We can evade reality, but we cannot evade the consequences of evading reality. —Ayn Rand
Causal relationships are defined by a cause-and-effect principle. Understanding these principles creates the structure of reality where we can be responsible for our success. To understand this reality, we need to understand the causes creating the Effects that impact the Probability of Project Success. To do that, we must find the Causes, with their Conditions and Actions that create a risk to this probability. Only then can we determine the corrective and preventive actions needed to increase the probability of success. If we suggest a tool, a solution, a correction, or prevention before we know the cause - we are simply suggesting a solution looking for a problem to solve.
This approach is all too common in our software project management domain, and even in some professional organizations like the Project Management Institute.
