Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Hoshin Kanri Strategy Deployment for Retail Chain in Competitive Landscape


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Hoshin Kanri to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A retail firm faced challenges in aligning its Strategic Objectives with Operational Activities, resulting in stagnant growth and eroding market share. The implementation of the Hoshin Kanri process led to a unified strategic direction, a 15% increase in market share, and significant improvements in operational efficiency and employee engagement.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Consider this scenario: A retail firm is grappling with aligning its strategic objectives with operational activities across its extensive chain of stores.

Despite a robust market presence and a loyal customer base, the organization's growth has plateaued, and market share has begun to erode in the face of aggressive competitors. The leadership team recognizes the need to refine their Hoshin Kanri process to ensure that all levels of the organization are working towards common strategic goals, thus enabling more effective decision-making and resource allocation.



The retail firm's stagnation in growth and loss of market share could be symptomatic of a strategic misalignment across its operations. One hypothesis is that the strategic goals set at the corporate level are not effectively translated into actionable plans at the store level. Another possibility is that the feedback loop necessary for Hoshin Kanri is insufficiently robust, leading to delayed responses to market changes. Finally, there may be a lack of accountability and clarity in roles and responsibilities, which hinders the execution of strategic initiatives.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

This situation calls for a structured, multi-phase approach to revitalize the organization's Hoshin Kanri framework. The benefits of this methodology include realignment of the organization's strategic objectives with store-level operations, enhanced accountability, and improved responsiveness to market dynamics. The following phases are commonly adopted by leading consulting firms to address such challenges:

  1. Assessment of Current State: Evaluate the current Hoshin Kanri process, including how strategic objectives are set, communicated, and translated into operational plans. Key questions include: How are goals cascaded through the organization? What mechanisms are in place for monitoring progress?
  2. Strategic Objective Refinement: Work with leadership to sharpen strategic objectives and ensure they are measurable and achievable. This includes identifying the critical few objectives that will drive the most significant impact.
  3. Alignment Workshops: Facilitate workshops with cross-functional teams to align strategic objectives with departmental and individual goals, ensuring that each store understands its role in the overall strategy.
  4. Process Redesign: Redesign the Hoshin Kanri process to enhance the feedback loop, allowing for quicker adaptations to change, and embed accountability through clear role definitions and performance metrics.
  5. Implementation and Monitoring: Support the rollout of the new Hoshin Kanri framework, including the development of monitoring tools to track progress against strategic objectives and identify areas for continuous improvement.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Hoshin Kanri best practices:

Strategic Planning: Hoshin Kanri (Hoshin Planning) (153-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting ZIP)
Strategic Planning - Hoshin Policy Deployment (138-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting Excel workbook)
Templates for Hoshin Kanri Strategy Deployment (Excel workbook)
Strategic Planning Template and Hoshin Kanri Policy Deployment (Excel workbook)
Strategic Planning: Hoshin Kanri (Hoshin Planning Process) (167-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting Excel workbook)
View additional Hoshin Kanri best practices

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Hoshin Kanri Implementation Challenges & Considerations

While the outlined methodology is robust, executives may question its adaptability to the unique culture and structure of their organization. Tailoring the approach to fit the specific context of the organization is crucial for successful implementation. Executives may also be concerned about the time and resources required for such an overhaul. It is essential to communicate the long-term value of a well-aligned Hoshin Kanri process, which can lead to significant performance improvements and competitive advantage. Additionally, there may be skepticism regarding the sustainability of changes. Ensuring leadership buy-in and establishing a culture of continuous improvement are critical to addressing this concern.

Expected outcomes of the methodology include a unified strategic direction across all stores, improved operational efficiency, and increased market responsiveness. These outcomes should result in a tangible increase in market share and customer satisfaction, as well as a reduction in resource wastage.

Implementation challenges may include resistance to change, particularly at the store level where day-to-day operations may be significantly impacted. Addressing this requires clear communication of the benefits and support structures to assist employees in the transition. Another potential challenge is maintaining momentum after the initial rollout, which necessitates the establishment of a dedicated team to monitor and drive continuous improvement.

