Risk management in localization

Risk management, a set of processes designed to maximize opportunities and minimize threats, is essential to successful project management. This chapter discusses risk management in the context of outsourced localization projects. It begins by proposing a localization Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) to categorize recurring localization project risks. It then discusses the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) standardized risk management framework, which involves proactive and systematic risk identification and prioritization, response planning and monitoring. The chapter concludes by examining the application of the PMI risk management framework to localization projects and by proposing responses to common localization risks.