Managing terminology projects

Terminology management is a horizontal business process that crosses different organizational units, even spanning different locations, languages and time zones. Introducing centralized, standardized and systematic terminology management in an organization can be met with some objection. Experience has shown that it is wise to develop a project management approach to elaborate the relevant project plan. A project can only reach its intended outcome when terminology management is incorporated in the organization’s process landscape generally as a support process more or less critical to the business as a whole.The terminology manager assumes the responsibility for overseeing the business process activities defining rules and guidelines and establishing the necessary control mechanisms. Furthermore, specific measures taken during the project phase will help to change the mind set of those who will be instrumental in the transition to establish terminology management processes sustainably.This paper provides readers interested in professionally managing corporate terminology with tools and practical instruments on successfully implementing terminology management in an organization, from the definition and drafting of a project plan in both its strategic and operational dimension, through to project execution.Any organization active at an international level needs to provide its deliverables in various languages and the – mostly – technical terms need to be explained, described, updated and made available to different target groups.Professionally managed terminology promotes enterprise language and makes for unequivocal communication between the organization and its staff, partners and stakeholders. Terminology management underpins information management processes within the organization and is thus of strategic importance.