This course consists of two parts; quality management and supplier management, both from the point of view of the buyers of localization services. The first part will explain how quality management programs are built in corporations that buy localization services and how quality needs to be approached not just as a linguistic but as a business function, which translates into different quality management models, review types, review approaches, metrics collection and management, automation and budget management. It will examine the interdependence of quality management with other corporate and localization functions, and will teach students how to design a successful quality management strategy. Students will also practice how to evangelize quality management to other corporate teams, collaborate with them on quality improvement programs or get buy-in for stakeholder collaboration.

The second part will focus on the relationship between buyers of localization services and suppliers of those services, i.e. LSPs. Students will learn how to build a successful partnership between buyers and suppliers and how to manage their suppliers strategically, including choosing the right supplier, collaborating with your suppliers, managing supplier performance using metrics, conducting effective QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) and managing performance issues. They will also learn the legal and financial sides of supplier management and how to collaborate with corporate procurement departments on all supplier-related issues.