FIT Project Management for Translators 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A translator receives a 10,000-word contract with a 5-day deadline. Using a standard productivity rate of 2,000 words per day, what is the most appropriate first step?
- Begin translating immediately to maximize time
- Assess whether the deadline is realistic and negotiate if necessary (Correct answer)
- Outsource half the project without informing the client
- Request a 50% advance payment before reviewing the scope
Correct answer: Assess whether the deadline is realistic and negotiate if necessary
Evaluating deadline feasibility before accepting a project is a core project management practice that prevents quality issues and missed deadlines.
Question 2: Which document formally defines the scope, deliverables, and terms of a translation project between a translator and client?
- Style guide
- Translation memory file
- Project brief or contract (Correct answer)
- Glossary
Correct answer: Project brief or contract
A project brief or contract outlines scope, deliverables, rates, deadlines, and responsibilities, forming the legal and operational foundation of the engagement.
Question 3: When managing multiple concurrent translation projects, which scheduling technique helps identify which task must be completed before another can begin?
- Gantt chart dependency mapping (Correct answer)
- Random task selection
- Client-priority ranking only
- Word count averaging
Correct answer: Gantt chart dependency mapping
Gantt charts with dependency mapping visually show task sequences and critical path, essential for managing overlapping translation deadlines.
Question 4: A client requests a certified translation of a legal document but the source file is a low-resolution scan. What is the correct project management response?
- Translate from the scan and note limitations in the delivery email
- Refuse the project entirely
- Request a higher-quality source file before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Charge extra and proceed without mentioning the issue
Correct answer: Request a higher-quality source file before proceeding
Requesting a legible source file protects translation accuracy and fulfills the translator's professional duty to deliver a faithful rendition.
Question 5: In translation project management, what does the term 'scope creep' refer to?
- A client requesting revisions within the agreed scope
- Gradual expansion of project requirements beyond the original agreement (Correct answer)
- A translator working faster than the estimated rate
- Adding extra glossary terms to a translation memory
Correct answer: Gradual expansion of project requirements beyond the original agreement
Scope creep occurs when additional tasks or requirements are added without a formal change order, inflating workload without corresponding compensation.
Question 6: Which metric is most useful for estimating the time required to complete a translation project?
- Client satisfaction score
- Number of source languages available
- Words per day productivity rate (Correct answer)
- Number of translation memories in the CAT tool
Correct answer: Words per day productivity rate
A translator's words-per-day rate is the primary productivity metric used to calculate realistic timelines for project delivery.
Question 7: A mid-project terminology dispute arises between the translator and client. What is the recommended project management approach?
- Ignore the client's preference and use professional judgment
- Stop all work until the dispute is legally resolved
- Document the disagreement, propose alternatives, and agree on a resolution before continuing (Correct answer)
- Deliver two versions of the translation and let the client choose
Correct answer: Document the disagreement, propose alternatives, and agree on a resolution before continuing
Documenting and resolving terminology disputes collaboratively maintains project momentum while creating a record that protects both parties.
FIT Project Management for Translators 2
A translator receives a 10,000-word contract with a 5-day deadline.
Using a standard productivity rate of 2,000 words per day, what is the most appropriate first step?