The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance, Second Edition

The Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle

Once the three fundamental questions are answered, the PDSA Cycle can be used to turn ideas into action and connect action to learning. Using the cycle effectively takes some discipline and effort. Figure 5.2 furnishes some detail on what should be considered in each phase of the cycle.

FIGURE 5.2. THE PLAN-DO-STUDY-ACT CYCLE.

Ryan and his team planned a cycle to evaluate the participation of suppliers during the early concept design phase for a new computer. This cycle was part of their project to increase the quality and lower the cost of their computers and associated products through better supplier relations. ...