Abstract
This chapter describes the various forms and sources of research data and the importance of planning to appropriately manage data throughout their life cycle. The many reasons that data should be managed within research projects and programs (and beyond to enable future use) are discussed. Legal, ethical and policy reasons for planning are introduced, as are practical and pragmatic reasons, along with the role of researchers in data management processes. Ten important components of a data management plan are addressed and a checklist for researchers in the early stages of constructing a data management plan is provided. The chapter concludes by providing references to useful data management tools and resources.