What is the purpose of the "check" phase in the PDCA cycle?

The purpose of the "check" phase in the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is to evaluate results and determine if improvements were achieved. This phase serves as an essential step in assessing the effectiveness of the changes implemented during the "do" phase. By reviewing data and outcomes, teams can ascertain whether the planned changes have led to the desired improvements in processes, performance, or quality.

This evaluation involves comparing actual results against expected outcomes and analyzing any discrepancies. It is an opportunity to gather insights about what worked well and what did not, thus contributing to informed decision-making for future actions. The check phase is critical for continuous learning and improvement, as it allows organizations to refine their processes based on real-world performance data.

The other options relate to different aspects of the PDCA cycle but do not specifically capture the essence of the "check" phase. For example, planning future changes aligns more closely with the "plan" phase, while implementing actions is part of the "do" phase. Analyzing team performance, while important, is not the main focus of the check phase, which is specifically about evaluating the results of implemented actions.