Hoshin Kanri KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


A stand can be made against invasion by an army. No stand can be made against invasion by an idea.
     – Victor Hugo

  • Percentage of Strategic Objectives Achieved: Indicates the effectiveness of the Hoshin Kanri process in realizing strategic goals.
  • Employee Engagement Score: Reflects the degree to which employees understand and are committed to the organization's strategic objectives.
  • Time to Market for New Initiatives: Measures the organization's agility in responding to market opportunities or threats.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

During the implementation of the Hoshin Kanri framework, it became evident that leadership alignment is paramount. A study by McKinsey found that companies with aligned senior management are 5.2 times more likely to achieve above-average profitability. This reinforces the importance of engaging leadership at all phases of the Hoshin Kanri process.

Another insight is the critical role of communication in the success of strategic initiatives. Transparent and consistent communication ensures that all employees understand how their work contributes to the organization's strategic goals, which can significantly boost morale and productivity.

Hoshin Kanri Deliverables

  • Hoshin Kanri Alignment Framework (PowerPoint)
  • Strategic Objective Dashboard (Excel)
  • Operational Action Plan Template (Word)
  • Performance Monitoring Report (Excel)

Explore more Hoshin Kanri deliverables

Hoshin Kanri Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Hoshin Kanri. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Hoshin Kanri subject matter experts.

Hoshin Kanri Case Studies

A global retailer successfully implemented a Hoshin Kanri framework that resulted in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and a 10% increase in market share within two years. The key to their success was the rigorous alignment of store-level operations with strategic objectives.

An established department store chain leveraged Hoshin Kanri to streamline operations and reduce inventory costs by 20%. This was achieved by ensuring that strategic objectives were clearly communicated and translated into actionable operational plans.

Explore additional related case studies

Alignment of Strategic Objectives Across Diverse Store Operations

Ensuring that strategic objectives are consistently interpreted and executed across diverse store operations is a complex endeavor. It requires a nuanced understanding of local market conditions and store capabilities. To address this, the approach must be both top-down and bottom-up, allowing store managers to provide input into the strategic planning process. This ensures that the objectives are realistic and take into account the unique challenges and opportunities of each location.

According to Bain & Company, companies that excel in this area are 4 times more likely to have engaged employees who deliver strong financial performance. This underscores the importance of creating a two-way dialogue between corporate leadership and individual stores, ensuring that each store's operational plan is aligned with the overall strategy while remaining flexible to local needs.

Measurement and Monitoring of Strategic Execution

Measurement and monitoring are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of a Hoshin Kanri process. Executives should expect to see a comprehensive set of KPIs that are directly linked to strategic objectives. These KPIs must be carefully selected to drive the right behaviors and outcomes without overwhelming the organization with data.

Deloitte insights indicate that organizations with well-defined KPIs that are closely tied to strategic priorities are 2.5 times more likely to hit their targets. The key lies in identifying leading indicators that can provide early warnings of potential issues and lagging indicators that assess the ultimate outcomes of strategic initiatives.

Sustaining Momentum and Continuous Improvement Post-Implementation

Maintaining momentum after the initial implementation of a new Hoshin Kanri framework is a frequent concern. To sustain momentum, it is essential to embed continuous improvement into the organization's culture. This involves regular review cycles, transparent communication of progress, and recognition of achievements.

Research from McKinsey suggests that organizations that prioritize continuous improvement can see productivity improvements of up to 30%. Therefore, establishing a rhythm of regular strategy reviews and updates will help keep the organization agile and focused on its strategic objectives.

Integrating Hoshin Kanri with Other Business Frameworks

Integrating Hoshin Kanri with other business frameworks, such as Lean or Agile, can enhance the organization's ability to execute its strategy effectively. The integration should be strategic, with a clear understanding of how each framework complements the others and contributes to the overall strategic goals.

According to a study by PwC, companies that effectively integrate multiple management frameworks are better equipped to adapt to changes and can improve their time to market by up to 33%. By carefully aligning these frameworks, organizations can create a cohesive system that supports strategic execution and operational excellence.

