The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) framework is a robust methodology for continuous improvement that has gained widespread popularity in both business and non-business contexts. In essence, it is a structured problem-solving approach involving the eponymous phases: Plan, Do, Check and Act. Explained briefly, the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle is a model for carrying out change. It is an essential part of the Lean manufacturing philosophy and a key prerequisite for continuous improvement of people and processes. 4 Steps of the Plan Do Check Act Cycle Simply put, the four stages or steps are: Plan, Do, Check, Act. In a way, this is project management plan that not only improves management practices but also eliminates ineffective elements. 1. Plan This is the planning stage—the time you think and plan. PDCA or plan-do-check-act (sometimes called plan-do-check-adjust) is an iterative design and management method used in business for the control and continual improvement of processes and products. [1] It is also known as the Shewhart cycle, or the control circle / cycle. Another version of this PDCA cycle is OPDCA. [2] The PDCA cycle is a process-improving method that involves a continuous loop of planning, doing, checking, and acting. Each stage of the PDCA, meaning the Plan-Do-Check-Act, cycle contributes to the goal of identifying which business processes work and which of them need further improvement. 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. 4f3W.