Planning
Data Management Plan (DMP)
The Data Management Plan (DMP) defines and documents the framework and the specific strategies for the production, processing, scope, storage and, if applicable, subsequent publication of research data.
A DMP may also be a requirement in case of third-party funding and is often reviewed during project application; depending on the field of study or the funding organization.
Content of a DMP
Due to the large number of disciplines, research questions, and funding agencies, there is no rigid structure for a DMP. However, the following outline has proven to be a useful generalization as a starting point:
- Project description
- Type of data
- Documentation and data quality
- Organization of data
- Storage, backup and security
- Legal requirements
- Archiving, sharing and publication
- Project staffing and user roles
- Cost and resources
The Practical Guide to the International Alignment of Research Data Management, in which also the DFG was actively involved, mentions the DMP as an important planning tool for successful scientific work. The DFG also provides important information on the content of a DMP in its Checklist for Handling of Research Data.