## Many Thinking Hats Our lives have many facets, each of which requires us to think differently, and an independent knowledge worker assumes many roles and needs to coordinate both current orders and actions to generate future business. A freelancer will be: - a producer who executes orders for core services - a salesperson who sells current services - a strategist who develops the services of the future - a time and project manager Our aim is to help people manage their workload and clarify their priorities. We support autonomous responsibilities, taking the time, 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. [[#Management databases]] using Notion and Microsoft 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 nimble enough to react to the changing environment. First, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. - What is your endgame? - What is your motivation, - Are you committed to reaching your goal? - Are you responding to an internal desire or adapting to circumstances? We examine techniques to enhance productivity and decision-making such as SWOT analysis and the Pomodoro method. How to [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] that are clear, realistic, and time-bound to reduce stress and improve focus. Read about how to [[Define Projects and Protect the Plan]], initiating, planning, executing, and coordinating a project within budget, duration, and risk boundaries. The [[Getting Things Done management framework]] offers principles for organizing tasks, providing a comprehensive toolkit for both personal and professional contexts, 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]] The [[Plan Do Check Assess method]] is a method for continuous improvement and task management rather than fault and blame. ![[PDCA.png]] In [[Different types of decision making]] we discuss an inventory of techniques to organize your actions effectively. The [[Eisenhower Decision Matrix - A simple tool]] can be very useful to determine priorities, and asks which tasks and projects are urgent and important. ![[eisenhower matrix grid.png|400]] The themes covered emphasize the importance of maintaining direction in life. Together, these techniques empower individuals to visualize your objectives to create a vivid mental image of your aspirations, fostering motivation and focus. The [[Plan Do Check Assess method]] cycle is a method for task management, replacing the notion of fault with learning and continuous improvement. [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bounded, allowing you to work with relative autonomy. [[Finding your Purpose and Direction]] is to set and evaluate your progress towards meaningful goals. ![[measuring-your-trajectory.png|400]] Everyday actions feed into a continuous learning cycle. [[Turn Ideas into Actions and Projects]] either by breaking down objectives or by grouping issues and priorities into coherent projects. ![[Order and project cycle.png]] We describe the [[Many Uses of Mind Mapping]], and how to brainstorm, write a plan, and clarify complex subjects and situations in the context of [[Issue Management Database and the Quality Process|problem-solving]]. ![[uses-of-mindmapping.png]] We evaluate a [[List of mind mapping software]] for their use of colour, images, customizing, lay out options and simplicity. See also our [[Introduction to Ayoa mind mapping]]. We present our [[Issue Management Database and the Quality Process]], which structures problems around observation, probable, or possible cause, cost or otherwise, and post-project feedback to determine if implementation was effective. Issue management form: ![[essential-issue-fields.png|300]] We examine the value of note-taking systems to collect data and why [[Issue Management Database and 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 over time. Rooted in principles like adaptability and learning, it fosters a culture where individuals and organizations constantly evaluate performance and implement incremental changes to achieve greater efficiency and quality through innovation. ## Software to Capture Experience Obsidian and Notion allow us to capture, record, and to manage experience, formulate goals and establish projects as part of your [[The Trusted System in Getting Things Done|trusted system]], and transform thinking into action. We present [[Software to use in Getting Things Done]] including Trello, Todoist, Google Calendar and [[Odoo ERP System]]. ![[software-for-GTD.png]] We discuss [[The many features of Trello]] which offer an opportunity to implement GTD lists and a wide range of plugins, such as Gantt, calendar synchronization and more. Use [[Evernote to capture ideas and issues]], as a library, a record of activity, thoughts, reflections, and doodles and the varied nature of inputs. ## 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. See our [[Translation Projects database in Microsoft Access]] which stores translation terms and measures production performance. ![[translation-database-ERD.png]] An example of a Microsoft Access database is our [[Purchasing price and forecast database]] which we developed to centralize purchase prices, consolidate forecasts and consumption, produce key performance indicators and procure 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 some [[Example Notion databases]] with easy field management and table relations. ![[notion-for-databases.png]] ## Systems Analysis and Design Documenting operations aids training, change management, and defining clear processes. It supports efficiency and enhances strategic planning. The black box approach and [[The Principles of Systems Analysis and Design]] allow us to analyse data flows and processes without necessarily needing to know the inner workings of the system. ![[the-world-system.png]] ## 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 and Media Services]] and audio tapes, slides, and negatives, glass plates, photos, and documents, and DVD duplication. ![[mjl video logo.jpg|300]] 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. We describe [[Video Editing Projects]] based on the source format and different target audiences. ![[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]] ## Experience and past projects We describe our [[Technical Experience as Analyst and Project Manager]] spanning procurement, SEO, translation, database management, business analysis, and video production. ![[technical-experience.png]] From our experience as technical translator, we describe [[The Document Translation Process]] and examine the steps from order confirmation, project set up, proofing, and text-to-speech checking 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]] From this we go on to discuss [[Website Localization and Translation]], which 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]] We are now involved in supporting learners with special educational needs. ## Contact Details You can contact us through Reddit, Facebook, on Instagram or by email using [[Contact details for mjl-tek]]. ![[tek-logo.jpg|300]] ## QR Code Flash this QR code to find our site mjl-tek.net. ![[qr-code-mjl-tek-net.png|400]]