Final answer:
The principal causes of system quality problems include poor early design decisions, inadequate project management, and a lack of user-focused design leading to systems failing to meet customer needs or experiencing performance issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal causes of system quality problems often include poor design decisions, inadequate or mismanaged project processes, and insufficient understanding of user requirements. One significant problem is when early design decisions are made without a full consideration of customers' needs, which may later prevent the development of a successful design that meets these needs effectively.
Another distinct cause relates to the project management aspect, where lack of proper planning, poorly defined project scope, and communication issues can lead to subpar system performance. Moreover, failing to recognize the importance of user input and user experience during the design phase can result in a system that is not user-friendly or does not adequately serve the intended purpose.
Finally, environmental factors such as inadequate water, sanitation, and solid waste disposal, coupled with improper hygiene practices, can also be underlying determinants affecting system quality, particularly in the context of public health-related systems.