PDCA: Plan, Do, Check, Act

A four-stage model for continuous improvement in business process management, also know as the Deming circle/cycle/wheel after W. Edwards Deming. This is associated with Lean manufacturing, and is seen as iterable and separable.

Hoshin Kanri

7-step strategic planning process characterised by ongoing communication through the business. Wikipedia: “Companies that use Hoshin Kanri often follow a Think, Plan, Implement, and Review process, which is comparable to W. Edwards Deming’s Plan Do Check Act cycle.”

  1. Establish organisational vision
  2. Develop breakthrough objectives
  3. Develop annual objectives
  4. Deploy annual objectives
  5. Implement annual objectives
  6. Monthly review
  7. Annual review

Catchball

First 4 phases, include socialised discussion of objectives across the business: making them acceptable through feedback, then creating implementation and cascading through the organisation. By making this an ongoing cycle, people are familiar with their objectives, rather than awaiting (and fearing) changes.

Hoshin Planning Matrix

Complex grid of objectives, targets, priorities and responsibilities