X-Matrix Hoshin Kanri

== Abstract ==

X-Matrix is a powerful tool from Hoshin Kanri that sums up in a single document the strategies, tactics, processes, and people involved in the achievement of a project or program success. It is a dynamic tool and the process results, financial impacts and cost could be recorded during the project execution. The main aim of this tool is to help the project or program manager in the communication of the project stages to the internal team and stakeholders. Moreover, it provides a visual explanation of how the different steps are correlated and how they contribute to the project or program success. The implementation of this simple tool makes it easy to align plans and goals between each team within the organization. This article provides a brief introduction to Hoshin Kanri's methodology and importance. Then the X-Matrix structure will be explained. Because this tool is flexible and could be adapted according to the situation, an overview about when and how applied the X-Matrix will be provided. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of its application will be discussed.