Research

How LSP Project Management Teams Are Set Up

by Hélène Pielmeier, February 23, 2018, 8 Pages View abstract

While most language service providers have at their core a group of individuals responsible for coordinating jobs, what they call this team and how they organize it varies greatly. CSA Research surveyed more than 250 heads of project management groups . . .

AI Is Changing How LSPs Manage Projects

by Hélène Pielmeier, Arle Lommel, January 31, 2018, 11 Pages View abstract

Until recently, language service providers (LSPs) relied entirely on humans to oversee projects and execute individual tasks, sometimes using software to assist them. Over the last few years, CSA Research has observed a growing number of language . . .

Career Progression for Project Managers

by Hélène Pielmeier, December 22, 2017, 12 Pages View abstract

After a few months or years on the job, even the best project managers can feel like they reached a career dead end. Some leave for a better job, others experience a slump in their performance. This reality poses a challenge for businesses to retain and . . .

Hiring Project Managers

by Hélène Pielmeier, December 22, 2017, 8 Pages View abstract

Recruiting skilled project managers can prove to be a tough exercise for language service providers seeking well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment. To assess LSP practices for hiring PMs, CSA Research surveyed more than . . .

Incentivizing Project Managers

by Hélène Pielmeier, December 22, 2017, 4 Pages View abstract

Many language service providers complain that it is becoming increasingly harder to retain their production staff and that turnover costs add up. Financial incentives contribute to increasing job satisfaction and to aligning team members with corporate . . .

Disintermediation in the Language Supply Chain

by Hélène Pielmeier, September 14, 2017, 6 Pages View abstract

Eliminating the middleman has been the goal of banking, retail, and tourism firms as they cut overhead and deal more directly with their customers. Language services are not exempt from this move toward disintermediation. In this report, we explore how . . .

Benchmarks for Language Service Providers: 2017

by Hélène Pielmeier, Donald A. DePalma, June 30, 2017, 12 Pages View abstract

Providers are always eager to compare their performance against that of their peers. In CSA Research’s annual survey of the language services market, we ask about a range of factors that characterize LSPs. In this brief, we provide an introduction . . .

Should We Centralize Our Globalization Function?

by Rebecca Ray, December 30, 2016, 9 Pages View abstract

One of the most common questions asked by organizations implementing globalization as a business function is whether they should centralize language services. Data from CSA Research demonstrates that companies continue to consolidate in this area as they . . .

Open-Source Language-Industry Ecosystems

by Arle Lommel, September 16, 2016, 18 Pages View abstract

Where does open-source software (OSS) fit in the language sector? This brief updates our earlier analysis of six tools – GlobalSight, Moses, Okapi, OmegaT, ]project-open[, and TermWiki – and adds information on six more solutions: LanguageTool, . . .

How to Manage Freelancers: Lessons Learned from LSPs

by Rebecca Ray, Hélène Pielmeier, July 29, 2016, 12 Pages View abstract

Though not yet a trend, CSA Research observes more companies considering the option of directly managing the freelance linguistic talent responsible for generating their multilingual customer experience. This brief outlines why organizations choose to . . .

Specifications Improve Quality and Satisfaction

by Arle Lommel, February 29, 2016, 9 Pages View abstract

Many translation quality disputes between enterprises and language service providers (LSPs) arise from the lack of communication and a mismatch of expertise and expectations. Formalizing project specifications improves communication, quality outcomes, . . .

Balanced Scorecards for Vendor Evaluation

by Rebecca Ray, Donald A. DePalma, December 30, 2015, 6 Pages View abstract

How should buyers of translation services evaluate their suppliers? The reply is usually along the lines of, "Measure what matters." But how do you choose from among the many criteria related to quality, turnaround, and cost efficiency? This brief out . . .

Developing a Strong Supply Chain
The How-To Guide to Vendor Life Cycle Management

by Hélène Pielmeier, Benjamin B. Sargent, November 30, 2015, 47 Pages View abstract

In theory, all language service providers have access to the same pool of resources. Yet in practice, so many vendor management strategies exist – different approaches to process, staffing, and tools – that every LSP ends . . .

