Alan Wang

D&DS 290H, Blacksburg, VA 24061, (540)231-5074 alanwang [at] vt.edu

I am the Andersen Professor of Business Information Technology at the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. My research interests primarily focus on problem-solving and data analytics related to the interactions among business organizations, information systems, and decision makers. I have published more than 40 refereed articles in various journals including Information Systems Research, Production and Operations Management, Journal of Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Journal of the AIS, Communications of the ACM, IEEE Transactions of Systems, Man and Cybernetics (Part A), and IEEE Computer.

As of August 2023, my research has received over 5,200 citations (h-index=30; i10-index=54) according to Google Scholar. My ResearchGate Interest Score is 2,139, higher than 97% of all RG members.

I have been advising doctoral students in both the full-time BIT Ph.D. program and the Executive Ph.D. program. In 2019, I received the Pamplin Outstanding Faculty in Doctoral Education Award.

Web of Science ResearcherID
Alan Wang
RID: L-8549-2013
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Most recent publication date:

1. Measuring Customer Agility from Online Reviews Using Big Data Text Analytics

Times Cited: 7 (Web of Science Core Collection)


2. By the numbers: The magic of numerical intelligence in text analytic systems

Times Cited: 0 (Web of Science Core Collection)


3. Project description and crowdfunding success: an exploratory study

Times Cited: 10 (Web of Science Core Collection)



Experiences

Andersen Professor of BIT

Business Information Technology
Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech
June 2022 - Present

Professor

Business Information Technology
Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech
June 2021 - Present

Associate Professor

Business Information Technology
Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech
June 2013 - May 2021

Assistant Professor

Business Information Technology
Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech
August 2006 - May 2013

Instructor

Management Information Systems
University of Arizona
January 2005 - May 2005

Education

University of Arizona

Ph.D. in Management Information Systems
August 2001 - May 2006

Louisiana State University

M.S. in Industrial Engineering
August 1999 - May 2001

Tianjin University

B.E. in Industrial & Management Engineering
August 1991 - May 1995

Research

My research aims to help decision makers, such as managers, policymakers, employees, and customers, find effective solutions to their problems and make better decisions. Given my cross-disciplinary backgrounds in engineering and management, I am committed to problem solving by designing new IT artifacts, including constructs, methods, and frameworks. The problems that I focus on are socio-technical in nature and impactful to people and communities.


Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. M. Zhang, Y. Li, L. Sun, G.A. Wang, and J. Du. "The Effects of Comparative Reviews on Product Sales," Journal of Interactive Marketing, forthcoming, 2023
  2. T.L. James, Z. Qiao, W. Shen, G.A. Wang, and W. Fan. "How Information Visibility and Rapid Feedback Enabled by Cocreation Shape App Updating Strategy in the Hypercompetitive Mobile App Marketplace," MIS Quarterly, forthcoming, 2022
  3. M. Zhang, L. Sun, G.A. Wang, Y. Li, and S. He. “Using Neutral Sentiment Reviews to Improve Customer Requirement Identification and Product Design Strategies,” International Journal of Production Economics, 254, December 2022
  4. M. Zhang, L. Wang, Y. Li, and G.A. Wang. "C2C Interaction in the Online Review System: The Effect of Other Customers' Responses on Subsequent Review Volume," Tourism Management, 93, December 2022
  5. S. Hu, D. Xu, and G.A. Wang. "Idea response and adoption in open innovation communities: the signaling role of linguistic style," International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, forthcoming, 2022
  6. M. Cao*, G.A. Wang, and M.Y. Kiang. "Modeling and Prediction of Human Negotiation Behavior in Human-Computer Negotiation," Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, forthcoming, 2022
  7. Q. Du*, J. Li, G.A. Wang, and W. Fan. "Predicting Crowdfunding Project Success Based on Backer-Centric Collective Persuasibility," Journal of Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), forthcoming, 2021
  8. M. Zhang*, L. Sun*, F. Qin*, and G.A. Wang, "E-Service Quality on Live Streaming Platforms: Swift Guanxi Perspective," Journal of Service Marketing, forthcoming, 2020
  9. X. Liu*, G.A. Wang, W. Fan, and Z. Zhang, "Finding Useful Solutions in Online Knowledge Communities: A Theory-Driven Design and Multi-level Analysis," Information Systems Research, 31(3), pp.731-752, 2020
  10. H. Hong*, Q. Ye, Q. Du*, G.A. Wang, and W. Fan, "Crowd Characteristics and Crowd Wisdom: Evidence from an Online Investment Community," Journal of Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), 71(4), pp.423-435, 2020
  11. M. Zhang*, F. Qin*, and G.A. Wang, "The Impact of Live Video Streaming on Online Purchase Intention," The Service Industries Journal (FSIJ), 40, pp.656-681, 2020
  12. R. Gruss*, A.S. Abrahams, W. Fan, and G.A. Wang, "By the Numbers: The Magic of Numerical Intelligence in Text Analytic Systems," Decision Support Systems, 113, pp.86-98, 2018
  13. M. Zhang, C. Ren, G.A. Wang, and Z. He, "The Impact of Channel Integration on Consumer Responses in Omnichannel Retailing: The Mediating Effect of Consumer Empowerment," Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 28 (March-April), pp.181-193, 2018
  14. S. Zhou, Z. Qiao, Q. Du, G.A. Wang, W. Fan, and X. Yan, "Measuring Customer Agility from Online Reviews Using Big Data Text Analytics," Journal of Management Information Systems, 35(2), pp. 510-539, 2018
  15. H. Hong, D. Xu, G.A. Wang, and W. Fan, "Understanding the Determinants of Online Review Helpfulness: A Meta-Analytic Investigation," Decision Support Systems, 102, pp.1-11, 2017
  16. H. Hong, D. Xu, G.A. Wang, and W. Fan, "An Empirical Study on the Impact of Online Word-of-Mouth Sources on Retail Sales," Information Discovery and Delivery, 45(1), pp.30-35, 2017
  17. M. Zhou, B. Lu, W. Fan, and G.A. Wang, "Project Description and Crowdfunding Success: An Exploratory Study," Information Systems Frontiers, 20(2), pp. 259-274, 2017
  18. H. Hong, M. Cao, and G.A. Wang, "The Effects of Network Externalities and Herding on User Satisfaction with Mobile Social Apps," Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 18(1), pp.18-21, 2017
  19. M. Zhang, B. Jin, G.A. Wang, T.N. Goh, and Z. He, "A Study of Key Success Factors of Service Enterprises in China," Journal of Business Ethics, 134(1), pp.1-14, 2016.
  20. J. Li and G.A. Wang, "A framework of identity resolution: evaluating identity attributes and matching algorithms," Security Informatics, 4(1), pp. 1-12, 2015
  21. A.S. Abrahams, W. Fan, G.A. Wang, Z. Zhang, and J. Jiao, "An Integrated Text Analytic Framework for Product Defect Discovery," Production and Operations Management, 24(6), pp. 975-990, 2015
  22. G.A. Wang, M. Liu, J. Wang, M. Zhang, and W. Fan, "Examining Micro-Level Knowledge Sharing Discussions in Online Communities," Information Systems Frontiers, 17(6), pp.1227-1238, 2015
  23. M. Zhou, L. Lei, J. Wang, W. Fan, G.A. Wang, "Social Media Adoption and Corporate Disclosure," Journal of Information Systems, 29(2), pp. 23-50, 2015
