person Author: Process Fellows
The PDCA cycle is a four-step method used to improve processes and products continuously. But it is as well a fundamental idea in project management in general. The PDCA cycle is also known as the Deming Cycle or Shewhart Cycle, and is widely used since decades.
Why is it relevant for (A)SPICE? First, the PDCA cycle is the main idea behind those generic practices related to process attribute 2.1, which is about the management of process activities! So, it is linked to project management too. Second, like explained above, the PDCA cycle is a generic learning / improvement cycle. And that's one of the goals of (A)SPICE.
Here comes a short summary of the 4 PDCA cycle steps:

1. Plan:
   • Define the goals and processes needed to achieve desired results.
   • In case of process improvement, this could mean identify problems to be solved or opportunities for improvement.
   • In case of project management, define goals until when you want to achieve certain results, define definition of done, etc.
   • Develop a strategy how to achieve these goals. The strategy can be considered as a large-scale plan.
   • Develop a plan on a small-scale.
2. Do:
   • Implement the plan on a small scale.
   • Carry out related processes/ activities and collect data for analysis.
3. Check:
   • Analyze the results and compare them to expectations.
   • Look for differences, trends, and unexpected outcomes.
   • In case you implemented a process change: Evaluate whether the change worked as intended.
4. Act:
   • If the process change was successful, standardize and implement it fully.
   • If not, identify what went wrong and plan a new cycle.
   • Use insights to improve the process further.
   • In case of project management: If there are deviations from the goals / plans, analyze the reason and plan corrective actions.
5. Key Ideas:
   • Iterative Process: PDCA is repeated in cycles to refine and improve continuously. In case of project management: Implement an iterative approach too. Several smaller steps are better than just one huge one: That is easier to execute, easier to adapt.
   • Scientific Basis: It follows the logic of hypothesis, experiment, evaluation.
   • Flexible Use: Works for both small improvements and major changes.
   • Learning Tool: Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.