
Business Process Management ◾ 191
Breakthrough Innovation (Hoshin) Cycle
When Cp ≤ 4/3, an unstable process is indicated and a major innovative change,
or hoshin, is suggested. A hoshin could also be considered even when a process is
stable. For a business firm to maintain its competitive edge or increase revenue, it
may be necessary to initiate a hoshin cycle for a process that is already at a high
sigma level of quality. Figure 8.7 depicts the information flow within the model
when a jump in productivity or level of performance is desired.
PDCA Quality Cycles
In this view of quality improvement cycles, the upper and lower PDCA cycles of
Figu