Neither. Speaking soley for the Cubs, there are/is a myriad of reasons other than a "curse" that speak to why they haven't been to the World Series since 1945.
Agreed. Stupid decisions cause bad luck. In ISU case, for example:
* Screwed John Cooper over. Cooper played football at Iowa State. Was brought to Iowa State as an assistant with the promise of taking over as head coach if and when Earle Bruce left. AD hired Donnie Duncan instead. ISU football program goes into the tank. Cooper goes on to replace Earle Bruce at Ohio State.
* Screwed Dan Gable over. Harold Nichols wanted to pass his legacy on to his long-time top assistant coach instead of Gable. Gable goes to Iowa and builds a dynasty.
* Screwed Walden over. Steve Lester, ISU's top receiver in 1989, had grade problems. Was told by one ISU administrator that if Lester took and passed a summer course, he could play in 1990. Lester took the course and passed only to be told that he still couldn't suit up in 1990. The move showed no support for ISU athletics or Walden.
ISU went 6-5 in 1989, won just four games in 1990. Lost to Minnesota by 4 points, to Iowa by 10.
Just a couple of examples. Some would lump letting McCarney go was a bad decision as well. I don't believe that. Had McCarney let some of his assistant coaches go that were dragging down the program, he would still be there.