Which sequence correctly lists the four phases of the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle in order?

Which sequence correctly lists the four phases of the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle in order?

• A. Plan, Do, Act, Study
• B. Plan, Study, Do, Act
• C. Plan, Do, Study, Act
• D. Do, Plan, Study, Act

Answer: (C)

The sequence tested is a four-step learning loop for continuous improvement. Start with Plan: define the problem, set clear, measurable objectives, and decide what data will show whether the plan works. Then Do: carry out the plan on a small scale to generate real results. Next comes Study: analyze the data, compare outcomes to the targets, and see what happened versus what was expected. Finally Act: if the results meet the objectives, standardize and implement the change more broadly; if not, adjust the plan and begin a new cycle. This order ensures you test an idea, learn from concrete results, and then decide how to proceed, which is why that sequence is correct. Other orders skip or reorder the critical evaluation step or execute before planning, which breaks the learning loop.

The sequence tested is a four-step learning loop for continuous improvement. Start with Plan: define the problem, set clear, measurable objectives, and decide what data will show whether the plan works. Then Do: carry out the plan on a small scale to generate real results. Next comes Study: analyze the data, compare outcomes to the targets, and see what happened versus what was expected. Finally Act: if the results meet the objectives, standardize and implement the change more broadly; if not, adjust the plan and begin a new cycle. This order ensures you test an idea, learn from concrete results, and then decide how to proceed, which is why that sequence is correct. Other orders skip or reorder the critical evaluation step or execute before planning, which breaks the learning loop.