Heidi, the terminology in the PDCA cycle is confusing. "Do" and "Act" can
certainly mean the same in everyday language.
Within the PDCA cycle, the "Do" usually means running a pilot program and
the testing of the plan (and theory). It shifts the activity from
planning to analyzing and evaluating. It often involves partial
implementation of the plan.
The "Act" cycle is the full implementation of the plan based on the
findings and learning from the "doing" and "checking" phases. The "Act"
involves commitment to the revised plan and the standardization of
practices and processes that lead to the desired results.
In short, one could say the "Do" and "Check" (also sometimes called
"Study" --> PDSA cycle) are means of improving the original plan before
full commitment (of resources) to the implementation of the plan.
Michael T. Schumacher
--"Michael T. Schumacher" <orgconsult@yahoo.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>