What are the four phases of the Deming Cycle:

The Deming Cycle, which is foundational to all ISO management system standards including ISO 22301, consists of four distinct and iterative phases: Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA). This systematic management method is utilized for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products. ISO 22301 explicitly maps its clauses to this PDCA structure to ensure a comprehensive approach to business continuity.

A. Plan, Do, Confirm, Act: The term "Confirm" is incorrect; the internationally recognized standard terminology for the third phase is "Check".
C. Planning, Doing, Confirming, Acting: The standard terminology uses the imperative verbs "Plan, Do, Check, Act" rather than their gerund forms, and "Confirming" is incorrect.
D. Plan, Do, Check, Action: The standard terminology uses "Act" as a verb to denote taking corrective measures, not the noun "Action".

1. International Organization for Standardization. (2019). Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements (ISO Standard No. 22301:2019). Introduction, Section 0.3 Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model.

2. Deming, W. E. (1986). Out of the Crisis. MIT Center for Advanced Engineering Study. (Discussion on the Shewhart Cycle / PDCA).

3. PECB. (n.d.). ISO 22301 Lead Auditor Training Course Materials. Module on Management System Fundamentals.