Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

In part two, we discussed the DO in PDSA [Plan, Do, Study, Act.] In the Do phase we decided how to execute the plan, from step one and implement it on a limited basis. From the Plan phase we have a theory of what we think will happen. Without this theory, there will be no knowledge gained. With our theory, we will gain knowledge, whether or not our theory is upheld or disproved. Taking our example from part two, we move to the third step, Study. Our theory was, building a storage closet and clearly marking it as to content, might help the area be less cluttered. "Less cluttered" is somewhat subjective as it depends on observation. We could also count the number of items out of place, plot these number on a chart and have a less subjective measure. For our purpose that might be overkill. It should be plainly visible if the area is less cluttered or not.

If our area is less cluttered after the experiment, we can accept the theory or experiment further. A positive outcome does not prove the theory, it makes it more likely correct. A negative outcome disproves the theory, but is not the end of what we might learn.

For instance, say the area is as cluttered as before. This is not what we expected. We might ask why the plan did not work. We might also study if anything else changed. For example, the area did not become less cluttered, but production increased. This can easily be measured with a simple run chart and several samples.

Why did production increase? Because it is now easier to find our equipment? Because people feel management is trying to help [placebo effect?] There might be all sorts of outcomes. The point is by testing our theory and honestly evaluating the results, knowledge is gained.

The study phase must be honestly evaluated. Outcome cannot be jaded by what we thought would happen nor what we hoped would happen. To do so will render the approach useless or worse. Misusing scientific method to prove a point is perpetuation of ignorance. This is all too common in today’s society. For example, a sizeable grant is obtained to study a theory. At the end of the study, the evidence does not support the theory. Wrongly, rather than revise the theory, the belief is held. Either the study is changed or the evidence is ignored.

In our example the actual outcome was positive. The area was less cluttered and production increased slightly as well. This brings us to the final phase, Act. This will be the topic of the last segment in this series.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA