Five different categories of project processes can be identified:
- The initiating process consists of defining and authorising the project. For the translator/project manager, this means analysing the customer's enquiry and scoping the project, especially the project objectives, in order to be able to submit a bid established on a solid basis. This also includes preparing a calculation that takes into account all the resources needed during the project. At this stage the price lists will be created and the suppliers database will be built.
- The planning process comprises defining and refining the project objectives and the detailed planning of the actions and resources needed for achieving the project objectives. A viable method to accomplish this is to split the objectives into work packages and define lines of responsibility, levels of authority and communication processes for each work package.
- The executing process means carrying out the plan specified during the planning process. Depending on the type of translation project, it includes different stages of translation work, such as creating a suitable folder structure, backing up the original files, preparing the materials to be translated, the translation itself, revising, reviewing, proofreading and testing. Depending on the work situation, it can be a major issue to maintain the translation memories and to distribute the updated versions of the translation memory files among the translators. These files are, of course, updated in the everyday work and can only be synchronised while all translational work stops, if the translators or only some of them don't have the possibility to work with a server-based translation memory (see also eCoLoTrain TM Module).
- The controlling and monitoring process consists of regularly checking and measuring progress in the different project activities. It also means checking the costs and the prices involved in the project and the regional language settings used in the calculations. Thus, at an early stage, any deviation from the project management plan can be detected and corrected if necessary for achieving the project objectives. Moreover, the project manager has to always keep an eye on the gross profit margin and how that evolves throughout the project.
- The closing process includes the formal acceptance by the client of the translated product, the revision and evaluation of the project activities, as well as the updating of data and materials, such as terminology files and translation memories. This also involves sending an invoice for the completed project. It is also very important to take into consideration the feedback – both good and bad - you receive from the client and to act upon it. Systematical archiving of all project files will always be an important issue in order to have easy access to the contained information for possible future projects with the same client or in the same subject field.
