NAHQ CPHQ Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) process in continuous quality improvement?

1. A feedback loop for quality control and improvement

2. A phase-by-phase evaluation of a project’s life cycle

3. A survey method for collecting customer satisfaction data

4. A statistical tool for process variability reduction

The correct answer is: A feedback loop for quality control and improvement

The correct answer is A. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) process is a fundamental method in continuous quality improvement and quality management. It involves a cyclic four-step model for improving processes and products. - Plan: In this stage, objectives and processes to deliver results are established and plans are developed. - Do: The chosen plan is implemented on a small scale, allowing for testing and observation of its effectiveness. - Check: The outcomes of the implemented plan are monitored and evaluated to determine if they are achieving the desired results. - Act: Based on the results of the Check stage, actions are taken to standardize and implement the changes that have been successful, or to start the cycle again if the results were not as expected. Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) process. B is incorrect as it describes a phase-by-phase evaluation of a project's life cycle, which is not the primary purpose of PDCA. C is incorrect as it refers to a survey method for collecting customer satisfaction data, which is a different concept. D is incorrect as it mentions a statistical tool for process variability reduction, which is not specifically related to the PDCA cycle.