Beyond PDCA - A New Process Management Model

摘要

The plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle has been an integral part of quality management for several decades. Today, the ISO 9001 quality management standard specifies use of the PDCA model for managing processes and creating process oriented thinking. As I reflect on what I perceive to be the limited success of ISO 9000 standards to date and review the emphasis on inspection and testing in ISO 9001, I have some questions. For example, why is check included in the cycle when the goal is to reduce the need for verification activities? Several factors related to the cost of poor quality and current demands for quality in terms of Six Sigma and virtual perfection also make me question the role of PDCA.