Scaling localization through systematic interventions: Enhancing efficiency in a centralized enterprise model
Tuomi, Päivi-Riitta (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025101225944
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025101225944
Tiivistelmä
This thesis dissertation examined the challenges associated with localization program management of multimedia-rich marketing and enablement assets within a global enterprise. The development project focused on efficiency, scalability, and alignment with stakeholder expectations in a centralized localization model while retaining focus on project planning, communications, and resources coordination. The theoretical framework draws on localization studies, project management and systems thinking. It integrates aspects of the variance between centralized vs decentralized localization and agile vs waterfall development methodologies as a means of applying systems thinking to address organizational complexity.
Action research was utilized as the primary research method for the research. The iterative and participative nature of action research allowed for the development with internal stakeholders. Data was gathered from participant observations, semi-structured interviews and by systematically collecting quantitative metrics during the process. The systems thinking offered a way to frame the analysis to diagnose problems and understand interdependencies. The research findings indicated that while stakeholders were satisfied with the outputs, the respondents identified some common ongoing issues particularly the expectations around turnaround timeframes, fragmented communications, and lack of transparency throughout the project. The issues arose and can be attributed to systemic barriers in information flow, lack of transparency, and misalignment across process.
This thesis offers three sets of interventions: a centralized roadmap for project specifications and timelines, variation of agile-inspired workflows and the adoption of t-shirt sizing which introduces a framework for delivery timelines. These combined solutions have the potential to lead to both greater transparency and efficiencies, and create a culture and processes for continuous improvement, and an increase in localization maturity.
Action research was utilized as the primary research method for the research. The iterative and participative nature of action research allowed for the development with internal stakeholders. Data was gathered from participant observations, semi-structured interviews and by systematically collecting quantitative metrics during the process. The systems thinking offered a way to frame the analysis to diagnose problems and understand interdependencies. The research findings indicated that while stakeholders were satisfied with the outputs, the respondents identified some common ongoing issues particularly the expectations around turnaround timeframes, fragmented communications, and lack of transparency throughout the project. The issues arose and can be attributed to systemic barriers in information flow, lack of transparency, and misalignment across process.
This thesis offers three sets of interventions: a centralized roadmap for project specifications and timelines, variation of agile-inspired workflows and the adoption of t-shirt sizing which introduces a framework for delivery timelines. These combined solutions have the potential to lead to both greater transparency and efficiencies, and create a culture and processes for continuous improvement, and an increase in localization maturity.