A computer-implemented apparatus and method for determining the impacts of predetermined customer characteristics associated with measured physical attributes. A manifest variable database is utilized for storing manifest variable data that is indicative of the measured physical attributes. A partial least squares determinator is connected to the manifest variable database for determining statistical weights based upon the stored manifest variable data. A weights database which is connected to the partial lease squares determinator is utilized for storing the determined weights. A latent variable determinator is connected to the weighing database for determining scores for latent variables based upon the stored manifest variables and upon the stored weights. The latent variables are indicative of the predetermined customer characteristics. Additionally, a latent variable database is connected to the latent variable score determinator for storing the determined latent variable scores. An impact determinator is connected to the latent variable database for determining impact relationships among the latent variables based upon the stored latent variable scores.