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Research Data Management (RDM): RDM Lifecycle

RDM Lifecycle

Welcome to the Unisa Research Data Management LibGuide. This guide is designed to help you manage your research data effectively throughout the research lifecycle. Whether you are a student, an academic across all colleges, or a researcher, you will find valuable information, resources, and tools to help you with data planning, collection, storage, sharing, and preservation.

What  you will find here:

  • Guidelines and Best Practices: Learn about the principles of good data management and how to apply them to your research.
  • Tools and Resources: Discover software and services available to assist you in managing your data.
  • Support and Training: Access workshops, tutorials, and one-on-one support to enhance your data management skills.
  • Policies and Compliance: Stay informed about UNISA's data management policies and relevant legal and ethical considerations.

We encourage you to explore the guide and make the most of the resources provided. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Tinyiko Dube.

What is the Research Data Management Life Cycle

What is the research lifecycle? 

  • Research activity often takes place in various stages which forms a "lifecycle"
  • Data are created at various stages during this lifecycle
  • The data created have their own lifespan. 

According to the UK Data Archive,

"...Data often have a longer lifespan than the research project that creates them. Researchers may continue to work on data after funding has ceased, follow-up projects may analyse or add to the data, and data may be re-used by other researchers." 

Take a look at the following presentation as well as the selected RDM life cycle models in the box below.

Presentation by Marieke Guy (DCC)  Research Lifecycles and RDM

Selected RDM Life Cycle Models

The UK Data Archive provides model to illustrate the Research Data Lifecycle and its associated activities.

The Data Curation Centre (DCC) Lifecycle Model provides a graphical, high-level overview of the stages required for successful curation and preservation of data from initial conceptualisation or receipt through the iterative curation cycle. The model is ideal to plan activities within the organisation to ensure that all the necessary steps in the curation lifecycle are covered.

 

MANAGING DATA -  ACTIVITIES AND ROLE-PLAYERS 

Marieke Guy has adapted the above model to show the activities and people involved in managing data.