## Many Thinking Hats Our lives have many facets, each of which requires us to think differently. An independent knowledge worker assumes many roles and needs to coordinate both current actions such as orders and actions to generate future business. - producer who executes orders for core services - a salesperson who sells current currently established services - a strategist who analyses the market and performance to develop the services of the future - time and project manager This means determining strategy, doing the (added value) work and also setting priorities. The freelance worker is both doer and manager of their own work. Our aim is to help people manage their workload and clarify their priorities. We support self-management, autonomous responsibilities, taking the time to work and self-respect. ## Key Themes of mjl-tek The key themes that we discuss here at mjl-tek are: [[#Management methods]] such as Getting Things Done and continuous improvement. Examples of [[#Management databases]] using Notion and Access. [[#Software to Capture Experience]] such as Obsidian, Trello and Evernote. [[#Systems analysis and design]] and case studies. ![[mjl-tek-themes.png]] ## Management Methods The real world requires controlled management to bring about change nimble enough to react to the changing environment. First, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. - What is your goal, your end game, - What is your motivation, - Are you committed to reaching your goal? - Are you responding to an internal desire or adaptating to circumstances? We explore a variety of methods and tools designed to enhance productiveness, decision-making, and organizational efficiency. Techniques such as the [[Plan Do Check Assess management method]], cycle, SWOT analysis, and Pomodoro. [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] which are clear, realistic, and time-bound goals to reduce stress and improve focus. [[Define Projects and Protect the Plan]] describes the process of initiating, planning, executing, and coordinating a project within budget, duration and risk boundaries. The [[Getting Things Done management framework]] offers principles for organizing tasks and fostering a proactive mindset, decision-making strategies and software solutions to prioritize effective actions, providing a comprehensive toolkit for both personal and professional contexts. The [[Plan Do Check Assess management method]] cycle is a method for continuous improvement and task management, replacing the notion of fault with learning and improvement. ![[PDCA.png]] [[Getting Things Done management framework]] is a useful toolbox of principles that can help change your attitude to work in general, including [[Getting Things Done management framework#Next Action|Next Action]], [[Getting Things Done management framework#The Inbox|The Inbox]], [[Getting Things Done management framework#The Trusted System|The Trusted System]] and [[Getting Things Done management framework#Mind Like Water|Mind Like Water]]. ![[getting-things-done-summary.png]] In [[Types and techniques of decision making]] we discuss an inventory of some of the management software techniques to organize your actions effectively. The [[Eisenhower Matrix - A simple decision making tool]] can be very useful to determine priorities. It begs the question which tasks, activities, and projects are urgent and important. ![[eisenhower matrix grid.png|400]] The themes covered emphasize the importance of visualization, goal setting, and continuous improvement for achieving success and maintaining direction in life and work. Together, these techniques empower individuals to stay motivated, improve processes, and achieve their aspirations effectively. Visualize your goals to help you define and achieve them by creating a vivid mental image of your aspirations, fostering motivation and focus. The [[Plan Do Check Assess management method]] cycle is a method for continuous improvement and task management, replacing the notion of fault with learning and improvement. It is highlighted as a method for iterative improvement, replacing fault-finding with learning and progress. [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bounded objectives, allowing you to manage their work with relative autonomy. [[Finding your Purpose and Direction]] is to set goals, and involves measuring your progress towards meaningful goals. ![[measuring-your-trajectory.png|400]] To [[Sort Ideas into Actions and Projects]] you evaluate the changing market and develop news ideas by executing projects. Whether you execute actions as everyday operations or as part if projects, both together feed into a learning cycle, which drives the business to set new objectives in a cycle of continuous improvement. You can organize priorities either top-down by breaking down a single objective or bottom-up by grouping issues and priorities into coherent projects. ![[Order and project cycle.png]] [[Use Mind Mapping to describe any subject]], brainstorm, write a plan, and to clarify complex subjects and situations in the context of [[Issues Database as part of the Quality Process|problem-solving]]. ![[uses-of-mindmapping.png]] We evaluate a [[List of useful mind mapping software]] for their presentation, use of colour, images, customizing, layout options and ease of use. We describe how an [[Issues Database as part of the Quality Process]] can help to structure problems and their solutions. We describe briefly our Notion Issues database, which helps to structure issues based on observation, probable or possible cause, cost of solving or otherwise. We examine post-project feedback to determine if the perceived solution was implemented and was effective, as part of continuous improvement. ![[essential-issue-fields.png|300]] We examine the value of note-taking systems to collect data to solve problems, and why [[Issues Database as part of the Quality Process#Problem Solving|problem-solving]] is important in business and technical environments. ![[problem-solving-capture-process.png]] Continuous improvement is the ongoing effort to enhance processes, products, or services by making incremental changes over time. Rooted in principles like adaptability and learning, it fosters a culture where individuals and organizations constantly evaluate performance, identify