Using the PDCA Cycle concept, defining the mission of a Quality Assurance function would be considered which PDCA phase?

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a four-stage iterative method for continuous process improvement. The "Plan" phase is the foundational stage where objectives, goals, and the necessary processes to achieve them are established. Defining the mission of a Quality Assurance (QA) function is a strategic activity that sets its overall purpose, direction, and high-level objectives. This act of establishing the fundamental goals and framework for the QA function aligns directly and exclusively with the "Plan" phase of the PDCA cycle. It is the starting point from which all subsequent activities (Do, Check, Act) will be derived and measured against.

B. Do: This phase involves implementing the plan and executing the defined processes, not defining the mission itself.

C. Check: This phase involves monitoring and measuring the outcomes of the "Do" phase against the objectives set in the "Plan" phase.

D. Act: This phase involves taking corrective actions to improve the process based on the findings from the "Check" phase.

1. Sokovic, M., Pavletic, D., & Pipan, K. K. (2010). Quality Improvement Methodologies–PDCA Cycle, RADAR Matrix, DMAIC and DFSS. Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, 43(1), 476-483. (See Section 2.1, p. 477, which states the Plan phase is to "establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the specifications.")

2. Moen, R. D., & Norman, C. L. (2009). Circling Back: Clearing up the myths about the Deming Cycle and seeing how it keeps evolving. Quality Progress, 42(11), 22-28. (See p. 24, which describes the Plan stage as developing a plan to achieve a goal. A mission statement is a declaration of an organization's overarching goal.)

3. Johnson, C. N. (2002). The Benefits of PDCA. Quality Progress, 35(5), 120. (This article reinforces that the Plan stage involves determining goals and targets, which is the essence of defining a mission.)