By Jackie Stapleton
PDCA: From Business Systems to the Beach
Isn’t it funny how we, as ISO nerds, find our work processes creeping into our personal lives? Today, I want to highlight a quirky yet effective example of this – applying the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to plan a family vacation. Yes, you heard it right! The amazing PDCA isn’t just for the workplace; it’s a fantastic tool for making sure our personal life experiences are even better too!
Plan: Here you are, planning your next family holiday. It’s the stage where excitement is brewing and you are deciding what your holiday will be. Will it be to the beach, the city or the mountains? This planning phase is where you ISO enthusiasts shine – setting objectives, aligning activities, and budgeting, but all in the fun context of holiday planning.
Do: And off you go, immersing yourself in the vacation you planned. Whether you are laying in the sun, exploring urban attractions, or trekking through nature, you are in the midst of living your well-thought-out plan. It’s an enjoyable parallel to implementing a project plan, but with the added spice of personal joy and adventure.
Check: Post-vacation, it’s reflection time. How did it all work out? This introspection is your personal ‘Check’ phase – sans the formal reports and analytics, focusing instead on the emotional and experiential takeaways from your holiday.
Act: With fresh insights from your latest vacation, you’re all set to make the next one even better. Perhaps the unplanned moments brought the most laughter, or the leisurely afternoons were a hit. It’s time to tweak your vacation planning process, adding in your newfound preferences and learnings.
Embracing the PDCA cycle in your personal life not only brings a smile to your face but also demonstrates the universal applicability of this framework. So, let’s lean into our ISO geekiness and bring the power of PDCA into your every day, including your learning!
Lean for Education
In line with quality management systems, the Lean for Education approach as discussed by the Carnegie Foundation provides a concrete example of PDCA in action within educational settings. Lean emphasizes continual improvement and iterative learning cycles, just like PDCA, showcasing how educational institutions can employ these frameworks to enhance learning outcomes and organizational efficiency.
The Learners PDCA Model
The Learners PDCA Model serves as your personal guide in your educational pursuits, navigating you through the stages of planning, executing, evaluating, and adjusting based on your learnings.
To help structure your study sessions effectively, download our Study Success Planner, and explore the accompanying visual playbook to stay focused and maximize your study time. Our detailed guide will assist you in crafting a tailor-made plan for success. Begin applying these techniques now and watch your academic achievements reach new heights!
This article first appeared on Auditor Training Online‘s Lead The Standard newsletter and is published here with permission.