areas for enhancement, and implement changes to achieve greater efficiency, quality, or innovation. ## Software to Capture Experience Your experience generates data. We discuss systems which capture experience and allow for decision making. Our journey started with Google Desktop, which allowed us to index and find documents on the hard drive. But then Evernote came along, and allowed us not not only to store documents but also to comment on them link documents and give them context. It was a valuable terrain for developing ideas, a place in which to write to oneself. But Evernote’s performance issues became frustrating. Then came [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) which allows you to write, store and link notes on any platform. And a graph view which allows you to visualise links between your notes. Such tools, now now known as Personal Knowledge managers, allow us to capture, record and manage experience, formulate goals and establish projects to move our activity forward. We discuss cataloguing observations and issues and making decisions in the present about the future. We share some ideas about how to transform thinking into action. We encourage you to journal and take notes in your [[The Trusted System in Getting Things Done|trusted system]]. We consider Obsidian as a note taking system and [[Software to use in the Getting Things Done process]] including Trello, Todoist, Google Calendar and Odoo ERP. See our [[Introduction to Ayoa mind mapping and task boards]] ![[software-for-GTD.png]] We discuss [[The many features of Trello]] a very flexible, reliable task manager using a kanban presentation and offers an opportunity to implement GTD lists. But Trello can be used for note taking, mind dumping, organization, and checklists. The Trello platform offers a wide range of useful plugins, such as Gantt, calendar synchronization and more. Use [[Evernote to capture ideas and issues]]. It can be the underlying library, a record of activity, thoughts, reflections and doodles and the varied nature of inputs. Where Obsidian and Evernote are for note taking, we explore how [[Notion is great to manage databases]] and well adapted to data collections, offering easier field management and relations between tables. ![[notion-for-databases.png]] ## Management Databases Structured systems for storing and retrieving data 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. See our example database, used to [[Manage Translation Projects in Microsoft Access]], store and curate translation terms and measure production performance. ![[translation-database-ERD.png]] Another example of a Microsoft Access database is the [[Purchasing price and forecast database]] which we developed to centralize prices negotiated by buyers, to import Excel files and later to consolidate forecasts and consumption. It was used to produce key performance indicators and in procuring components from suppliers. But in recent years the market has introduced very flexible, online-offline synchronized tools such as Notion. Where Obsidian and Evernote are for note taking, we explore how [[Notion is great to manage databases]] and data collections, offering easier field management and relations between tables. ![[notion-for-databases.png]] ## Systems Analysis and Design [[The Principles of Systems Analysis and Design]] determine how systems operate, the actors involved, the data flows between subsystems, and the processes that communicate or transform data. Documenting systems aids training, change management, and defining clear processes. It ensures knowledge retention, supports efficiency, and enhances strategic planning. The black box approach allows us to analyse data flows without necessarily needing to know the inner workings of the system. ![[the-world-system.png]] ## Our Experience in Media Transfer Digital transfer, video editing, and translation are interconnected processes that play vital roles in today’s multimedia landscape. We spent many years providing [[Digitization of Super 8 film and Magnetic Tapes]] and audio tapes, slides and negatives, glass plates, photos and documents, and DVD duplication. Pour nos clients français lisez la page [[Numérisation de Super 8 et Cassettes Vidéo]] en français. ![[mjl video logo.jpg|300]] We describe [[Different Types of Bespoke Video Editing]] based on the source format and different target audiences. Short compilations, live events, 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. ![[linear-video-editing.png]] [[Video Subtitling and Audio Transcription]] adapt 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 the English and French audio transcription and subtitling for business presentations and entertainment videos. ![[video-subtitling-subtitle-edit.webp|Video timeline from subtitle edit]] ## Our Experience in Translation Document translation is the process of converting written content from one language to another while preserving its original meaning, tone, and intent. It requires linguistic expertise, cultural sensitivity, and subject knowledge to ensure accuracy and relevance. This practice is essential for facilitating global communication, enabling companies, governments, and individuals to share information. We describe our [[Experience as Analyst and Project Manager]] from 1994 to 2024, spanning procurement, SEO, translation, database management, business analysis, and video production. ![[technical-experience.png]] [[The Translation Process from Start to Finish]] examines the steps from order confirmation, project set up in the CAT tool, doing the translation, proofing, and text-to-speech verification to generating the target documents. ![[translation-process-end-to-end.png]] We discuss different [[Types of Translation from Technical to Literary]] including for business legal, post-editing, technical documents, and media services, literary works and patents. ![[translation-projects-header.png]] [[Website Localization and Translation]] is the translation of a website for regional audiences, local cultural nuances, payment methods, shipping options, and design preferences. It also includes keyword research for your content creation. ![[website-seo-tools-summary.png]] ## Contact Details [[Contact details for mjl-tek]] ![[tek-logo.jpg|300]] ## QR Code ![[qr-code-mjl-tek-net.png]]