Translation Project Management

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the management of translation projects both in a translation company environment (LSP) and in the case of freelance work. Students will learn the basic principles of working in teams and sub-groups, ways of effective communication in a hybrid environment (onsite & telecommuting), rules of communication with translators/editors and clients for the purposes of a project. They will learn the usefulness of translation project management tools (platforms + TMS software). The aim is to teach students how to optimally evaluate, analyze, monitor, complete a translation project. At the same time, students will be introduced to the concept of risk analysis and management as well as to editing, post-editing and quality control practices. The module is delivered in cooperation with the LSP EL-Translations. The training is delivered live but on a distnace learning basis and students are required to actively participate and complete exercises and assignments.

Students learn the basic principles of managing collaborative groups and subgroups, of communicating effectively with clients and freelance translators/ proofreaders, of using project management tools and software, of optimally monitoring, completing and delivering translation projects. At the same time, students are introduced to risk analysis and management and best editing, post-editing and QA practices. The module is delivered in collaboration with EL-Translations, a major Athens-based Translation Company and the students are required to work on a real translation project.

TPM01. The Life of a Translation Project Manager

• Presentation / Course description (exams, methodology)
• Introduction to concepts & basic terminology
• The tasks and skills of a project manager
• Different job description types of PMs

TPM02. A Project from Start to Finish

• Translation projects
• Examples of projects
• A translation contract
• Stage 0 - Quoting
• Stage 1 - Preparation-Planning
• Stage 2 - Translation
• Stage 3 - Revision
• Stage 4 - QC
• Stage 5 - Delivery
• Stage 6 - Feedback
• After sales service
• Marketing - collaboration with the Marketing Department

TPM03. Tools and Software for Project Managers

• Using CAT tools
• Using checklists
• Using templates
• Introduction to TPMS: TOM
  • Registering a client
  • Registering a linguist
  • Creating a project file
  • Working with subprojects
  • Preparing quotes (for translation / Interpretation / Review)
• Assignment

TPM04. Quality Assurance (QA) Procedure and Tools

• QA methods, tips and advice
• QA Tools
• Evaluating linguists
• ISO 17100:2015 standard
• How to manage quality issues
• How to manage terminology
• Assignment

TPM05. TPMS: Managing Clients and Translators

• Automated offers/assignments/quotes
• Calculating project and client profitability
• Improving your business profitability
• Negotiating with clients and translators
• Writing effective instructions (Styleguides)

TMP06. Using Trados Studio in project management

• How to integrate your translation memory system
• How to manage files and resources
• How to ensure profitability (inc. text pre-processing)
• Managing finances
• Invoicing
• Assignment

TPM07. Time Management

• Managing your work life without PM systems
• Useful tools and applications
• Communication tools and qualities
• Handling feedback
• Handling complaints

TPM08. TPM systems & software

• How to use Phrase in Project Management
• Introduction to other TPMS

TPM9. How to use Phrase in Project Management

TPM10. Hands-on project: simulation of a project

TPM11. Hands-on project: simulation of a project

TPM12. Hands-on project: simulation of a project

TPM13. Final exam + Feedback on assignments

Dunne, K. J. & Dunne, E. S. (eds.) (2011) Translation and localization project management: The art of the possible. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins. doi: 10.1075/ata.xvi.

Koo, S. L. & Kinds, H. (2000) “A Quality Assurance Model for Language Projects”. In R.C. Sprung (ed) Translating into Success: Cutting-edge strategies for going multilingual in a global age. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Matis, N. (2011) "Quality Assurance in the translation workflow – A professional’s testimony". In I. Depraetere (ed) (2011) Perspectives on Translation Quality. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton, pp. 147-159.

Matis, N. (2010) "Terminology management during translation projects: Professional testimony", Linguaculture, 1/2010.

Matis, N. (2008) "Translation project management - remote exercise". In D. Rodica and K. H. Freigang (eds.) Translation Technology in Translation Classes. Iaşi: Institutul European, pp. 67-102.

Matis, N. (2005) "La gestion de projets de traduction et sa place dans la formation de traducteurs", Équivalences, 32/1 La traduction à l'heure de la localisation HEB, Haute École de Bruxelles, 47-62.

Russi, D. & Schneider, R. (2016) A Guide to Translation Project Management. Published by the COMET® Program with support from NOAA’s National Weather Service International Activities Office and the Meteorological Service of Canada. Available from https://courses.comet.ucar.edu/pluginfile.php/27060/mod_resource/content/12/GuideToTranslationManagement_V1a_02102017_final.pdf (last accessed 18/02/2020).

Useful websites

https://linguagreca.com/blog/2016/03/translation-project-managers-translators-share-many-skills/

https://www.globalizationpartners.com/2011/03/17/why-is-translation-project-management-necessary/

https://project-management.com/

Online teaching and practice (Zoom/Teams) + asynchronous training on Moodle.

Online eaching and practice (Zoom/Teams) + asynchronous training on Moodle.
Use of CAT tools Trados Studio and Phrase.

Multiple choice test and assignments on Moodle.