An Output Management Plan (OMP) is a strategic document that outlines how the various outputs of a research project will be managed, disseminated, and preserved throughout and after the project's lifecycle. Outputs can include a wide range of materials, such as publications, datasets, software, protocols, presentations, and any other deliverables generated during the course of the research.

Key components of an Output Management Plan typically include:

1. Identification of Outputs:
   • Clearly defines what constitutes an output in the context of the project, including data, publications, software, and any other forms of deliverables.
2. Dissemination Strategy:
   • Describes how the outputs will be shared and made accessible to the intended audience, including through open access platforms, conferences, journals, and repositories.
   • Plans for engaging with stakeholders and promoting the use and impact of the outputs.
3. Licensing and Intellectual Property:
   • Specifies the licensing arrangements for the outputs, ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected while facilitating appropriate sharing and reuse.
   • Addresses any restrictions on the use of the outputs and how these will be communicated to users.
4. Documentation and Metadata:
   • Outlines how the outputs will be documented to ensure that they are understandable and usable by others.
   • Includes the use of metadata standards to describe and categorize the outputs for easier discovery and access.
5. Preservation and Long-Term Access:
   • Details the strategies for preserving the outputs after the project ends, including where and how they will be archived to ensure long-term accessibility.
   • Discusses plans for maintaining the usability and relevance of the outputs over time.
6. Compliance and Ethical Considerations:
   • Ensures that the management of outputs complies with relevant legal, ethical, and funder requirements.
   • Includes considerations such as data protection, privacy, and adherence to open science principles.
7. Roles and Responsibilities:
   • Identifies who within the research team is responsible for managing the different outputs, including their dissemination, documentation, and preservation.
8. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • Outlines how the management of outputs will be monitored throughout the project and how progress will be reported to stakeholders, including funders.

An Output Management Plan is essential for ensuring that all research outputs are effectively managed, shared, and preserved, maximizing their impact and ensuring that they contribute to the broader scientific community. By having a clear plan in place, research teams can enhance the visibility and usability of their work, comply with funder and institutional requirements, and support the principles of open science.