## Many Thinking Hats Our lives have many facets and roles, each of which requires us to think and coordinate differently. A freelancer, for instance, can’t focus only on their core skills, but must also sell their services and expedite orders, develop business and market services, do their accounts, tax returns, raise finance and more. Our aim is to help people manage their workload and clarify their priorities. We support autonomous responsibilities, taking the time, and self-respect. You may have to learn techniques to stay on top of all these responsibilities. This site aims to discuss ways to analyse your decisions objectively, set goals and run projects to make it all happen. ![[summary-mjl-tek.png|Summary graphic representing mjl-tek’s key themes: management methods, systems analysis, and software for organizing professional goals and projects.]] ## Key Themes of mjl-tek Mjl‑tek offers practical advice to turn ideas into action and helps independent professionals and teams get organized, build databases, and improve processes. - Pragmatic [[#Management methods]] to prioritize, plan, and iterate with calm focus. - Turn ideas into actionable systems with [[#Software to Capture Experience]] - Lightweight [[#Management databases]] that support business process and decision-making - [[#Systems analysis and design]] thinking to document, improve, and scale processes.  ## Management Methods The real world requires [[Management Methods - Eisenhower, PDCA|business management methods]] nimble enough to react to the changing environment. First, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. What is your endgame, your motivation, and whether you committed to reaching your goal? We examine techniques to enhance productivity and decision-making such as SWOT analysis and the Pomodoro method. - Reflect on how to [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] that are clear, realistic, and time-bound to reduce stress and improve focus. - Read about initiating, planning, executing, and coordinating a project within budget, duration, and risk boundaries in [[Project Definition and Protecting the Plan]]. Our analysis of the [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework]] provides a comprehensive toolkit for organization, including [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#Next Action|Next Action]], [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#The Inbox|The Inbox]], [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#The Trusted System|The Trusted System]] and [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#Mind Like Water|Mind Like Water]]. ![[getting-things-done-summary.png|Diagram summarizing the Getting Things Done (GTD) productivity framework, showing steps like capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage for effective task management.]] The [[Plan Do Check Assess cycle]] is a practical management method for continuous improvement, guiding you to plan actions, implement them, assess results, and refine your approach based on feedback. By integrating tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and Getting Things Done (GTD), PDCA helps prioritize tasks, measure progress, and adapt strategies, fostering both personal and organizational growth through structured reflection and ongoing learning. ![[PDCA.png|Visual representation of the Plan-Do-Check-Assess (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement and iterative task management.]] The [[Eisenhower Decision Matrix]] is a simple yet powerful tool for prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance and demonstrates how to implement it in popular apps like Obsidian, Notion, Trello, Todoist, Excel, Access, TickTick, Evernote, and Kanbanote. It covers practical setup tips, the logic behind the matrix, and how using this method can reduce stress, clarify priorities, and improve decision-making in both personal and professional contexts. ![[eisenhower matrix grid.png|Eisenhower Decision Matrix grid illustrating how to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.]] [[Finding Purpose and Direction]] examines how to set and evaluate your progress towards meaningful goals. We emphasize the importance of maintaining direction in life. Together, these techniques empower individuals to visualize objectives to create a mental image of your aspirations, motivation and focus. ![[measuring-your-trajectory.png|Diagram showing how to measure progress and trajectory towards goals for personal and professional development.|360]] We explore the many [[Uses of Mind Mapping - Notes, Brainstorming]], highlighting how it helps with essay planning, problem-solving, project definition, and business analysis by visually organizing ideas around a central theme. We examine the mind mapping process, compare popular mind mapping software, and demonstrates how this flexible, non-linear technique can clarify thinking, enhance creativity, and efficiently structure complex information in both personal and professional contexts. ![[uses-of-mindmapping.png|Examples of mind mapping uses, such as brainstorming, planning, and clarifying complex subjects and situations.]] ## Management Databases Structured data systems form the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, enabling organizations to reference vast amounts of information securely, supporting critical applications such as customer relationship management, inventory tracking, and finance. We present our [[Issue Management Database]] which structures data around observation, probable cause, cost, and project feedback to determine if implementation was effective. Our bespoke [[Translation Project database in Access]] which we used to streamline [[The Technical Translation Process]] by centralizing terminology, standardizing vocabulary, tracking project progress. It enables efficient term searches, deduplication, and project-specific vocabulary management, while also providing detailed performance metrics to support continuous improvement and informed decision-making throughout the translation process. ![[translation-database-ERD.png|Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) of a translation project database, showing tables and relationships for managing translation terms and performance.]] Our [[Purchasing Price and Forecast Database]], developed in Microsoft Access, centralized supplier pricing, sales forecasts, and consumption data to streamline procurement, support negotiations, and generate key performance indicators. By consolidating information from multiple departments, it improved transparency and accountability in purchasing decisions, while highlighting the importance of cross-functional collaboration and flexible design for effective data-driven management. ![[scope-purchasing-post.png|Mind map of the