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Writing a data management plan: organising data, introduction

"Naming records consistently, logically and in a predictable way will distinguish similar records from one another at a glance, and by doing so will facilitate the storage and retrieval of records, which will enable users to browse file names more effectively and efficiently. Naming records according to agreed conventions should also make file naming easier for colleagues because they will not have to ‘re-think’ the process each time." - University of Edinburgh Records Management Section

At the start of a research project it is easy to believe that you'll remember what name you gave to a file and where you put it.
However once your research gets underway there may be multiple files in various formats, multiple versions, websites, citations, blogs, articles, methodologies, notes, spreadsheets and so on - all relating to your research.
Trying to find a data file that you need which has been stored or named incorrectly or inaccurately can be both frustrating and a waste of valuable time.
Thus good file management practises are required to enable you to identify, locate and use your research data files efficiently and effectively. Good file management practises such as following group filenaming protocols are also required should you wish to share your files with others in a shared filespace.

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PILOT - Writing a data management plan by Edina, University of Edinburgh modified by Marion Kelt, GCU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Based on a work at http://datalib.edina.ac.uk/mantra/introduction.html