PDSA.. Do vs. Act? LO23056 -was: Boundaryless Organization

Andrew Wong (andrewwhs@hotmail.com)
Thu, 28 Oct 1999 19:30:00 PDT

Replying to LO23020 --

"Heidi and Dan Chay" <chay@alaska.com> wrote:

>In Deming's PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle, what distinction did Deming
>intend between "Do" and "Act?"

IMHO,

"DO" carry out the action as per the PLAN.
This involves on the ground activities, experimentation, data
collection, alternative solutions etc. etc.

Before we discuss on "ACT", the intermediate step is "STUDY" or
"CHECK", and this involves Evaluation, Confirmation, Audit, collective
further evidence, making comparison or benchmarking etc.

"ACT" is the consolidation stage, involving standardization if the
above evidence is conclusive, reflection and review of the total endeavor
(from PLAN to STUDY), determination of gaps for further improvement
through another PDCA circle, or further improvement with larger vision
even there is no gap.

I hope the above throws some light.

Regards

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-- 

"Andrew Wong" <andrewwhs@hotmail.com>

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