Final answer:
The term from Japan referring to 'quality at the source' is C. jidoka, which enables operators to halt production when defects are found, thus ensuring quality in manufacturing processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used in Japan that refers to quality at the source, meaning stopping to fix problems to avoid passing defective products on to the next workstation is C. jidoka. Jidoka is a concept in the Toyota Production System that empowers machine operators to stop production when a defect is detected. It ensures that only products that meet quality standards move on to the next phase, which ties in closely with the just-in-time (JIT) approach by reducing the build-up of defective inventories. Poka-yoke, on the other hand, is an error-proofing process designed to prevent mistakes before they occur. An andon is a visual aid which highlights the status of production, such as signaling problems.