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Article published In: Target
Vol. 16:2 (2004) ► pp.253–287

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Acquiring capabilities in translation

Towards a model of translation businesses

 | University of Surrey, UK / United Kingdom
 | University of Surrey, UK / United Kingdom
Published online: 12 October 2005
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https://doi.org/10.1075/target.16.2.04tho
There is increasing pressure on all industries to introduce Quality Management Systems, a development which has now also found entry into the translation industry. Industrial standards like the ISO family provide the basis of many such systems; however, for several reasons, such process-based standards are regarded by many as inappropriate for translation businesses. One common factor considered in this article is their failure to emphasise the role of people both in the definition of the processes and in their implementation. The present article proposes a new model for translation businesses, accepting the importance of people in the translation industry and recognising that process-driven quality systems may be inadequate in maintaining consistent levels of quality. The model is based on identifying the capabilities that incorporate the processes of an organisation and the behaviours embodied in the people involved in these processes. In this article, the model is referred to as Acquired Capabilities for Translation Systems (ACTS).
Résumé
La pression augmente sur toutes les industries, y compris sur les industries de la traduction, pour introduire des systèmes de gestion de la qualité. Ces derniers s’appuient sur des standards industriels tels que la famille ISO. Cependant, pour plusieurs raisons, beaucoup considèrent que de telles approches par processus ne conviennent pas aux industries de la traduction. Cet article détaille une critique en particulier: l’inaptitude de ces standards à faire valoir le rôle des personnes aussi bien dans la définition des processus que dans leur mise en oeuvre. Corrélativement, nous proposons un nouveau modèle pour les industries de la traduction, en tenant compte de l’importance des personnes impliquées et en reconnaissant que des systèmes de qualité fondés sur des processus peuvent se révéler inaptes à maintenir des niveaux conséquents de qualité. Ce modèle cherche à identifier le potentiel qui investit les processus d’une organisation ainsi que les comportements des personnes impliquées. On l’appellera ainsi: Potentiel Acquis pour Systèmes de Traduction (PAST).
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Acquired capabilities for translation systems—The ACTS model
    • 1.Overview
    • 2.Capabilities and behaviours
      • 2.1Level
        • 2.1.1Professionalism
        • 2.1.2Commitment
        • 2.1.3Discipline
      • 2.2Level 2
        • 2.2.1Organisation
        • 2.2.2Communication
        • 2.2.3Teamwork
      • 2.3Level 3
        • 2.3.1Consistency
        • 2.3.2Service
      • 2.4Level 4
        • 2.4.1Refinement
        • 2.4.2Self-reflection
      • 2.5Level 5
        • 2.5.1Innovation
        • 2.5.2Embracing change
    • 3.Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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2011. Professional Realism in the Legal Translation Classroom: Translation Competence and Translator Competence. Meta 56:1 ► pp. 162 ff. DOI logo
Ferreira-Alves, Fernando
2011. Job Perceptions, Identity-Building and Interpersonal Relations among Translators as a Professional Group in Northern Portugal. ILCEA :14 DOI logo
Garcia, Ignacio
2008. Translating and Revising for Localisation: What do We Know? What do We Need to Know?. Perspectives 16:1-2 ► pp. 49 ff. DOI logo

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