Summary
A software management plan is a document which outlines how research software will be managed throughout a research project in line with WUR guidelines and funder requirements.
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Table of Contents
What is research software?
Research Software includes source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows and executables that are created during the research process or for a research purpose. This can include scripts from Python, R, Java (etc), as well as statistical packages and platforms. Research software files typically do not contain tabular data themselves but rather are used in conjunction with your research data files.
What is a software management plan?
Like research data, research software needs proper handling, storing, preserving, sharing, and legal care. A software management plan (SMP) allows you to outline detailed software management practices applied during and after your research.
How to write an SMP?
An SMP plan can be written in two ways:
1. Download the template
- Download the WUR template with guidance (.docx format) via https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10473645 or use the template of your funder.
- Fill in the template.
- Save your draft SMP and email it to data@wur.nl to request a review.
2. Create an SMP in DMPonline
- Create an account in DMPonline and then an SMP using this manual.
- Click the green ‘request feedback’ button under the ‘feedback’ tab to request a review by the WUR data helpdesk.
Note: Using DMPonline to create an SMP is recommended but not a mandatory requirement by WUR. However, some research groups do mandate its use. Please check whether this applies to you, by consulting your group’s data steward or data management protocol.
Is an SMP and review required?
WUR researchers and PhD candidates with external funding, for example, from the NWO, may be required to write an SMP. Please check the requirements from your funder to see if this is necessary.
WUR researchers and PhD candidates without external funding are not required to write an SMP. However, if you develop research software, WUR recommends that you write an SMP and have it reviewed by the data desk, even if you don’t have external funding.
Questions and Support
Do you have any questions? Feel free to email the Library’s data specialists.
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