Which technique will assist you in determining targeted improvement areas to reduce the number of defects? [1]

Pareto analysis is a statistical technique used for decision-making based on the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule). In test management and defect analysis, it helps identify the "vital few" problem areas, modules, or root causes that are responsible for the vast majority of defects. By focusing process improvement efforts on these specific, targeted areas, organizations can achieve the most significant reduction in defect numbers with the most efficient use of resources.

A. Cost of quality analysis measures the financial impact of quality activities and failures, not the specific technical areas or root causes to target for defect reduction.
B. Defect triage is a process for prioritizing and assigning current defects for resolution, not a statistical technique for identifying systemic improvement areas.
D. Test coverage assessment measures how much of the software has been exercised by tests, identifying testing gaps rather than the root causes of defects.

1. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Syllabus - Test Manager (v2012), Section 4.4: Defect Management (Defect Metrics and Pareto Analysis).

2. ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Syllabus - Test Manager (v2012), Section 5.3: Improving the Test Process.