What is the correct order of steps in the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle?

• A. Plan to test the change; Try out the change; Determine what was learned; Analyze what happened
• B. Plan to test the change; Analyze what happened; Try out the change; Determine what was learned
• C. Plan to test the change; Try out the change; Analyze what happened; Determine what was learned
• D. Plan to test the change; Determine what was learned; Try out the change; Analyze what happened

Answer: (C)

The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle is a steady method for testing changes and learning what works. It starts with planning the change you want to test, including how you’ll measure success. Then you implement that change on a small scale to see what happens. Next you study the results by analyzing the data and outcomes to understand the impact. Finally you act on what you learned by deciding what to do next—adopt, adjust, or abandon the change—and plan the next cycle. This option matches that flow: plan the change, try it, analyze the results, and determine what was learned to guide the next steps.