Navigating research data management challenges in an academic landscape: a framework for a university of technology research repository context

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to explore research data management within a faculty setting to facilitate researchers by designing a specialized research data repository platform tailored for the University of Technology. In contemporary academia, the research community acknowledges the pivotal role of research data in propelling scientific advancement. The study examined Research Data Management (RDM) practices from the perspectives of master’s and doctoral students and research supervisors in the Faculty of Accounting & Informatics (FAI) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to comprehend existing challenges and opportunities surrounding RDM within this domain. Design/methodology/approach – This study followed an explanatory sequential mixed-method research approach, employing online surveys and interviews. The online survey included 95 postgraduate students from FAI enrolled in masters and doctoral programs between 2015 and 2020. The postgraduate students were identified for their active roles in contributing to research data. In addition, interviews were conducted using a qualitative data collection method involving ten supervisors responsible for guiding master’s and doctoral students within the FAI at DUT. Findings – The study findings highlighted that research data management was primarily treated as an individual responsibility. The primary reason for the difficulties was the faculty’s lack of investment in research data management. This was evident in practices like relying on email, external hard drives and personal laptops, underscoring the absence of centralized systems for effective research data management within the faculty. However, it is important to note that participants recognized the advantages of proper research data management, including driving scientific advancements, improving data reusability and simplifying data access for other users. In addition, the research findings revealed that the absence of platforms facilitating data sharing and reuse constituted a significant obstacle preventing most researchers from engaging in these practices. Nonetheless, researchers strongly desired to share their data without imposing any restrictions. Originality/value – This study introduces an innovative framework that guides the planning and implementation of the Faculty Research Data Repository Platform’s design. Grounded in a comprehensive examination of research data management practices within the faculty, a thorough literature review and recommendations drawn from the research findings, this framework contributes to establishing a structured platform for managing and sharing research data within faculties and other academic institutions.