PDCA Cycle: Studying Actual vs. Expected Results
Question
Which of the following step of PDCA study the actual result and compares it against the expected result?
Answers
Explanations
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.C.
Check - Study the actual results (measured and collected in "DO" above) and compare against the expected results (targets or goals from the "PLAN") to ascertain any differences.
Look for deviation in implementation from the plan and also look for the appropriateness and completeness of the plan to enable the execution, i.e., "Do"
Charting data can make this much easier to see trends over several PDCA cycles and in order to convert the collected data into information.
Information is what you need for the next step "ACT"
For your exam you should know the information below: PDCA (plan"do"check"act or plan"do"check"adjust) is an iterative four-step management method used in business for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products.
It is also known as the Deming circle/cycle/wheel, Stewart cycle, control circle/cycle, or plan"do"study"act (PDSA)
Another version of this PDCA cycle is OPDCA.
The added "O" stands for observation or as some versions say "Grasp the current condition." The steps in each successive PDCA cycle are:
PLAN - Establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected output (the target or goals)
By establishing output expectations, the completeness and accuracy of the spec is also a part of the targeted improvement.
When possible start on a small scale to test possible effects.
DO - Implement the plan, execute the process, make the product.
Collect data for charting and analysis in the following "CHECK" and "ACT" steps.
CHECK - Study the actual results (measured and collected in "DO" above) and compare against the expected results (targets or goals from the "PLAN") to ascertain any differences.
Look for deviation in implementation from the plan and also look for the appropriateness and completeness of the plan to enable the execution, i.e., "Do"
Charting data can make this much easier to see trends over several PDCA cycles and in order to convert the collected data into information.
Information is what you need for the next step "ACT"
ACT - Request corrective actions on significant differences between actual and planned results.
Analyze the differences to determine their root causes.
Determine where to apply changes that will include improvement of the process or product.
When a pass through these four steps does not result in the need to improve, the scope to which PDCA is applied may be refined to plan and improve with more detail in the next iteration of the cycle, or attention needs to be placed in a different stage of the process.
The following answers are incorrect: PLAN - Establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected output (the target or goals)
DO - Implement the plan, execute the process, make the product.
Collect data for charting and analysis in the following "CHECK" and "ACT" steps.
ACT -Request corrective actions on significant differences between actual and planned results.
Analyze the differences to determine their root causes.
Determine where to apply changes that will include improvement of the process or product Reference: CISA review manual 2014 page number 107
The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is a framework used to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a process. It is a continuous improvement model that involves four key stages:
Plan: This stage involves setting goals and objectives, identifying processes and procedures needed to achieve these goals, and developing a plan for implementing these processes.
Do: In this stage, the plan developed in the previous step is put into action. The processes and procedures identified are implemented and the project is executed.
Check: This stage involves measuring and monitoring the results of the project to ensure that it is meeting the goals and objectives that were set in the planning stage.
Act: In this stage, any necessary adjustments are made based on the results of the previous stage. Lessons learned are documented, and improvements are made to the project to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency.
Based on the above description, it is clear that the stage of PDCA that studies the actual result and compares it against the expected result is the "Check" stage. This stage involves measuring and monitoring the results of the project to ensure that it is meeting the goals and objectives that were set in the planning stage. The results are compared against the expected results to identify any variances and determine if corrective actions are needed.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option C, Check.