Close The Loop
Definition
The PIPS principle that every improvement cycle must end with evaluation and feed the next cycle.
Close The Loop is the third core PIPS principle. It means that every PIPS cycle must reach Step 6 (Evaluate) and explicitly decide: standardize the improvement, iterate with another cycle, or start a new project. The evaluation results and lessons learned become input for the next cycle. This creates a continuous improvement spiral rather than a one-time project.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Continuous Improvement
A permanent organizational discipline of systematically identifying and resolving problems.
Evaluation Summary
The capstone document that synthesizes results, retrospective insights, and next-step recommendations.
Lessons Learned
A structured document capturing what went well, what did not, and what to do differently next time.
Where This Fits in the PIPS Methodology
This concept is used in Step 6: Evaluate — Measure results, lessons learned, cycle back to Step 1.
Learn about Step 6Put Close The Loop into practice with PIPS
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