Learning from our mistakes with defect causal analysis

Defect causal analysis offers a simple, low-cost method for systematically improving the quality of software produced by a team, project, or organization. DCA takes advantage of one of the most widely available types of quality information, the software problem report. This information drives a team-based technique for defect causal analysis. The analysis leads to process changes that help prevent defects and ensure their early detection. The paper discusses the three principles that drive the DCA approach. It considers the impact of DCA on an organization