The Missing Link

Many TQM programmes fail because they are not linked to the achievement of business objectives. Argues that the effective use of policy deployment, also known as Hoshin Planning, will overcome this failure mode. Using a series of “what/how” matrices, policy deployment provides a logical progression from vision statements to business objectives to strategies and finally to action plans. The technique can be applied at any level within a company, but it is best used at the top. Effective use results in a balancing of long‐ and short‐term gain, improved communication and a company‐wide commitment to achieving improvement targets.