May 2026 CPHQ Prep Virtual Class-PDCA

PDCA - DMAIC Crosswalk
Pdf Summary
The document presents a crosswalk between the PDCA and DMAIC improvement models, showing how seven performance improvement steps align with the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. It is adapted from a quality improvement story by Competitive Technologies, Inc.

The process begins in the <strong>Plan</strong> phase with <strong>Step 1: Reason for Improvement</strong> and <strong>Step 2: Current Situation</strong>. These steps focus on identifying the stakeholder need, creating a measurable indicator, forming a theme statement, and establishing the current problem and target for improvement. Tools such as bar graphs, checksheets, flow charts, surveys, and brainstorming are used to define and measure the issue.

Next, in the <strong>Analyze</strong> phase, <strong>Step 3: Analysis</strong> identifies and verifies root causes of the problem. Common tools include cause-and-effect diagrams, Pareto charts, scatter diagrams, and group decision methods. The goal is to determine which causes most strongly affect the gap between current and desired performance.

In the <strong>Improve</strong> phase, <strong>Step 4: Countermeasures</strong> develops and selects practical solutions to eliminate verified root causes. This includes selecting corrective actions, assessing feasibility and effectiveness, identifying barriers and supports, and creating an action plan with clear responsibility and timing.

The <strong>Check</strong> phase corresponds to <strong>Step 5: Results</strong>, which evaluates whether the countermeasures worked. This step confirms improvements in root causes, the problem itself, and the overall theme indicator, using charts, process management systems, standards, and training.

Finally, the <strong>Act</strong> phase includes <strong>Step 6: Standardization</strong> and <strong>Step 7: Future Plans</strong>. These steps ensure gains are sustained by updating procedures, assigning compliance checks, and identifying opportunities for replication. The team also reviews remaining issues, captures lessons learned, and plans future improvements.

Overall, the document provides a structured roadmap for continuous improvement, linking problem-solving tools to each stage of PDCA/DMAIC.
Keywords
PDCA
DMAIC
continuous improvement
quality improvement
root cause analysis
countermeasures
standardization
performance improvement
problem solving
process improvement