Working with data in a structured manner can be quite a demanding task, especially if people are assigned to the task in an informal manner. There are good reasons for assigning people to the specific task ‘data management’, and sticking to formalities when assigning access to data etc.
Questions to consider:
- Who can assign access to data, and should users enter into formal agreements?
- Who makes sure that tasks related to data are carried out? E.g. performing or checking backup, storing consent forms, performing anonymization, checking log files etc.
- How will you document responsibilities and duties?
- Are duties scheduled, and are there any check procedures?
- If the principal researcher leaves the team, who will then be in charge?
- Who is responsible for speaking to e.g. external vendors about problems, specification changes etc.?
