Cambridge Business Association
Strat to Action
Book

Strat to Action

The KAIZEN Method for Turning Strategy into Action

Alberto Bastos and Charlie Sharman
McGraw-Hill Interamericana de España, 2020
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • For Beginners
  • Insider's Take

Recommendation

Kaizen experts Alberto Bastos and Charlie Sharman contribute to the literature on Kaizen by focusing on the gap between strategic planning and strategy execution. Using the fictional example of a manufacturing company, the authors walk through a three-year Kaizen implementation. Bastos and Sharman thoroughly explain principles such as the theory of minimum inventory, countermeasure culture and Voice of the Customer. Though rife with unfamiliar terms and oddly named practices, the book offers a broad and detailed overview of the Kaizen approach.

Summary

Use the Kaizen and Strat to Action methodologies in concert to turn strategic planning into action.

Many leaders struggle to implement their vision and strategy. They know where they want to take their organization, but bureaucracy, miscommunications and inertia get in the way. But by using the Kaizen management model alongside Strat to Action techniques, businesses can achieve breakthrough results. These methodologies can help organizations of all sizes and types, especially manufacturers, implement strategy methodically and improve their performance across the board.

The initial process takes three to five years and requires the involvement of all members of the organization, especially its leaders. Strat to Action, also called Hoshin, prescribes a process of daily assessment and regular review against clear and measurable goals. By gradually moving the organization’s culture toward one of enhanced measurement based on data, alignment, prioritization and continuous improvement, leaders can realize their visions and strategies.

Kaizen channels the “Voice of the Customer” (VOC) as a constant reminder and influence over value...

About the Authors

Alberto Bastos is senior partner and managing director of the Kaizen Institute Western Europe. Charlie Sharman is advisor to the Global Board of Kaizen Institute and to Kaizen Institute Western Europe.

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