What describes the PDCA cycle?

• A. A four-step management method used for the control and continual improvement of processes and products
• B. A budgeting framework for a fiscal year
• C. A single-step quality check procedure
• D. A framework for credentialing and licensure

Answer: (A)

PDCA cycle is a four-step management method used for the control and continual improvement of processes and products. It starts with Plan—identify a problem or opportunity, set objectives, and design a change. Then Do—implement the change on a small scale or as a pilot. Next is Check (or Study)—measure outcomes, compare them to expectations, and determine what happened. Finally Act—if the change worked, implement it more broadly and standardize it; if not, adjust the plan and run another cycle. This approach is iterative, focusing on systematic testing and refinement to achieve ongoing improvement in how work is done and how products or services perform. It’s not just budgeting, a one-time quality check, or a credentialing framework.