Hoshin Kanri (C): Policy Deployment for Succesful TQM

Hoshin kanri offers an alternative way to overcome the common problems associated with strategic and business planning. It is a comprehensive planning and controlling system, that connects managers and employees by a systematic deployment process through a vertical and horizontal communication, where the goals set by the management are deployed down and the endeavors of both top and bottom lines are adjusted to focus on the same vision and goal. My favorite is the catchball process in HK, which is the key process for alignment and integration. Hoshin Kanri is a very useful strategic tool, not only for TQM, but also for any strategic management initiative. Akao's book gives the reader in depth knowledge on how it works and how one can implement it. As far as I know it is the first book on HK in English.