Abstract
Data management plans (DMPs), designed to adhere to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) principles, were introduced to enhance research data management (RDM) but have encountered challenges in implementation. This essay calls for a paradigm shift by introducing the ‘Research Output Management Planning (ROMPi)’ approach, aiming to integrate traditional research project management practices promoting a holistic perspective of RDM. In its essence, ROMPi reframes the DMP in the conventional project management work breakdown structure in work packages (WPs), with research outputs going through their lifecycle. It also advocates reimagining the concept of data into research outputs, acknowledging a holistic perspective of the research outcomes. We demonstrated that the research project management perspective at the early implementation stage could ultimately align DMP within the research process. ROMPi offers a practical research output management approach, fostering a holistic project-researcher-centric perspective.