of effective data management and data sharing
      • Explain what a Data Management Plan is
      • Give reasons why it is important to create a data management plan

    • Topic 2: Data Collection

      This topic covers what you need to consider when planning your data collection, some details about using primary versus secondary data, and information about different methods of data collection/generation.

      Learning Outcomes:

      At the end of this topic, you will be able to :


    • Topic 3: Data Quality Assurance

      This topic is all about the process of checking your data for inconsistencies or errors. It talks about how you might plan your DQA activities ahead of time, explains the measures you can take to prevent errors, gives examples of how problems arise, and suggests what you should be looking for. 

      Learning Outcomes:

      At the end of this topic, you will be able to:

      • Use a checklist to check for errors in data
      • Create an audit trail
      • Explain the difference between uncertainty and error


    • Topic 4: Data Handling and Formats

      This topic talks about handling your data. It describes common file formats, gives advice on good practice for naming and storing your files, and discusses how you might handle version control during your research project. It also talks about linking files at different levels.

      Learning Outcomes:

      At the end of this topic, you will be able to :


      • Topic 5: Documentation and Metadata

        This topic goes into detail about the practicalities of creating the required documentation to ensure your data is accessible and usable by others.

        Learning Outcomes

        By the end of this topic you will be able to:


      • Topic 6: Data Storage and Sharing

        This topic concerns best practice approaches to storing and sharing your data during your research project. We will introduce the term ‘Data and Document Store’ (DDS), and look at different systems for cloud storage. We will also look more at versioning, as well as the important topic of backups. This is relevant both to group projects and lone researchers.

        Learning Outcomes:

        At the end of this topic, you will be able to:

        • Explain the difference between versions of files, duplicate files and backups
        • List at least two ways of sharing files with others in the project team

      • Topic 7: Preserving and Sharing (Archiving)

        This topic is about making your data available to others in the research community by depositing them into a data repository.

        Learning Outcomes:

        At the end of this topic, you will be able to:

      • Topic 8: Data Management Plans

        We introduced Data Management Plans (DMPs) in Topic 1, and have been referring to them throughout the module. This final topic will help you to pull everything together and begin creating your DMP. 

        We summarise what the DMP should contain, give details on the contents that were not covered by previous topics, and link you to activities, examples and resources.

        Learning Outcomes:

        At the end of this topic, you will be able to:

        • List what should be included in a Data Management Plan
        • Create a draft DMP for your research project