Q:  What is the authors main arguments?

A:  The author argues that, regardless of the level of management, scientific and systematic approaches are usually better than random or piecemeal approaches.

In addition, science and art are complementary and spiritually uncompetitive. Furthermore，if any scientific or creative part of the brain is not used, the same situation is exposed to decay, and the same damage is evident.

Q：Do you agree with his argument?

A:   I agree with some of the points，such as “ Science and art are complementary to each other and are  not competitive in spirit.”I'm confused and disagree with a few points. For example, is it only  composed of formal mathematical and computerized  models , or in a broader sense can it be treated as science of  management that takes into cognizance the “systems  approach towards problem？”

Q：Can you summarise the rationale he makes to support his argument?

A：“The structure of the brain is also formed to capture this frame of reference. The left lobe consists of logical and systematic thinking, right-leaf creative and imaginative thinking, and the front lobe provides support for the planning.”It sum up science and art are complementary and spiritually uncompetitive.

BY：SONG YUNING

We think the main argument of the author on this article is stated from line 120- 124: “The application of mix-methods with qualitative/interpretive inputs from the expert coupled with analytical approaches including both structured and unstructured data (big data) could prove to be more effective at top-level decision making”

—> By combining science and art, managers could produce more effective decisions 

The rationale he makes to support this idea includes:

Firstly, human brain naturally combines logic/systematic thinking with creative/imaginative thinking to solve any problems (line 82-87). So when applying science and art into management, they would compliment each other which produces better outcomes (line 75-80)

Secondly, the author says that there is always a defined objective in any unstructured problems which means that no matter what problems the mangers have to face, there will be both precision and imprecision hidden within. Managers need to take into account science and art while dealing with the problems. (Line 66 - 70) 

Thirdly, using scientific approaches helps managers give out more effective decisions. (Line 107 - 110 and line 114 - 116)

All members considered this article to be quite difficult to understand not only because of the new and technical vocabularies but also the lack of evidence. It is hard to find the exact answers to all the questions and we felt like there are many supporting ideas that are missing (which might be because the article is a small part being taken out from a larger article). With that being said, we made quite a lot of assumptions while answering the questions base on our own interpretation of what we have read.

Group members:

Lien Huong Nguyen

An Thuy Truong

Ratchaphon Bangsalee (Cyndy)

Wei-Jeng, Chen

Tung-Yen, Lin