The document summarizes a focus group discussion about the DMPOnline tool for creating data management plans. [1] DMPOnline allows users to create, store, update, and export DMPs to meet funder requirements. [2] Recent updates include improved interfaces and new features like multiple templates. [3] The focus group sought feedback on what participants like and dislike about the tool as well as ideas for short- and long-term improvements.

1. DCC Focus Group:
Assessing the Effectiveness,
Efficiency and Satisfaction of
Marieke Guy, Magdalene Getler & Diana Sisu,
Digital Curation Centre
University of Edinburgh
JISC MRD Workshop,
Nottingham , 25th October 2012

2. What is a Data Management Plan?
UK research funders typically ask for:
• A short statement/plan submitted in grant applications
• An outline of what you will create/collect, methods,
standards, data management and long-term plans
• How and why – justify your decisions and any limits

3. Common DMP questions
• What data will be created (format, types) and how?
• How will the data be documented and described?
• How will you manage ethics and Intellectual Property?
• What are the plans for data sharing and access?
• What is the strategy for long-term preservation?

4. What does DMPOnline do?
A web-based tool that enables users to...
1. Create, store and update multiple versions of Data
Management Plans
2. Meet specific data-related requirements (from
funders, institutions, publishers, etc.)
3. Get tailored guidance on best practice and helpful
contacts, at the point of need
4. Customise and export DMPs in a variety of formats
in order to facilitate communications within and
beyond research projects

5. DMPOnline v3.0: Spring 2012
- Improved user interface, inc. customisable
institutional versions
- New features
- Overlaying multiple templates for ‘hybrid’ DMPs
- Template phases (e.g. pre- / during / post-project)
- Granular read / write / share permissions
- API for systems interoperability (e.g. this project)
- Shibboleth authentication
- Multilingual support
- Endorsement from funders

9. Today’s Focus Group
Key questions to explore:
• What do you think of DMP Online?
• What do you like best/ least about the tool?
• What improvements are needed in the short term and
long term?
• We want to hear your thoughts!
• All comments are valid – warts and all! ☺

10. What Will Happen Next
We will:
• Transcribe the audio recording
• Write a make a summary of observations
• Analyse the information collected:
– What are the common themes?
– What conclusions can we draw?
• Share findings internally
• Use the findings to direct future changes to DMPOnline
• If you have any other thoughts/comments after the focus group
please do pass them on to us.

11. Thank you for your Time!
Marieke Guy, Magdalene Getler & Diana Sisu,
Digital Curation Centre
University of Edinburgh
www.dcc.ac.uk/dmponline
DMPOnline@dcc.ac.uk
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