MINDSETMonths to result

Deming-Shewhart Cycle

Improve processes with a cycle of planning, doing, checking, and acting

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Individuals and teams looking to improve processes and drive continuous improvement

Not ideal for

Those who prefer rigid structures and resist change

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Deming-Shewhart Cycle framework is about improving processes with a cycle of planning, doing, checking, and acting. It involves using a structured approach to improve processes and drive continuous improvement.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Use a cycle of planning, doing, checking, and acting to improve processes
  2. Involve all stakeholders in the process improvement effort
  3. Use data and feedback to inform decision-making and drive improvement

Steps

2 steps
  1. Plan
    Define the problem or opportunity for improvement and plan the approach.
    Pro tipUse a clear and concise definition of the problem or opportunity
    WarningAvoid unclear or vague definitions of the problem or opportunity
  2. Do
    Implement the plan and take action.
    Pro tipUse a structured approach to implementation
    WarningAvoid unstructured or ad-hoc implementation approaches

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Using Deming-Shewhart Cycle in business

A business leader uses the Deming-Shewhart Cycle framework to improve processes and drive continuous improvement.

OutcomeThe leader is able to drive business success and improve processes

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to involve all stakeholders
Failing to involve all stakeholders can lead to poor buy-in and resistance to change
Failing to use data and feedback
Failing to use data and feedback can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of improvement

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of the Deming-Shewhart Cycle is inspired by the work of William Edwards Deming and Walter Andrew Shewhart, who developed the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Pomodoro Technique Illustrated The Easy Way to Do More in - Staffan Nöteberg, Francesco Cirillo
Unknown · 2009
Open source →

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