CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques

With categorical defect-type data for a single period, a Pareto chart is more appropriate. It will rank defect types by frequency, visually showing the 'vital few' causes that drive most defects. A control chart requires sequential time-series data to evaluate process stability — appropriate when you want to show trends over time, not categorical comparisons.

**Why not A:** A control chart shows whether a process is stable over time using sequential data points and control limits. The question specifies categorical data (defects by type) for a single quarter, not sequential time-series data needed for a control chart.

**Why not B:** Control charts do not handle categorical data better than Pareto charts. Control charts require continuous or sequential measurement data. Pareto charts are specifically designed for categorical data, ranking categories by frequency to identify the vital few.

**Why not C:** A Pareto chart does not display time-series data. It ranks categories by frequency in descending order for a given period. Time-series analysis is the domain of control charts and trend charts, not Pareto analysis.