On 5 May 2022, the 14th Xi Xian Academic Luncheon, co-organized by IIDPF and the School of Public Finance and Taxation of ZUEL, was successfully held in Conference Room 119 of Wenqin Building. Dr. Chen Zhi, a researcher from the Hubei Academy of Social Sciences, was the guest speaker of this academic luncheon and gave a keynote speech entitled "How to write good advice for decision-making: case analysis and experience sharing". The luncheon was hosted by base researcher Dr. Liu Erpeng. The academic lunch was attended by more than 30 students and faculty members, including Professor Sun Qunli, Deputy Director of IIDPF, Professor Lu Yuanping, Executive Deputy Director, Professor Zeng Jingjing from the School of Public Administration, Associate Professor Ma Yuanyuan from the Wenlan School of Business, Associate Professor Zhao Ying from the School of Public Finance and Taxation, and researchers Dr Wan Xin and Dr Wan Qian.
Drawing on his own work experience, Dr Chen Zhi focused on sharing three main aspects of writing good advice for decision-making. First is about precise topic selection. Whether it is academic writing or writing policy-making advice, good topic selection is the most fundamental and crucial step. According to Dr. Chen Zhi, the precise selection of a topic for decision-making advice should have the following four characteristics: firstly, it is urgently needed for decision-making advice; secondly, it is particularly expected by society; thirdly, it is a realistic background; and fourthly, it is a small cut of the topic. Secondly, on the basis of precise topic selection, scientific social research is needed to better grasp the reality of the problem, so as to put forward more targeted and operable recommendations. Dr Chen Zhi considers that scientific research should be "targeted", and there are four specific points: firstly, precise selection of the research location; secondly, the design of the interview questions is straightforward; thirdly, the research subjects are precise; and fourthly, the combination of field research and secondary data.
Dr. Chen Zhi also elaborated on the methods and techniques of writing decision-making advice. He believed that decision-making advice has special linguistic characteristics and five aspects should be noted in writing: firstly, insisting on a high standing; secondly, insightful; thirdly, insisting on problem orientation; fourthly, the advice proposed should be useful; and fifthly, insisting on the people's position.
Focusing on the major scientific problems and realistic needs in the strategic demands of national and local development is the essential requirement for conducting academic research. Therefore, providing decision-making advice to government departments and improving social service capability are inevitable requirements for the scientific research institutions of universities to achieve better development. Dr Chen Zhi's humorous and lively presentation not only brought a wonderful lecture to the students and faculty present, but his sharing also provided inspiration for the base to further develop its academic research and social services.