The case study criticizes some officials for pointing fingers at ...

[EAugust]

The case study criticizes some officials for pointing fingers at one another. However, isn't assigning blame part of the evaluation process?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Focusing on New Orleans, can you identify the four stages of the crisis?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[brittiany.barnes]

Answer to Question 1

There is a time for everything  including the pointing of fingers. Part of an
evaluation process is determining who, if anyone, should be accountable for any
failures that occurred. However, that's not something that should be done at the
height of the crisis. It is more important that the crisis first be resolved. It is also
important that the lessons of this crisis be learned so that they are not repeated in
the future

Answer to Question 2

The warning stage came during the period up to and including the onslaught of
the storm. While not specifically mentioned in the case, the danger of a major
flood had always been recognized as a possibility. The point of no return came
when the levees broke, flooding the city. The cleanup phase started when the
various levels of government began to bring their resources to bear on the crisis.
It may be years before things return to normal in New Orleans. However, one
thing is certain: the new normal will not look like the old normal.