Plan-Do-Check-Act

This is a management method which is used for the continuous improvement in products and processes; it is also called the Deming cycle or wheel, amongst other names and is often shortened to its acronym of PDCA.

Plan: Identify the aims and objectives and represent these in a requirements document which objectively describes and defines what is to be achieved. Identify an opportunity for improvement and create a plan to achieve the desired outcomes, typically using SMART objectives.

Do: Implement the plan using best working practices. Refinements or changes to procedures and processes might be trialled before being implemented more widely. Gather data throughout this, action, implementation stage.

Check: Monitor, analyse and evaluate data gathered and relate these to the desired outcomes identified in the requirements document. Understand the impact of the implemented actions and identify further areas for improvement, where appropriate.

Act on the findings of the analysis and evaluation. If outcomes have been successful, then the changes which were made can be rolled out on a larger scale and standardised throughout the organisation. If outcomes have not been, or only partly, met then identify what further actions need to be taken to allow for improved planning for a further cycle to start, therefore correcting the identified deficiencies, inefficiencies or weaknesses.