Deming Wheel


This concept describes a Plan-Do-Check-Act wheel management model suggested by Deming. The model is used by companies to provide a systematic approach to achieving continuous improvement.

Technique Overview

Deming Wheel

Deming Wheel Definition

The Deming Wheel, also known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, is a structured model for continuous improvement in business processes. It comprises four iterative stages (plan, do, check, and act) and supports systematic problem-solving and operational refinement. Originating from the quality management philosophy of W. Edwards Deming, the PDCA model remains a core tool in strategic and operational management, including areas such as quality assurance and process innovation (Górka-Chowaniec and Popek, 2025).

Deming Wheel Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Deming Wheel *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Deming Wheel *

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Professional Tools

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Further Reading

Deming Wheel web and print resources *

Deming Wheel references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Abbes, N., Chaabouni, Y., Sejri, N. and Cheikhrouhou, M. (2019) ‘A new Lean Six Sigma hybrid method based on the combination of PDCA and the DMAIC to improve process performance: Application to clothing SME’, Industria Textila, 70(5), pp. 447–456. https://doi.org/10.35530/IT.070.05.1595.
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2024. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Worksheet, Directions, and Examples. Available at: https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool2b.html [Accessed 4 Jun 2025].
  • Bravi, L., Murmura, F. & Santos, G. (2019) ‘The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard: Companies’ Drivers, Benefits and Barriers to Its Implementation’, Quality Innovation Prosperity, 23(2), pp. 64–82. doi: 10.12776/QIP.V23I2.1277
  • Górka-Chowaniec, A. and Popek, A., 2025. Attempt to use the Deming cycle (PDCA) in the process of implementing an information security management system. International Journal for Quality Research, 19(2), pp.371–386. https://doi.org/10.24874/IJQR19.02-01

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