Operationalising the RDM Framework to enhance the Wits Doctoral Academy Project: A Case Study at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: The Research Data Management (RDM) Framework for postgraduate studies, explored as a case study, would be implemented at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), South Africa. The RDM framework is intended to facilitate and promote Open data practices, guided by the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, to maximize data curation, reuse, and collaboration, while the CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) will focus on ensuring Indigenous data is protected and ethical considerations among postgraduate students are focused on. The study was carried out by librarians to facilitate, intervene, and influence the development, leading to the adoption, and use of the RDM Framework to strengthen Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) produced through the postgraduate research cycle. Methodology: The researchers used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a study lens and a questionnaire as the data collection tool, to collect data from 100 masters and doctoral students, drawn from five faculties of the university, namely the Health Science, Education, Science, Commerce, Law, and Commerce, Engineering and Built Environment. Data was collected using a mixed approach. Findings: The findings of the study were used to detect factors associated with facilitating conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), Internet skills (digital skills), and social influence (SI) of their understanding of the fundamentals of research data management principles and significance. Consequently, the study was also used to address the relevance of RDM principles to enhance the WDA project. The study also sought to establish role-players and key stakeholders in the postgraduate studies RDM research cycle. The researchers also wanted to identify relevant skills and tools required to ensure the university’s RDM framework succeeded. The primary data was gathered online, using a questionnaire, and interviews administered by faculty librarians. The findings of the study revealed that the University of Witwatersrand needs to review its RDM policy and provide a robust roadmap for RDM activities in the faculties and among students. It was established that Wits University would need to invest in RDM-focused digital tools and platforms and enlarge the Research Commons Hub at Wits Libraries. Conclusion: This study on the RDM framework for postgraduate studies concludes that they need to be well-equipped with RDM skills, and open data-sharing principles and that teaching RDM should be a continuous programme for the benefit of students, and their supervisors, and the research community. To develop and implement a robust RDM Framework for postgraduate students, at a research-intensive African university such as the University of the Witwatersrand, the library’s Scholarly Communication should play a role in formulating the RDM framework intended to advance the postgraduate research cycle. The alignment of RDM principles and data associated with the submission of theses and dissertations, and research papers associated with ETDs curated in the institutional open repositories should be mandated by policy. This approach will ensure the reliability and validity of datasets, ETDs, and other publications produced through the postgraduate research cycle at Wits University.