A statistical tool or technique used to identify, rank, and prioritize issues relative to the cause of a specific problem is a...

The identification, ranking, and prioritization of issues relative to the cause of a specific problem is effectively accomplished through Pareto analysis. This tool is based on the Pareto principle, which asserts that a small number of causes often lead to a large percentage of problems, commonly referred to as the 80/20 rule. By using this statistical method, practitioners can visualize which issues have the greatest impact, allowing them to focus resources and interventions on those areas that will yield the most significant improvements.

Pareto analysis typically involves creating a bar chart representing the frequency or cost of problems, sorted in descending order, with a cumulative line that helps to see the proportion of total impact attributed to the most significant factors. This clarity aids teams in making data-driven decisions regarding which issues to tackle first for maximum effect.

The other options, while useful in various contexts, do not specifically focus on the ranking and prioritization of causes related to a specific problem. Cause and effect analysis is more about identifying relationships between variables, FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) addresses potential failure points and their impacts, while control charts monitor processes over time.