KC 1.3.1 - The Deming's PDCA Cycle

I am giving simple definitions of P-D-C-A here. There are very good resources available for PDCA cycle which is also known as Deming's Cycle or Schewart's Cycle. Please go through the sources below for better info on PDCA cycle.

• PLAN: Design or revise business process components to improve results
• DO: Implement the plan and measure its performance
• CHECK or STUDY: Assess the measurements and report the results to decision makers
• ACT: Decide on changes needed to improve the process

Benefits of the PDCA cycle:

- Daily routine management-for the individual and/or the team
- Problem-solving process
- Project management
- Continuous development
- Vendor development
- Human resources development
- New product development
- Process trials
Note: The PDCA cycle was in fact originally developed by Walter A, Shewhart, a Bell Laboratories scientist who was Deming's friend and mentor, and the developer of Statistical Process Control

Kaoru Ishikawa has expanded Deming's four steps into Six

1. Determine goals and targets.
2. Determine methods of reaching goals.
3. Engage in education and training.
4. Implement work.
5. Check the effects of implementation.
6. Take appropriate action.
   

PDCA Resources:

1. iSixSigma's Definition of PDCA
2. Plan-Do-Check-Act from HCi.com
3. PDCA from ASQ