On the integration of manufacturing strategy: deconstructing Hoshin Kanri

Hoshin Kanri Process: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis on the Connection of Theory and Practice

The review assesses the Hoshin Kanri process from the point of view of theory and practice implementations in different organizations. There are several adaptations of Hoshin Kanri and a wide range of tools used in each organization. This review aims to determine which and how companies have implemented the afore-mentioned methodology into their strategic management. The PRISMA statement was the framework for the present research. The structure for this study was obtained through a review of articles from two of the most important databases (Scopus and Web of Science). The review focuses on three parts: the theoretical basis of the methodology, a bibliometric overview of the selected articles, and practical insight into the implementation of Hoshin Kanri within the case-study organizations. Since the study’s purpose is to determine not only the companies where Hoshin Kanri was implemented but also the reasons and results of those implementations, therefore, 26 journal articles covering detailed implementations were selected.

A maturity stage model to explore repercussions of green manufacturing for manufacturing strategy decision areas

Purpose

The researchers maintain that when a firm tackles “green concerns,” there could be several repercussions for manufacturing strategy decision areas (MS DAs). However, such repercussions are complex and have not been widely researched. This paper aims to propose a conceptual maturity stage model to study the configuration of MS DAs.

Design/methodology/approach

Firms exhibit different levels of “green” maturity in their journey and tend to make different choices in green technologies (GTs), resulting thereby in other compatible choices in their MS DAs. Extant literature has been synthesized in this light to build a conceptual maturity stage model in two steps. First, what is the GT that is involved! The second step discusses the possible implications of such a GT for MS DAs. Further, such information is organized according to a firm’s four maturity stages for all GTs that may be applicable. A case study has been undertaken to illustrate the model.

Findings

The results show good potential for the proposed conceptual model to examine the repercussions of MS DAs in industrial cases, and thereby develop relevant theories on this subject.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model was applied to a paint manufacturing company, which potentially limits the findings’ generalizability to other industries and/or geographies.

Practical implications

The proposed conceptual model can help managers assess the maturity stages of manufacturing to determine suitable adjustments that may be required in configuring MS DAs to improve their positions.

Originality/value

This is among the very few models to explore the repercussions of green manufacturing for MS DAs according to the four-stage maturity model.