10 Exercise 2 - Create your own Data Management Plan
Now that we are more familiar with DMPs it’s now time to think about writing your own. Before you get started with your own project it may be useful to consider a hypothetical situation.
Read the summary of this fictitious project below. This outline was created by ChatGPT! Next take a section of the data management plan and consider:
- What would I include in this section of the DMP for this project?
- What considerations would I need to make in taking into account the intricacies of this large scale research project?
- How can I make the DMP as useful as possible to the project team?
Project title: “Medieval Mysteries: Excavating the Ruins of Tintagel Castle”
Description: Investigating the legendary Tintagel Castle, this project delves into medieval history and Arthurian legends. Archaeologists aim to uncover clues about the inhabitants’ daily lives, trade connections, and the castle’s role in the context of Arthurian lore.
Methods:
- Tracing Trade Connections: The project focuses on Tintagel’s role as a medieval trade hub, utilising artefact examination to trace economic networks and connections with other regions.
- Contextualising Arthurian Lore: Archaeologists will scrutinise castle structures and artefacts to identify elements aligning with Arthurian legends, seeking to uncover tangible links to the mythical narrative.
- Architectural Insights: A detailed analysis of Tintagel’s architecture aims to reconstruct the castle’s historical layout and functionality, providing insights into its evolving role in medieval society.
- Public Engagement and Outreach: Recognizing public interest, the project emphasises outreach activities and digital media to share discoveries, fostering a broader appreciation for Tintagel’s medieval heritage.

10.1 DMP Sections you could pick!
- Roles and responsibilities
- Data Description
- Standards and Methods
- Ethics and IPR
- Sharing and Security
- Preservation and Access
Look back to the section on Research Data Management and the example DMPs from Exercise 1 for details about what each of these sections should contain.