Project Management
Managing The Translation Projects


Many aspects go into a quality translation program, from dedicated linguists to assisting software. But one of the most valuable parts of an effective translation program is to have a great translation project manager. After all, they�re the ones managing almost every aspect of your translation process.

When we begin work with a client we�re often asked about our project managers, and their abilities, strengths and weakness. And if we�re not, we�re often surprised because we consider them as one of the most important contributors of a client�s satisfaction.

General Management Evaluation Resource Selection Preparation
General Management


  • Project management (analysis, scheduling, budgeting, managing in general);

  • Terminology management (analysis of source content and creation/maintenance of bilingual or multilingual glossaries, style guides and terminology databases: how to manage this from a project manager point of view and translator/editor-working-on-the-project point of view);

  • Documentation (user manuals, for example: analysis of source documentation and procedures for translating, editing, proofing the text and graphics (including screen shots), DTP preparation (in terms of the translation) and final conversion to PDF so they are downloadable, printable, and visible on the web);

  • CAT tool use (translation memory (TM), alignment, editors & filters for working with .html and/or .xml and/or DTP file types);

  • User interface project management (analysis, preparation of files for translators, problems to deal with (specific resizing and localizing issues), linguistic & functional testing, compiling);

  • Quality assurance (QA) procedures.

    • Evaluation


  • Specific language requirements

  • Nature, content & complexity of the text

  • Presentation: identical to original or approximate, including graphics, tables, lists, equations etc

  • Format: hard copy or electronic, specific file format (e.g. Word, Quark Express, PowerPoint)

  • Purpose (e.g.: internal information, publication) & target readership (e.g. expert, generalist)

  • Quality level (e.g. draft for Client review, final)

  • Additional services - e.g. certification (by translator or notary), legalization, text/file conversion, DTP

  • Time available to complete all tasks - how critical is the delivery date?

  • Common areas (for splitting among multiple translators if necessary)

  • Potential use of Translation Memory systems to enhance consistency, reduce cost & time

  • Client contact: identify someone to answer any queries

  • Delivery: electronic file transfer (e.g. email, ftp), fax, courier, etc


    • Resource Selection


    The success of projects depends on the method which is applied during the translation process.

    Selection of native translators

    Ensure the translator is:
    - experienced in the field
    - educated in the field

    Ensure the resource selection takes into account the delivery requirements as well as technical & linguistic requirements

    Preparation


    Careful preparation can make the difference between success & failure:

  • Determine the importance of previously translated materials, industry- or Client-specific terminology
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  • Supply any reference materials to translator/s
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  • Brief translator/s fully in writing according to Evaluation data
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  • Prepare source text for translating with Translation Memory system
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