The PDCA cycle was created by W. Edwards Deming and stands for.

The PDCA cycle, also known as the Deming Cycle, is a foundational concept in quality management, emphasizing continuous improvement through a systematic approach. The correct phrasing of PDCA stands for "Plan, do, check, and act."

In this cycle, the "Plan" phase involves identifying a goal or a problem, analyzing it, and formulating a hypothesis or action plan. The "Do" phase is where you implement the plan on a small scale to test its effectiveness. Next, in the "Check" phase, you evaluate the results of the implementation to see if the plan is working as intended or if there are any unforeseen issues. Finally, in the "Act" phase, you make necessary adjustments based on the findings from the "Check" phase, and once the changes are refined, you can standardize the improvements or plan for a new cycle.

This iterative process is crucial in quality management because it not only helps in solving immediate problems but also fosters an environment of learning and ongoing enhancement. Thus, the answer captures the essence of the PDCA cycle and its application in continuous quality improvement efforts.