Research Data Management Among Researchers in Higher Learning Institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa

Mosha, Neema Florence; Luhanga, Edith Talina; Mosha, Mary Vincent; Marwa, Janeth

doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-1471-9.ch024

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…In Sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania and South Africa were regarded as countries which are practising RDM services, while RDM is still in its infancy in other countries (Mosha et al , 2019). In Zimbabwe, previously, the subject of RDM focused more in the health and medical fields as stated in the Handbook of Cancer Research in Africa (World Health Organisation, 2013).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Awareness and perception of research data management Mosha et al (2019) noted that RDM for researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa is still in its infancy and there is need to create more awareness of the service and researchers should have motivation to share their data. Some researchers are aware of certain data management support services that are offered by their institutions according to Marchionini (2012).…”

Section: Role Of Researchers In Research Data Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Management and maintenance of research data by researchers in Zimbabwe

Chigwada

2021

GKMC

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Purpose The concept of research data management (RDM) is new in Zimbabwe and other developing countries. Research institutions are developing research data repositories and promoting the archiving of research data. As a way of creating awareness to researchers on RDM, the purpose of this paper is to determine how researchers are managing their research data and whether they are aware of the developments that are taking place in RDM. Design/methodology/approach A survey using a mixed method approach was done and an online questionnaire was administered to 100 researchers in thirty research institutions in Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was done by choosing participants from the authors of articles published in journals indexed by Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science. Interviews were done with five top researchers. The data was analysed using NVIVO. The results were presented thematically. The questionnaire was distributed using the research offices of the selected 30 research institutions. There was a 75% response rate. Findings The findings indicated that all the researchers are aware of the traditional way of managing research data. A total of 70% of the respondents are not aware of the current trends in RDM services, as they are keeping their data on machines and external hard drives, while 97.3% perceive RDM services as useful, as it is now a requirement when applying for research grants. Librarians have a bigger role to play in creating awareness on RDM among researchers and hosting the data repositories for archiving research data. Practical implications Research institutions can invest in research data services and develop data repositories. Librarians will participate in educating researchers to come up with data management plans before they embark on a research project. This study also helps to showcase the strategies that can be used in awareness creation campaigns. The findings can also be used in teaching RDM in library schools and influence public policy both at institutional and national level. Social implications This study will assist in building capacity among stakeholders about RDM. Based on the findings, research institutions should prioritise research data services to develop skills and knowledge among librarians and researchers. Originality/value Few researches on RDM practices in Zimbabwe were done previously. Most of the papers that were published document the perception of librarians towards RDM, but this study focused mainly on researchers’ awareness and perception. The subject is still new and people are beginning to research on it and create awareness amongst the stakeholders in Zimbabwe.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Role Of Researchers In Research Data Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management and maintenance of research data by researchers in Zimbabwe

Chigwada

2021

GKMC

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Research Data Management in Universities: A Comparative Study from the Perspectives of Librarians and Management

Chawinga

Zinn

2020

International Information & Library Review

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Research Data Management Services in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

Chigwada

2021

Advances in Library and Information Science

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The chapter seeks to analyze how librarians in Zimbabwe are responding to increasing librarian roles in the provision of research data services. The study sought to ascertain librarians' awareness and preparedness to offer research data management services at their institutions and determine support required by librarians to effectively deliver research data services. Participants were invited to respond to the survey, and survey monkey was used to administer the online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using content analysis, and it was thematically presented. Findings revealed that librarians in Zimbabwe are aware of their role in research data management, but the majority are not prepared to offer research data management services due to a lack of the required skills and resources. Challenges that were noted include lack of research data management policy at institutional levels and information technology issues such as obsolescence and security issues.

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Research Data Management Among Researchers in Higher Learning Institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Management and maintenance of research data by researchers in Zimbabwe

Management and maintenance of research data by researchers in Zimbabwe

Research Data Management in Universities: A Comparative Study from the Perspectives of Librarians and Management

Research Data Management Services in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

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