Certain research funders require that a data management plan be included with the application. The plan can serve as a working document which is changed throughout the research process. Nonetheless, it is valuable already at the outset to document the intended methods, results, costs etc. – especially if the research is, or may be, conducted by more than one person or for a long period of time.

What does a data management plan contain?

The website of the Swedish National Data Services (SND) provides detailed descriptions and examples of data management plans:

Data management plan from the Swedish National Data Services (in Swedish)

On the website of the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) you will also find plenty of information and guidance concerning data management plans:

Data management plans from the Digital Curation Centre

Important aspects that should be included in a plan:

• Administrative duties. Read about administrative duties on Swedish National Data Service  (in Swedish)
• Collection/production of data. Read about collection and production of data om Swedish Nationel Data Service (in Swedish)
• Documentation of metadata. Read about documentation of metadata on Swedish Nationel Data Service (in Swedish)
  - Examples of information on metadata to describe research data: Cornell University: Metadata and describing data
• Legal and aspects of research ethics. Read about laspects of research ethics on Swedish National Data Service (in Swedish)
• Management of data during a project. Read about managing of data during a project on Swedish National Data Service (in Swedish)
• Long-term storing and archiving. Read about long-term storing on Swedish National Data Service (in Swedish)
• Making data accessible. Read about making data accessible on Swedish National Data Service (in Swedish)
• Responsibilities and costs. Read about responsibillities and costs on Swedish National Data Service (in Swedish)
  - Examples from the UK Data Service Data management costing tool and checklist  (PDF)