Esmeralda BonEsmeralda Bon, one of our #DataImpactFellows, reflects on how challenging – and essential – good data management is.
Many of us work with heaps of data, belonging to different projects. Managing and analysing all this data requires a system. Ideally, in the world of good data management, our data files are fully france rcs data annotated, complete and easy to be found. They carry labels that are both intuitive and appropriately specific, and all files and folders are properly backed up. They are stored alphabetically or according to themes or dates, in multiple places, potentially including a cloud service, an external hard drive and even a password-protected USB. They also come with a range of appendices with instructions and explanations for the scrutinising reviewer and the invested reader.
However, creating a data management system that works takes willpower, practice and time. When I started my undergrad a decade ago, learning (or even reading!) about data management didn’t seem particularly interesting. However, it’s only in recent years where I have started teaching research design and managing large data sets that I have come to realise that yes, good data management matters. A lot.