In quality control, what does a cause-effect diagram help identify?

A cause-effect diagram, also known as a fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used in quality control to systematically identify and analyze the potential sources of problems within a process. It helps teams categorize various factors that might contribute to a particular issue, facilitating deeper analysis into the root causes. By clearly outlining the relationship between the effect (the problem) and its possible causes, organizations can more effectively address and rectify underlying issues.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly align with the primary purpose of a cause-effect diagram. For instance, identifying potential customer segments involves market segmentation strategies, which is more focused on consumer analysis than on quality control processes. Market growth opportunities relate to strategic planning and market analysis, aiming to find areas for business expansion rather than troubleshooting existing processes. Similarly, financial risks in production concern cost and financial analysis, which are not the focus of cause-effect diagrams that primarily deal with process improvement and problem solving. Thus, identifying sources of problems is the essential and accurate use of a cause-effect diagram in quality control.