Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Core
PDCA cycle
Also called: Deming cycle
ELI5
A repeated plan-do-check-act cycle for testing and improving work.
Used in conversation
“Can we remove the ambiguity around pDCA cycle before the process changes?”
Pitch context
You will see “PDCA cycle” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.
Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16