Which PDCA phase involves reviewing the outcomes?

The correct answer is the phase known as "Check" in the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. This phase is crucial as it focuses on reviewing and analyzing the outcomes of the "Do" phase, where the planned actions were implemented. During the Check phase, the results are compared against the expected standards and objectives established in the Plan phase. This evaluation process helps determine whether the changes made are yielding the desired improvements and highlights any gaps that may need addressing.

By thoroughly assessing the performance data and outcomes during this phase, teams can identify what worked well and what didn’t, facilitating informed decisions on whether to continue, modify, or abandon specific interventions. The insights gained here are essential for driving continuous improvement and ensuring that processes are optimized effectively.

In contrast, the other phases of the PDCA cycle each serve distinct functions: the Plan phase is about identifying opportunities for improvement and planning how to address them, the Do phase is where the actual implementation of solutions occurs, and the Act phase involves taking action based on the findings from the Check phase to standardize successful changes or implement further modifications if necessary. These differences illustrate how each phase contributes to an overall continuous improvement strategy.