Support for research data management planning is available in the WesternNow portal for staff and HDR students.
A file naming convention is a framework for naming your files that describes what they contain and how they relate to other files. You should establish a convention and naming practice that aligns with your discipline's standard before you begin collecting data files.
File names should:
Good file naming examples | Poor file naming examples |
---|---|
20190102_ac_smithlab_utra_exp01_gel_003.tiff 20190501_exp123_analysis_v01.pdf 20190811_bioassay_toxicity_V1.sps 2020-plos-manuscript-v26.pdf |
Test data 2016.xlsx Meeting notes Jan 17.doc Notes Eric.txt Final FINAL last version.docx |
A logical folder structure will allow you to access your files. Before you start, check for established procedures within your team or department. One best practice is to structure folders hierarchically and be consistent with names. Use names that describe the file's contents, selecting 3-4 key pieces of information. Whether you are storing your data in cloud storage, local drives, or network locations, a well-planned, logical, and consistent folder and file structure will help to make the data findable and reusable in the future.
These resources are available to learn data analysis with Excel.
Intersect Online Training: Introduction to Research Data Management at Western Sydney - This two-hour workshop is ideal for researchers who want to know how to create a research data management plan. Check the Research Events calendar for upcoming sessions.
Western Sydney University conducts regular research training sessions including data manipulation and visualisation using R and Python, Excel for data analysis, surveying with Qualtrics and REDCap, text analysis with NVivo, and preparing your research data management plan. Register for an upcoming event via the Research calendar.
School of Data is a series of modules to learn how to get the most out of your data. It includes self-guided learning course on collecting, extracting, cleaning, mapping and data.
LinkedIn Learning has a range of Python and R tutorials for data handling. Use your WSU credentials to log in.
Data Carpentry offers a hands on course to learn about data organisation and some practices for more effective data wrangling.
MANTRA is a free online course designed for researchers or others who manage digital data as part of a research project.
Through a series of interactive online units you will learn about terminology, key concepts, and best practice in research data management.
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Library guide created by Western Sydney University Library staff is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY)