Knowledge management, research data management, and university scholarship

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize existing research on research data management (RDM), academic scholarship and knowledge management and provide a conceptual framework for an institutional research data management support-system (RDMSS) for systems development, managerial and academic use. Design/methodology/approach – Viewing RDMSS from multiple theoretical perspectives, including data management, knowledge management, academic scholarship and the practice-based perspectives of knowledge and knowing, this paper conceptually explores the systems’ elements needed in the development of an institutional RDM service by considering the underlying data discovery and application issues, as well as the nature of academic scholarship and knowledge creation, discovery, application and sharing motivations in a university environment. Findings – The paper provides general criteria for an institutional RDMSS framework. It suggests that RDM in universities is at the very heart of the knowledge life cycle and is a central ingredient to the academic scholarships of discovery, integration, teaching, engagement and application. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual exploration and as a result, the research findings may lack generalisability. Researchers are therefore encouraged to further empirically examine the proposed propositions. Originality/value – The broad RDMSS framework presented in this paper can be compared with the actual situation at universities and eventually guide recommendations for adaptations and (re)design of the institutional RDM infrastructure and knowledge discovery services environment. Moreover, this paper will help to address some of the identified underlying scholarship and RDM disciplinary divides and confusion constraining the effective functioning of the modern day university’s RDM and data discovery environment.