Which cycle is recognized for its four-step approach to problem-solving?

The Plan Do Check Act Cycle is recognized for its four-step approach to problem-solving, which emphasizes a systematic methodology for managing processes and driving improvements. This model encourages organizations to identify a problem, plan an intervention, implement the plan, and then check the results to determine effectiveness.

The "Plan" phase involves defining objectives and identifying processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected output. In the "Do" phase, the plan is executed. The "Check" phase assesses whether the intervention was successful by comparing actual performance against the expected outcomes. Finally, the "Act" phase focuses on taking action based on the findings from the check phase, which may involve implementing the solution broadly or refining it further for improved results.

This cycle is widely used in quality management and continuous improvement initiatives as it promotes iterative learning and adaptation, helping organizations systematically enhance their processes over time. The structured nature of this cycle is what distinguishes it as a fundamental framework in problem-solving disciplines.