Project directory structure under Shared allocation in Cheaha

docs/data_management/cheaha_storage_gpfs/project_directory_organization.md

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+# Project Directory Organization
+
+Effective research data management starts with a well organized directory structure, especially for researchers working on multiple projects under shared allocations. A well organized project directory structure ensures scalability, simplifies collaboration, and makes it easier to manage permissions.
+
+To maintain long-term organization, create a new subdirectory each time your group begins a distinct project. Assign [permissions](#permissions-and-access-control) based on access needs to ensure security while allowing collaboration.
+
+Below is a recommended directory structure to help keep project files, shared research data, and software environments organized within shared allocations on Cheaha.
+
+1. Top-Level Directory
+
+    Suppose the top-level directory is your lab Cheaha project directory, `/data/project/mylab/`.
+
+1. Projects' Directory
+
+    Each project gets its own subdirectory. This keeps things organized and isolated from one another, making it easier to manage and avoid confusion.
+
+    Example:
+
+    ```bash
+    /data/project/mylab/project/
+    |-- project-1/
+    |-- project-2/
+    |-- project-3/
+    ```
+
+1. Repositories
+
+    If your projects rely on code or software tools that are used across multiple efforts, you can set up a repository directory for shared scripts, tools, or utilities.
+
+    Example:
+
+    ```bash
+    /data/project/mylab/repository/
+    |-- common-software-tool-1/
+    |-- common-software-tool-2/
+    ```
+
+1. Shared Research Data
+
+    Having a separate directory for research data that is common across projects helps prevent duplication and ensures that everyone is working with the same dataset.
+
+    Example:
+
+    ```bash
+    /data/project/mylab/common-data/
+    |-- some-data-used-by-multiple-projects/
+    |-- other-shared-data/
+    ```
+
+1. Environments
+
+    For projects that require specific software environments (e.g., Conda environments), you can centralize these in a separate directory. This way, you ensure that everyone is using the right tools.
+
+    Example:
+
+    ```bash
+    /data/project/mylab/environments/
+    |-- shared-conda-env-1.yml
+    |-- shared-conda-env-2.yml
+    ```
+
+To provide a clearer picture, here is how all the components fit together in the overall structure:
+
+```bash
+/data/project/mylab/
+|-- project/
+|   |-- project-1/
+|   |-- ...
+|-- repository/
+|   |-- common-software-tool-1/
+|   |-- ...
+|-- common-data/
+|   |-- some-data-used-by-multiple-projects/
+|   |-- ...
+|-- environments/
+|   |-- shared-conda-env-1.yml
+|   |-- ...
+```
+
+## Permissions and Access Control
+
+Permissions for each directory can be managed by either being a member of the group associated with the top-level project directory or by using [Linux permissions](../cheaha_storage_gpfs/index.md#project-directory-permissions) or [Access Control Lists (ACLs)](../../workflow_solutions/shell.md#manage-researcher-access-to-files-and-directories-getfacl-setfacl). Managing proper permissions ensures that team members can access only the resources they need, while protecting sensitive data.
+
+If you plan managing multiple projects and would like assistance with organizing your project directories or managing permissions, please send us a [support ticket](../../help/support.md/#how-do-i-create-a-support-ticket).

mkdocs.yml

@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ nav:
       - data_management/index.md
       - Cheaha Storage (GPFS):
           - data_management/cheaha_storage_gpfs/index.md
+          - Project Directory organization: data_management/cheaha_storage_gpfs/project_directory_organization.md
       - Storage Alternatives: data_management/alternate_storage.md
       - Long Term Storage:
           - data_management/lts/index.md