The author's purpose is to demonstrate how Hoshin planning can be used as a solid Quality strategic management tool in directing focus towards the best process improvement projects for businesses. Hoshin ensures that precious assets and effective tools are being applied where they will provide the utmost benefit. Utilized for process improvement, the output of Hoshin results in a strategically linked, optimal list of improvement considerations.
Keywords.
Hoshin planning, Process Improvement, Strategic planning.
The primary focus of Leadership within an organization is to guide decisions and .
integrate priorities to ensure corporate goals are met. A universal challenge shared amongst Management is the ability to drive these aspects into the day to day work environment. In the contemporary workplace where the pace of change is quick and the level of technological innovation is elevated, the use of an agile and sustainable long term structured planning approach is key. Hoshin Kanri (from here on called Hoshin), is a coordinating schema that helps focuses attention towards specific goals within daily work; aligning priorities with planning while being flexible enough to allow for adaptation as needed. .
Hoshin Kanri.
In Japanese, Hoshin means shining metal, compass, or pointing the direction, kanri means management or control. The name suggests how Hoshin Planning aligns an organization toward accomplishing all of its goals. (Mogharei, 2012).
History.
Following the end of World War II, the Japanese military, political structure and resources were in devastation. Rebuilding the country seemed like an almost impossible task, especially in a manner which would not allow Japan to regain its former military power. General Douglas MacArthur was given the responsibility of securing a smooth transition for overhaul and reconstruction of the economy and infrastructure, while ensuring that the military be unable to regain its former strength.