Towards a Management Framework for Research Data for Public Universities in South Africa

Abstract

Research data management (RDM) has emerged as a significant and evolving field in Information Science and Knowledge Management, supported by several theoretical models guiding its practice in data-intensive institutions such as universities, libraries, data hubs and research centres. This article, drawn from a larger study on RDM in selected South African public universities, proposes a framework to address the absence of a nationally accepted model. The post-positivist research paradigm was used in the study, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Semi-structured interviews with 23 study participants were conducted online via Microsoft Teams to collect qualitative data. The questionnaires were converted into Google Forms and emailed to 30 researchers rated by the National Research Foundation to collect the quantitative data. Although existing frameworks such as the community capability model framework, data audit framework, collaborative assessment of research data infrastructure and objectives model, and the Digital Curation Centre lifecycle model are largely applied in developed contexts, this study highlights the need for a locally relevant framework. The proposed model emphasises collaboration among universities and key stakeholders, policy development, and the possible setting up of a centralised national research database. The framework is expected to inform RDM practice in South Africa and provide insights for comparative studies internationally.