When practicing continuous improvement, what is the purpose of the "Review" step?

The "Review" step in the practice of continuous improvement serves the crucial purpose of evaluating how effective the changes that have been implemented are. This step focuses on measurement and assessment; it allows organizations to analyze the outcomes of the changes against the desired objectives. By critically assessing the effectiveness of these changes, organizations can determine whether they are moving towards their goals, and if the changes are indeed delivering the intended benefits.

This step also provides insights that inform future actions—whether to sustain, modify, or abandon the changes based on the results observed. It bridges the gap between the implementation phase and the planning of subsequent interventions, ensuring that continuous improvement is data-driven and evidence-based.