Explain the PDCA cycle.

PDCA is a four step problem solving method. The following are the description of each step:

1. P - Plan (Devise your Plan). Identify an opportunity and plan a change.

2. D - Do (or Execute) the Plan. Execute change and Test the change. Carry out a small-scale study. Testing fit in this stage.

3. C - Check (Check the Results). Review the test, examine the results and identify what you've learned.

4. A - Act (Take the necessary action) Take action based on what results are found: If the change did not work, go by the cycle again with a dissimilar plan. If you were successful, incorporate what you learned from the test into wider changes. Use what you learned to plan new improvements, starting the cycle again.