How LSPs Test the Skills of Vendors

by Hélène Pielmeier, November 30, 2015, 6 Pages View abstract

Vendors with great résumés can still fail miserably on a project. How do language service providers identify suppliers that will provide consistent deliverables that meet their quality requirements? CSA Research interviewed . . .

Negotiating Rates with Translation Vendors

by Hélène Pielmeier, November 30, 2015, 9 Pages View abstract

As part of our research on how language service providers manage their supply chain, CSA Research interviewed 31 LSPs about how they approach rate negotiations with their vendors. In this brief, we present: 1) the importance of negotiations to profitability; . . .

Digital Campaign Management and Localization
Winning the Attention Game for Global Audiences

by Benjamin B. Sargent, Rebecca Ray, November 18, 2015, 35 Pages View abstract

Corporate strategy increasingly relies on digital strategy. Content interactions shape everything from brand awareness to customer loyalty. Yet proliferating device platforms, online channels, and content formats challenge even the savviest marketing . . .

Subcontracting to Other LSPs

by Hélène Pielmeier, October 29, 2015, 6 Pages View abstract

Language service providers notoriously tap the capacity of other LSPs to get work done, thereby creating a multi-layer supply chain. As part of CSA Research’s interviews on vendor management best practices, we identified several issues that we discuss . . .

Vendor Management at LSPs
The How-To Guide to Designing and Evolving the Function

by Hélène Pielmeier, Benjamin B. Sargent, October 29, 2015, 55 Pages View abstract

Supply chain management has taken on an increasingly important role at language service providers. It stems from ever more specific and rigorous client requirements, intense price pressure, the depth of subcontracting to peers, and the diversification . . .

Are You Ready to Acquire a New Team or Be Acquired?

by Rebecca Ray, June 30, 2015, 5 Pages View abstract

We are frequently asked at Common Sense Advisory how to manage the integration of a newly acquired localization team. Whichever side you're on - as the acquirer or as the one being acquired - the process requires a lot of hard work to align international . . .

Insights on Enterprise Translation Automation
How Clients Deploy Translation Technology

by Donald A. DePalma, Fred Hollowood, April 14, 2015, 49 Pages View abstract

As your clients expand globally, they struggle to scale content to a range of products, languages, and platforms. The only way to meet this demand is with technology. In this report, CSA Research explores six scenarios for how buyers automate processes . . .

Enterprise Translation Automation
Use Cases for Deployment of Translation Technology

by Donald A. DePalma, Fred Hollowood, March 10, 2015, 42 Pages View abstract

Many organizations employ technology to manage digital content and its translation. Some rely heavily on tools that vendors provide. Others require partners to use proprietary systems that they have developed themselves or bought from commercial suppliers . . .

Agile Localization at 17 Silicon Valley Companies

by Rebecca Ray, February 02, 2015, 9 Pages View abstract

Twenty-two globalization champions from 17 global software developers came together recently in Silicon Valley to share their challenges and solutions for Agile localization at a CSA Research Colloquium. This brief outlines workflow models presented by . . .

Six Questions to Ask When Rethinking Linguistic QA

by Rebecca Ray, January 01, 2015, 3 Pages View abstract

Linguistic quality assurance (QA) continues to be an evergreen topic for buyers of translation and localization services. It remains a frequent source of schedule delays and eats up large portions of language outsourcing budgets. If you are currently . . .

Agile: A Quick Introduction for LSPs

by Donald A. DePalma, Rebecca Ray, November 24, 2014, 4 Pages View abstract

The Agile development methodology is the new norm for clients developing software - and for many of their colleagues in marketing, product development, and even customer care teams aiming to increase their speed (see "What's on the Mind of the Agile-ized . . .

Press Play: Quick Introduction to Video Localization

by Rebecca Ray, August 29, 2014, 17 Pages View abstract

The ubiquity of smartphones and tablets with their much smaller screens continues to increase the use of video by companies to reach their prospects, customers, investors, influencers, and employees worldwide. If you’re looking for a crash course . . .