The PDCA cycle is an interactive problem-solving strategy to improve processes and implement change. Learn the history, steps, and benefits of the PDCA cycle, a method for continuous improvement and lean project management. Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) is a four step cycle that allows you to implement change, solve problems, and continuously improve processes. Its cyclical nature allows it to be utilized in a continuous manner for ongoing improvement. Uses When implementing change. For problem solving. For continuous improvement. To develop a design. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model is a helpful tool that can be used for a number of applications: Exploring and testing multiple solutions in a small, controlled trial; Avoiding waste by catching and adapting ineffective solutions before rolling them out on a large scale; Implementing change and continuous improvement Understanding the Plan-Do-Check-Act Method Sheryl Green Published: January 12, 2022 No matter the industry your organization operates in and the products and services you provide, your business needs to be constantly improving to keep up with a competitive marketplace and evolving consumer needs. This process of change isn't optional. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle is a four-step problem-solving iterative technique used to improve business processes. Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle (PDCA) is a four-step, iterative by-design method used for control and continual improvement of processes and products. It is also known as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, Deming cycle, Control Circle/Cycle or the Shewhart cycle. The PDCA cycle (Image source: Shutterstock [1]) PDCA is all about achieving growth through continual change. 1. Plan. The first stage in PDCA is to define the objective you're hoping to achieve and determine the processes that will be needed to meet it. This is when you create the foundation for your PDCA cycle. Think of it like an experiment you're running. kGCJtg.