What does the 'check' phase of the PDCA cycle primarily focus on?

The 'check' phase of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle primarily focuses on evaluating outcomes against goals. During this phase, an organization reviews and analyzes the results obtained from the implementation of the plan to determine whether the desired objectives and targets have been met. This involves collecting data, measuring performance, and comparing the actual results to the expected outcomes that were established in the 'plan' phase.

This evaluation is crucial because it helps organizations understand the effectiveness of their actions and identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement. The insights gained from analyzing these outcomes enable organizations to make informed decisions about what adjustments or changes may be necessary moving forward.

In contrast, other options involve different aspects of management and quality assurance processes. For instance, resource allocation pertains to planning future initiatives rather than assessing past performance. Training effectiveness focuses on the skills of team members, and identifying new quality opportunities is more aligned with proactive improvement strategies rather than evaluating past actions. Thus, the emphasis of the 'check' phase distinctly aligns with the evaluation of outcomes against established goals.