Page 9 - MODULE QUALITY TOOLS DMQ 30262

DMQ 30262

1.5 THE PLAN-DO-STUDY-ACT (PDSA) CYCLE

Shewhart whom called this cycle as Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle first developed
the basic Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. It was later modified by W.E. Deming

and called it Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle as a process for continual
improvement. Figure 3 illustrates the cycle.

a
A c t Plan
P
l
Act
n
S t u d y Do
o
D
Study

F i g u r e 3 T h e P D S A C y c l e
Figure 3 The PDSA Cycle

The four steps in the cycle are exactly as state. First, plan carefully what is to be
done. The plan phase involves identifying problems to be solved, gathering data,

doing data analysis, and developing recommendations.

Next, carry out the plan (i.e. do it). The do phase involves implementing the solution

on a trial basis.

Third, study the results to find out whether the plan work as intended, or were the

results different? In other words, study consists of post implementation study to
ascertain whether or not the implementation resulted in the expected outcome.

Finally, act on the results by identifying what worked as planned and what didn’t. In
this case, it involves either adjusting the original implementation because of problems

resulting from the change or making the changes permanent if the implementation
was effective in making improvement. In this case using the knowledge learned,
develop an improved plan and repeat the cycle.

The PDSA cycle fits well with the basic seven (B7) tools of quality presented in this

chapter. These tools are very simple and effective, as we’ll see.

KKTM Kuantan 8 DMQ 30262