Which key principle of quality management focuses on a systematic approach?

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a fundamental principle of quality management that emphasizes a systematic approach to continuous improvement. This cyclical model is designed to help organizations enhance their processes and outcomes by following a structured methodology.

The Plan phase involves identifying an opportunity for improvement and establishing objectives, which serves as the foundation for a subsequent change. In the Do phase, the plan is executed to test the changes. The Check phase is where the results are analyzed against the expected outcomes to determine if the plan was effective. Finally, the Act phase involves taking corrective actions or standardizing the successful changes to ensure ongoing improvement.

This systematic approach fosters a culture of continuous quality enhancement, enabling organizations to adapt and respond effectively to changes, thereby improving overall performance and customer satisfaction. The PDCA cycle supports a structured methodology that brings clarity and order to the quality management process, making it an essential principle in the field.