What does a Pareto chart specifically focus on?

A Pareto chart specifically focuses on identifying and prioritizing the causes of defects or issues in a project by displaying them in order of frequency. This tool is grounded in the Pareto principle, often referred to as the 80/20 rule, which suggests that a small number of causes typically lead to a large percentage of the problems or defects experienced in a process. By using a Pareto chart, project managers and teams can visually analyze the data, making it easier to pinpoint the most significant factors contributing to issues.

This focused approach allows teams to allocate resources more effectively and address the most critical problems first, leading to more efficient problem-solving and improvement efforts. In essence, a Pareto chart is an analytical tool that helps in decision-making by revealing which issues are worth addressing based on their impact, thereby improving overall project outcomes.