X marks the spot

I was hoping to know my degree result by now - but no.

The results have all been reviewed and finalised.
The list is prepared and ready to publish.
All that's needed is a signature.

It reminds me of that old nursery rhyme:
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Of course we are not talking about a war situation here.
But for want of a signature the paper remains in the office and not on the noticeboard.

Of course, we don't want any incorrect results to be posted.
But if the signatory has no power to make changes, in other words, is adding an authenticating signature, then what difference does it make?

There were half a dozen students waiting in the lobby for the results to appear. We'll just have to come back tomorrow.

I wonder how much time is wasted by pointless bureaucracy.
I'm sure you could give me plenty of examples.
But perhaps we should consider our own inefficiencies too.

Let the perfect one throw the first stone!