title: Guidelines for managing datasets, programs and printouts in scientific research.
abstract: This paper presents guidelines and naming conventions to assist in managing datasets, programs and printouts for small to medium sized research projects. First, the limits and nature of the type of project are considered. A number of definitions are included to help further specify the problem. Four main areas are addressed. First, a consistent set of rules for naming programs and datasets is presented. Next, techniques for storing and archiving the programs and datasets are presented, using the naming conventions just developed. Third, rules for printout management are given, based on the naming rules. Finally, the documentation of all components of the project is discussed. Although trivial to implement, adherence to the naming rules provides a sound basis for a high quality, easy-to-use documentation system.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D007256:Information Systems; D012106:Research