Make an inventory with one row per source: file type, row unit, collector, approximate volume, owner and permitted use. Separate a public reference table from identifiable interview records. They may need different storage, access and sharing rules.
Start with the asset, not the policy
Make an inventory with one row per source: file type, row unit, collector, approximate volume, owner and permitted use. Separate a public reference table from identifiable interview records. They may need different storage, access and sharing rules.
Assign a decision owner
For each lifecycle step, name the accountable role and the evidence that completion requires. “Back up regularly” is not actionable. “The project lead checks the restoration record before collection begins” creates a decision that can be reviewed.
Worked example: interview project
Illustrative planning example: a questionnaire produces one submission table and a household-member repeat table. Record their parent-child key, deployed form version and choice labels. Store direct contact details separately when the approved design permits this. Define who can reconnect identifiers and why.
Original worksheet
Copy these columns into your project brief: Asset | Source/version | Sensitivity | Approved users | Backup/restore evidence | Retention owner/date | Sharing route/restriction | Open decision. Leave unknown values visibly unresolved instead of filling them with generic assurances.
Review and limitations
A completed worksheet is not evidence of legal compliance. Compare it with the current institution and funder requirements; document conflicts before collection. If permissions or consent are unclear, pause transfer and seek the responsible institutional decision.
Review this research decision
We can review your actual form, dataset and reporting requirement, then scope the smallest service that solves the risk.
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