Table 2.

The critical stages of an improvement approach

Stage	Description
Understand	Leads to a description of the current system (now), a common understanding of the problem, a consensus view of what the future system might look like (better) and a clearly articulated case for changing the system
Design	Leads to a clear description of the future system, based on the iterative design of the system architecture with its elements and interfaces, the evaluation through successive prototyping of its likely behaviour, and a plan for its delivery
Deliver	Leads to the successful deployment of the new system with the levels of measurement necessary to evidence its success, and acceptance that it achieves appropriate value for its stakeholders
Sustain	Leads to the continued operational success of the new system along with consideration of further improvement potential or wider deployment