Which of the following is the first step in the Shewhart cycle?

The Shewhart cycle, also known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, is a foundational concept in quality management and continuous improvement processes. The first step in this cycle is "Plan." In this phase, you identify and articulate your objectives and the processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected output.

In the planning stage, teams analyze current situations, understand customer needs, and define the desired outcomes. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the actions that follow. By establishing clear goals and defining an actionable plan, organizations can ensure that subsequent phases—such as executing (Do), checking the effectiveness (Check), and making adjustments (Act)—are built upon a solid groundwork. This structured approach helps in minimizing errors and optimizing processes for better results in the long term.