CEO of a newspaper company: In the last six months, we have faced a 20...
CEO of a newspaper company: In the last six months, we have faced a 20% increase in the delay of newspaper delivery. This issue will be resolved if we ensure that all our papers are packed and ready to be delivered by 3 a.m. every day.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed by the CEO?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1.
Linkage#1 – Papers are packed and in delivery-ready state by 3 am every day.
- Weakener – What if this doesn’t solve the problem? What if there is another factor, say a weak supply chain, which is causing the delay and not the readiness of newspapers early in the morning? If that’s the case, then the CEO’s plan will be significantly weakened as the CEO’s plan will not have addressed the real issue behind the delay.
With this understanding in mind, let’s move on to the answer choice analysis.
Answer Choices
A
Most branches of the newspaper deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up every morning.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if most of the branches deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up, the passage clearly states the issue of 20% increase in the newspaper delays. It is this issue that the CEO plans to address. Therefore, the information given in this choice does not help us weaken the CEO’s plan.
B
Some of the company’s branch managers do not believe that the delays can be avoided.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We don’t know the basis behind the beliefs of these branch managers. The mere disbelief of some people isn’t sufficient reason why the plan won’t be effective.
C
The inefficiency of the delivery service is what leads to the delay in delivery in most cases.
Correct - Provides an alternate cause
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1. This choice suggests that the CEO’s plan will not address the right cause behind the increase in the delay in the newspaper delivery.
D
Many location heads completely support the CEO’s suggestion.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Similar to option B, the support of many location heads isn’t sufficient reason to increase or decrease our belief in the success of the CEO’s plan.
E
Some of the company’s employees believe that the papers cannot be ready before 3.30 a.m.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We are only discussing whether the issue will be resolved if the CEO’s plan is put into place, not whether the plan itself can be put into place or not.