272 CHAPTER ◆ 3 0 Kaizen: Continuous Improvement
methodologies exist for continuous improvement. The most widely known is the
four-step quality model—plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle:● Plan. Identify an opportunity and plan for change.
● Do. Implement the change on a small scale.
● Check. Use data to analyze the results of the change and determine whether it made
a difference.
● Act. If the change was successful, implement it on a wider scale and continuously
assess your results. If the change did not work, begin the cycle again.Other widely used methods, such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Total Quality Management,
extend the PDCA model to emphasize management involvement and teamwork, measur-
ing processes, and reducing waste and lowering cycle times. Six Sigma models for pro-
cess improvement include DMAIC and DMADV.● DMAIC stands for Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control, and is applicable to
an existing system.
● DMADV stands for Define-Measure-Analyze-Design-Verify, and is applicable to
new systems.30.2. ISO 9000
According to ISO 9001:2000, the organization shall take action to eliminate the cause of
nonconformities in order to prevent recurrence. Corrective actions shall be appropriate to
the effects of the nonconformities encountered:● The organization must take action to eliminate the cause of nonconformities in order
to prevent their recurrence.
● Corrective action taken must be appropriate to the seriousness of the effects of the
nonconformities encountered, including shutting the system down and returning
invested funds.The organization must document corrective action procedures that define requirements
for:● Reviewing nonconformities.
● Determining the cause of nonconformities.
● Evaluating the need for action to ensure that nonconformities do not recur.
● Determining and implementing the action needed. (Return to previous stage.)
● Recording results of actions taken.
● Reviewing corrective action taken.Prevention:● The organization must determine action needed to eliminate causes of potential non-
conformities in order to prevent their occurrence.