Additional Resources Relevant to Hoshin Kanri

Here are additional best practices relevant to Hoshin Kanri from the Flevy Marketplace.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Unified strategic direction across all stores, leading to a 15% increase in market share.
  • Operational efficiency improvements resulted in a 20% reduction in resource wastage.
  • Employee engagement scores increased by 25%, reflecting better understanding and commitment to strategic objectives.
  • Time to market for new initiatives improved by 30%, enhancing market responsiveness.
  • Achieved 80% of strategic objectives within the first year of Hoshin Kanri framework implementation.
  • Continuous improvement culture established, with productivity improvements up to 30% post-implementation.

The overall success of the Hoshin Kanri initiative is evident from the significant improvements in market share, operational efficiency, employee engagement, and time to market for new initiatives. The achievement of 80% of strategic objectives within the first year is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the effectiveness of the redesigned Hoshin Kanri process in aligning the organization's strategic goals with operational activities. The increase in employee engagement scores is a testament to the improved communication and alignment of individual and departmental goals with the organization's strategic objectives. However, the initiative faced challenges, including initial resistance to change and maintaining momentum. Alternative strategies, such as more focused change management programs and earlier involvement of store-level employees in the planning process, could have potentially enhanced the outcomes by addressing resistance more effectively and fostering a stronger sense of ownership and accountability from the outset.

For next steps, it is recommended to focus on further embedding the culture of continuous improvement by establishing more regular review cycles and feedback mechanisms. This will ensure that the organization remains agile and can quickly adapt to changes in the market or strategic direction. Additionally, exploring the integration of Hoshin Kanri with other business frameworks such as Lean or Agile could further enhance strategic execution and operational excellence. Finally, expanding the scope of strategic objectives to include emerging areas such as digital transformation and sustainability could provide new avenues for growth and competitive advantage.

Source: Revitalization of Hoshin Planning for an International Technology Firm, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials




Additional Flevy Management Insights

Hoshin Planning Improvement for a Multinational Tech Firm

Scenario: A multinational technology firm has been struggling with its current Hoshin Planning approach, which is seen as lacking alignment between strategic objectives and daily operational tasks.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Hoshin Planning for a Semiconductor Firm

Scenario: The organization, a semiconductor company, has been facing significant challenges in aligning its operational efforts with strategic objectives.

Read Full Case Study

Hoshin Kanri Strategic Planning Facilitation for a High-Growth Tech Firm

Scenario: A rapidly expanding tech organization found itself grappling with aligning strategic objectives across all departmental levels.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Policy Deployment for Maritime Shipping Leader

Scenario: The organization is a prominent player in the maritime shipping industry, facing challenges in aligning its expansive global operations with corporate strategy.

Read Full Case Study

Hoshin Kanri Alignment for Maritime Transportation Leader

Scenario: A leading firm in the maritime transportation sector is struggling to align its operational activities with strategic objectives.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Hoshin Planning in Power & Utilities

Scenario: A firm in the power and utilities sector is struggling to align its strategic objectives with operational activities using Hoshin Planning.

Read Full Case Study

Digital Transformation Strategy for Finance and Insurance Brokerage Firm

Scenario: A prominent finance and insurance brokerage firm is facing strategic challenges in adapting to the digital era, requiring a comprehensive Hoshin planning approach.

Read Full Case Study

Luxury Travel Firm's Strategic Alignment Initiative in Boutique Lodging

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the luxury travel and boutique lodging sector, facing challenges in aligning its long-term strategic goals with operational activities.

Read Full Case Study

Hoshin Kanri Deployment for Elite Sports Franchise

Scenario: A top-tier sports franchise is struggling to align its long-term strategic goals with daily operations, an issue exacerbated by recent expansions and diversifications into new markets.

Read Full Case Study

Policy Deployment Strategy for Luxury Retailer in European Market

Scenario: The organization in question is a high-end luxury retailer operating in the European market that has recently expanded its product lines and entered new markets.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Hoshin Kanri Alignment for IT Services Firm in Renewable Energy

Scenario: An IT services firm specializing in renewable energy solutions is facing challenges aligning its strategic goals with operational execution.

Read Full Case Study

Hoshin Kanri Deployment in Global Telecom

Scenario: The organization is a major telecommunications provider facing strategic misalignment across its global operations.

Read Full Case Study

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.