Use free or open-source tools to set up file sharing, task assignment, progress tracking, meeting materials and output archiving for a small research group.
Create consistent folders for projects, data, literature, analysis, figures, meetings and submission materials.
A clear file structure matters more than a complex system.
Break research work into actionable items and set owners and deadlines.
Keep tasks small enough that each can move forward within a few days.
Share common templates, data tables, meeting notes and interim results to avoid version chaos among multiple people.
Limit editing of important files to a few people.
Record each meeting's conclusions, next tasks and current issues.
End every meeting with trackable action items.
When the project ends, organise data, code, figures, paper versions and supplementary materials.
Good archiving makes later revisions and data reuse much easier.
