Which method is used to prioritize problems in a Pareto analysis?

The prioritization of problems in a Pareto analysis is achieved through ranking and sorting, which is central to the method's effectiveness. Pareto analysis is based on the principle that a small number of causes or issues often lead to the majority of problems or effects, commonly referred to as the 80/20 rule. By ranking the problems or causes based on their impact or frequency and sorting them from the most significant to the least significant, practitioners can visually identify which issues warrant immediate attention and resources. This systematic approach not only helps in focusing efforts on the most pressing problems but also makes it easier to communicate priorities to team members or stakeholders.

The other methods listed do not fit this purpose. Cause-and-effect analysis is typically used to identify root causes of problems rather than prioritize them. Statistical sampling involves selecting a subset of items for testing, which is not about prioritization but rather a method for obtaining a representative sample. Flowcharting is a technique for visualizing processes and their steps but does not inherently organize or prioritize problems in a systematic manner like ranking and sorting does.