What is the purpose of a flowchart in problem-solving?

The purpose of a flowchart in problem-solving is to visualize the steps in a process or system, which allows individuals or teams to understand the sequence of actions, decisions, and potential outcomes involved in a task or project. By providing a graphical representation, flowcharts help to clarify complex processes, making it easier to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, or areas for improvement. They are especially useful in illustrating workflows and providing a clear picture of how different components of a system interact with one another. This visualization facilitates better communication among team members and assists in identifying potential solutions to problems that may arise within the process.

Other options, while relevant in their contexts, do not align with the primary function of a flowchart. For example, highlighting key stakeholders focuses on identifying people involved rather than mapping out processes. Assessing financial costs pertains to budgeting and economics, which are outside the scope of flowchart usage focused on process visualization. Tracking time taken for each task involves project management aspects that go beyond the creation of flowcharts meant to illustrate the overall process rather than performance metrics.