A professor asked the Service Center Research Data for support with the following problem: in her team, everyone managed data in their own way. There was a lack of uniformity. But this was no due to the unwillingness of the team members - they were highly motivated! What was missing, however, were uniform guidelines,

• how the files should be named,
• which files should be stored on the group drive,
• when files should be updated on the group drive,
• which files should include documents,
• how these documents should be written (template)
• and: who the contact person is for queries regarding data management.

With input from the team, answers to these (and other) questions were decided upon and recorded in a short handout.

The Service Center Research Data regularly produces such handouts for research groups - always concise and never longer than two pages. Research groups place the handout on the top folder level of their group drive so that every user automatically “stumbles” across it. 

Do you also feel that your data management system could use more uniformity?

You are very welcome to get in touch with us. Feel free to contact us by e-mail via Service Center Research Data or book an appointment appointment.