When gaps in performance, benefits shortfalls, unanticipated cost, schedule, and performance variances, faulty products, or any undesirable outcome, blame the process, not people.
Root Cause Analysis is the means to fix the cause, rather than treat the symptom. [1][2]
Anytime you hear a description of some problem - a symptom - say bad management, misuse of some process, or poorly performing people issue, ask what is the root cause? When there is no Root Cause analysis of the conditions and activities that create the undesirable condition, then that response has little or no value.
[1] Apollo Root Cause Analysis: Effective Solutions to Everyday Problems Every Time, 3rd Edition, Dean Gano, Atlas Books, 2008.
[2] "Cost and Time Overruns for Major Defense Acquisition Programs," Joachim, et. al. Center for Strategic and International Studies, April 2011.
