W. Edwards Deming's plan for continuous improvement is known as what?

W. Edwards Deming's plan for continuous improvement is best known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. This methodology emphasizes a systematic process for implementing improvements through four key stages.

The first stage, "Plan," involves identifying a goal or process that requires improvement, as well as developing a strategy to achieve that improvement. In the "Do" phase, the plan is carried out on a small scale to implement the changes. Next, in the "Check" stage, the outcomes of the implementation are evaluated to see if the changes led to the desired improvement. Finally, "Act" signifies that based on the evaluation, successful strategies can be standardized and implemented on a larger scale, or modifications can be made if the desired results were not achieved.

This cyclical model fosters continuous improvement by encouraging organizations to periodically reassess and refine their processes. Utilizing PDCA allows teams to take a structured approach to problem-solving and ensure that improvements are effectively integrated into operations over time.