Considerations regarding relevant guidelines, such as those from the discipline or data protection, data storage and security, as well as expected (research) materials, can also play an important role in a thesis. They are particularly important for self-reflection on the research or thesis, ideally provide clarity, and support further planning. They also contribute to „good scientific practice“ (transparency and traceability).

The following core elements are almost always relevant for all research projects and theses:

• Project details: project description, (administrative details, funding source), project participants and responsibilities
• Relevant guidelines (recommendations and third-party requirements regarding data handling)
• Description of (expected) research data and materials: data origin, data collection method, types and formats of data, handling of different data types
• Documentation and data quality: planned types of documentation and accompanying materials for data documentation (measures to ensure data traceability even after a longer period and by external parties)
• Ethical and legal aspects: handling of research ethics issues, implementation of data protection regulations, form of informed consent (written or oral), anonymization measures …