ITIL Question #339: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is D: Steady, ongoing improvement. The Deming Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is an iterative methodology designed for continual, incremental improvement rather than one-time or rapid change.

Key principles and models

Question

What type of improvement should be achieved by using the Deming Cycle?

Options

ARapid, one-off improvement
BReturn on investment within 12 months
CQuick wins
DSteady, ongoing improvement

Explanation

The Deming Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is an iterative methodology designed for continual, incremental improvement rather than one-time or rapid change.

Common mistakes.

A. Rapid, one-off improvement contradicts the cyclical, repeating nature of PDCA - the model is explicitly designed to be iterated continuously, not executed once.
B. A 12-month ROI target is a financial performance metric unrelated to the quality improvement purpose of the Deming Cycle.
C. Quick wins are associated with short-term tactical gains often used early in a CSI initiative, but they do not describe the overarching goal of the Deming Cycle itself.

Concept tested. Deming Cycle purpose in continual service improvement

Reference. https://deming.org/explore/pdca/

Topics

#Deming Cycle#PDCA#continual improvement

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