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The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, also known as the Deming cycle, is a continuous improvement framework used in quality management and operations. It originated with Walter A. Shewhart in the 1930s and 1940s and was popularized by W. Edwards Deming. The cycle is sometimes referred to as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) when the “Check” step is framed as “Study.” The PDCA approach emphasizes learning and iterative refinement to develop better processes and outcomes.

Plan: define the problem or opportunity, establish objectives, predict results, and design the change. Do: implement the plan on a small scale or pilot, collecting data on key processes. Check (or Study): assess results against expectations, analyze data, identify causes of variances. Act: based on findings, adjust the plan, expand implementation, or standardize the successful changes and prepare for the next cycle.

The PDCA cycle is widely used across manufacturing, service industries, information technology, software development, healthcare, and project management. It supports incremental improvements and aligns with other quality frameworks such as ISO 9001 and lean practices. The cyclical nature encourages ongoing learning and adaptation rather than a single, one-off change.

Effective use requires leadership support, clear problem definition, reliable data, and time for repeated cycles. Without an organizational culture that values experimentation and systematic reflection, PDCA can become a one-off project rather than a sustained process of improvement.