themes we discuss regarding a purchasing price and forecast database, illustrating centralized purchase price and forecast management.]] In recent years the market has introduced very flexible, online-offline synchronized tools. Notion is a flexible platform for building and managing databases, offering powerful features like customizable fields, multiple views (table, board, gallery, list), and easy linking between records. We provide an [[Evaluation of Notion with Example Databases]], including for translation projects, issue tracking, SEO keywords, machine tools, news, films, tarot, plants, students, and job applications, highlighting strengths such as relational data, visual organization, and integration options, while also noting limitations like offline access and import/export challenges. ![[notion-for-databases.png|Example of using Notion for databases, highlighting flexible field management and table relations.]] ## Software to Capture Experience [[Software to use in Getting Things Done]] reviews a range of software tools—Obsidian, Ayoa, Trello, Todoist, Notion, Evernote, Odoo ERP, Akiflow, and Toggl—highlighting how each supports different stages of the Getting Things Done (GTD) workflow, from capturing and clarifying ideas to organizing, reflecting, and engaging with tasks. It compares their strengths, integration options, and practical use cases, helping you choose the right mix for building an effective, personalized GTD system. ![[software-for-GTD.png|Overview of software tools used for implementing the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, including Trello, Todoist, and Google Calendar.]] We discuss - The [[The Features of Trello - Kanban, Plugins|features of Trello]] to implement GTD lists, a wide range of plugins, such as Gantt and calendar synchronization. - [[Evernote to capture ideas and issues]], use as a library, a record of activity, thoughts, reflections, and notes. - The value of note-taking systems such as [[Obsidian Features and Plugins|Obsidian]] to collect data and why [[Issue Management Database#Problem-Solving|problem solving]] is important in business and technical environments. ## Systems Analysis and Design The black box approach to [[The Principles of Systems Analysis and Design|systems analysis]] allows us to analyse data flows and processes without necessarily knowing the inner workings of the system. We emphasize how documenting operations aids training, change management, and defining clear processes, supports efficiency and enhances strategic planning. ![[the-world-system.png|Diagram illustrating the black box approach in systems analysis, showing data flows and process boundaries.]] ## Video Digitization Services We spent many years providing [[Digitization and Media Services]] and audio tapes, slides, and negatives, glass plates, photos, and documents, and DVD duplication. ![[Media_Memory_play.jpg]] We describe [[Different Types of Video Editing Project]] such as compilations or longer documentary editing transform raw footage into compelling visual narratives by employing techniques like montages and transitions to create polished content for diverse platforms. [[Video Transcription and Subtitling]] adapts content for diverse audiences while preserving its intent and emotional resonance. This process requires balancing linguistic accuracy with cultural sensitivity to ensure global accessibility and engagement. For us it is English and French audio transcription and subtitling for business presentations and entertainment videos. ![[video-subtitling-subtitle-edit.webp|Video timeline screenshot from subtitle editing software, showing the process of video transcription and subtitling.]] ## Experience and past projects We describe our [[Technical Experience in IT and Video]] spanning technical translation, database development, business analysis, video production, and training. My roles have included project management, and running workshops on mind mapping and productivity, providing a broad foundation for supporting complex projects and effective communication. ![[technical-experience.png|Infographic or summary of technical experience as an analyst and project manager, covering procurement, SEO, translation, and more.]] We look at [[Website Localization and Translation]] including keyword research for local audiences and preferences and [[French to English Translation#Different types of translation|different types of translation,]] from Technical to Literary including business legal, post-editing, and media services, literary works and patents. ![[website-seo-tools-summary.png|Summary diagram of website localization, translation, and SEO tools for optimizing content for regional audiences.]] We are now involved in supporting learners with special educational needs: autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyscalculia, where we employ [[Uses of Mind Mapping - Notes, Brainstorming|mind mapping]] to break down work. ![[tek-logo.jpg|Logo for mjl-tek, representing the brand’s identity in management and productivity.]] ## Contact Details for mjl-tek Have a question or a project in mind? Get in touch here on Reddit, Facebook, Instagram or by email at [info@@mjl-tek.net](mailto:[email protected]) | Reddit | Facebook | Instagram | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Contact us [here on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/user/Mikfrom56/). | Contact us [here on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mjltek/) | Contact us [here on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mjltek/) | | [](https://www.reddit.com/user/Mikfrom56/) | [](https://www.facebook.com/mjltek/) | [](https://www.instagram.com/mjltek/) | ## In Summary mjl-tek is dedicated to helping professionals and independent workers organize, prioritize, and achieve their goals through practical management methods, systems analysis, and the use of modern software tools. The site explores proven frameworks like Getting Things Done (GTD), the Plan-Do-Check-Assess (PDCA) cycle, and the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to enhance productivity, clarify priorities, and support continuous improvement. Key themes include the use of digital tools such as Obsidian, Notion, and Trello for note-taking, project management, and database creation; the importance of structured data systems for managing issues, translation projects, and purchasing; and the value of systems analysis for documenting and optimizing workflows. mjl-tek also shares real-world experience in technical translation, video digitization, and supporting learners with special needs, offering practical guides and case studies. The overarching goal is to empower individuals and teams to turn ideas into action, streamline processes, and foster ongoing learning and development.