Research Data Management Practices at Bindura University of Science Education

Abstract

The study assessed the research data management (RDM) practices at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) with the aim of understanding how research data (RD) is managed. The study was prompted by lack of proper RDM policy. UK data archive research data lifecycle model was adopted in the study for benchmarking RDM practices at BUSE in line with international standards. The research used the interpretism approach and is qualitative in nature. Interviews were used to collect qualitative data from the Research and Postgraduate Centre (RPGC), deputy librarian, sub-librarian, and technology librarian. Quantitative data obtained from departmental chairpersons, assistant librarians, and chief library assistant was gathered by using questionnaires. The population was chosen using purposive sampling. The findings revealed that although respondents appreciated RDM practices, some researchers were managing their RD while RPGC was responsible for RD submitted to their office. The concept of RDM was relatively new to most researchers. The study recommended a policy guideline and training of researchers.