b'Chapter 4: From Ordnance to Management Science:Lih Chiens Quest for KnowledgePresidential DialoguesPresident Chiang Kai-shek regularly summoned high-level military offi-cers for one-on-one meetings. During one such meeting with Chien, the Pres-ident inquired about Chiens thoughts on the future direction of the military, his personal expectations, and the kind of assistance he hoped to receive in achieving his goals. The President showed a genuine interest in understand-ing the aspirations and needs of his officers in order to help foster a strong and progressive military force.In response, Chien expressed his desire to pursue studies in Management Science in the United States. Following the retreat of the Kuomintang gov-ernment to Taiwan, the U.S. military stationed an advisory group in Taiwan that played a significant role in the future development of Taiwans armed forces. Not only did they aid Taiwan in the modernization of its military, but more significantly, they provided technological assistance and introduced advanced methods of management science, which is the application of the scientific method to tackle organizational problems and make well-informed, effective decisions. As a key liaison with the U.S. advisory group, Chien gained a deep appreciation for the value of management science. His role in these interactions afforded him unique insights and a profound understanding of its significance in shaping efficient and effective organizational strategies.Setting Records and Pioneering RolesIn the winter of 1964, supported by military funding, Chien went to the School of Business of Indiana University in USA to study quantitative anal-ysis, a key component of management science, and received an MBA degree in early 1966.41'