The PDCA cycle, also known as the Deming Circle, is a four-step iterative management method used for continuous improvement of processes and products in business. It involves planning, doing, checking, and acting, establishing objectives, executing plans, analyzing results, and implementing changes. Developed by Walter Shewhart in the 1930s and later revised by W. Edwards Deming, PDCA is foundational in quality management and applicable across various industries.

1. Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle
Rahul Laxman Iyer
ASQ Certified Quality
Engineer
Mesa AZ USA
10/31/2015
Image Source: Health & Safety
Executive, United Kingdom;
http://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/delive
ring/

2. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
Cycle
What is PDCA?
History of PDCA
Where PDCA Can Be Applied
Examples of PDCA

3. What Is PDCA?

Definition of PDCA:
− An iterative four-step management method
used in business for the control and
continuous improvement of processes and
products
− Sometimes referred to as the Deming
Circle/Cycle/Wheel or the Shewhart Cycle
− Bedrock of continuous improvement, and
forms part of the foundation for the Toyota
Production System (TPS)

4. PDCA Cycle

PLAN

Establish the objectives and
processes necessary to deliver
results in accordance with the
expected output

DO

Implement the plan, execute
the process, make the product.

CHECK

Study the actual results

ACT

Act on the
recommendation/change based
upon the data. This then
becomes the new standard.
The process then can restart.
P-D-C-A is an iterative process

5. History of PDCA

Traditionally attributed to W Edwards Deming, PhD,
Yale University
− Deming attributed the methodology to Walter
Shewhard, PhD, University of California-
Berkeley

Developed in the 1930's originally by Walter
Shewhard, PhD

Revised by W Edwards Deming, PhD in the 1940s,
and used as part of the development of the quality
field post WW II

Rooted in the Scientific Method as described by
Francis Bacon, Cambridge University, 1620

6. History of PDCA

W Edwards Deming, PhD,
Yale University

Walter Shewhard, PhD,
University of California-
Berkeley

Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount
St Alban, Cambridge
University

7. Application of P-D-C-A
Process Improvement Product Improvement

8. Examples of PDCA
Evolution of the mobile telephone & the automobile

9. Conclusion
What is PDCA?
History of PDCA
Where PDCA Can Be Applied
Examples of PDCA

10. Conclusion
What is PDCA?
History of PDCA
Where PDCA Can Be Applied
Examples of PDCA