  24. M. Zhang, L. Huang, Z. He, and G.A. Wang, "E-Service Quality Perceptions: An Empirical Analysis in Chinese E-Retailing Industry," Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 26(11-12), 2015
  25. G.A. Wang, H.J. Wang, J. Li, W. Fan, and A.S. Abrahams, "An Analytical Framework for Understanding Knowledge Sharing Processes in Online Q&A Communities," ACM Transactions on Management Information Systems, 5(4), 2014
  26. K. Madhavan, A. Johri, H. Xian, G.A. Wang, and X. Liu, "Tools for large-scale data analytic examination of relational and epistemic networks in engineering education," Advances in Engineering Education, 4(2), 2014
  27. X. Liu, G.A. Wang, A. Johri, W. Fan, "Harnessing Global Expertise: A Comparative Study of Expertise Profiling Methods for Online Communities," Information Systems Frontiers, 16(4), pp. 715-727, 2014
  28. S.G. He, Z. He, and G.A. Wang, "CUSUM Control Charts for Multivariate Poisson Distribution," Communications in Statistics-Theory and Methods, 43(6), pp. 1192-1208, 2014
  29. M. Zhang, G.A. Wang, S.G. He, and Z. He, "MMPCI: A Modified Multivariate Process Capability Index Using Principal Component Analysis," Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering (in Chinese), 27(2), pp.249-259, 2014
  30. A.S. Abrahams, J. Jiao, W. Fan, G.A. Wang, Z. Zhang, "What's Buzzing in the Blizzard of Buzz? Automotive Component Isolation in Social Media Postings," Decision Support Systems, 55(4), pp. 871-882, 2013
  31. G.A. Wang, J. Jiao, A.S. Abrahams, W. Fan, Z. Zhang, "ExpertRank: A Topic-Aware Expert Finding Algorithm for Online Knowledge Communities," Decision Support Systems, 54(3), pp. 1442-1451, 2013
  32. S.G. He, G.A. Wang, M. Zhang, and D.F. Cook, "Multivariate Process Monitoring and Fault Identification Using Multiple Decision Tree Classifiers," International Journal of Production Research , 51(11), pp. 3355-3371, 2013
  33. A.S. Abrahams, J. Jiao, G.A. Wang, W. Fan, "Vehicle Defect Discovery from Social Media," Decision Support Systems, 54(1), pp. 87-97, 2012
  34. K. Madhavan, M. Vorvoreanu, N. Elmqvist, A. Johri, N. Ramakrishnan, G.A. Wang, and A. McKenna,"Portfolio Mining," IEEE Computer, 45(10), 2012
  35. S.G. He, Z. He, G.A. Wang, "Online Monitoring and Fault Identification of Mean Shifts in Bivariate Processes Using Decision Tree Techniques," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 24(1), pp. 25-34, 2012
  36. S.G. He, Z. He, G.A. Wang, "CUSUM Charts for Monitoring Bivariate Zero-Inflated Poisson Processes with an Application from the LED Packaging Industry," IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology, 2(1), pp. 169-179, 2012
  37. S.G. He, G.A. Wang, D.F. Cook, "Multivariate Measurement System Analysis in Multisite Testing: An Online Technique Using Principal Component Analysis," Expert Systems with Applications, 38(12), pp. 14602-14608, 2011
  38. G.A. Wang, H. Atabakhsh, H. Chen, "A Hierarchical Naive Bayes Model for Approximate Identity Matching," Decision Support Systems, 51(3), pp. 413-423, 2011
  39. J. Li, G.A. Wang, H. Chen, "Identity Matching Using Personal and Social Identity Features," Information Systems Frontiers, 13(1), 2011
  40. C. W. Zobel, G.A. Wang, "Topic Maps for Improving Services in Disaster Operations Management," Journal of Service Science, 1(1), pp. 83-92, 2008
  41. J. Xu, G.A. Wang, J. Li, M. Chau, "Complex Problem Solving: Identity Matching Based on Social Contextual Information," Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 8(10), pp. 525-545, 2007
  42. G.A. Wang, H. Chen, J. Xu, H. Atabakhsh, "Automatically Detecting Criminal Identity Deceptions: An Adaptive Detection Algorithm," IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics (Part A), 36(5), pp. 988-999, September, 2006
  43. G.A. Wang, H. Chen, T. Thomas, J. Xu, H. Atabakhsh, T. Petersen, "Detecting Criminal Identity Deception: An Algorithmic Approach," Journal of Intelligence Community Research and Development, 2006
  44. W. Chung, Y. Zhang, Z. Huang, G. Wang, T. Ong, H. Chen, "Internet Searching and Browsing in a Multilingual World," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), 55(9), pp. 818-831, 2004
  45. H. Chen, W. Chung, J. Xu, G. Wang, M. Chau and Y. Qin, "Crime Data Mining: A General Framework and Some Examples," IEEE Computer, 37(4), pp. 50-56, April 2004
  46. G. Wang, H. Chen, and H. Atabakhsh, "Automatically Detecting Deceptive Criminal Identities," Communications of the ACM (CACM), 47(3), pp. 70-76, 2004
  47. G. Wang, H. Chen, H. Atabakhsh, "Criminal Identity Deception and Deception Detection in Law Enforcement," Group Decision and Negotiation, 13(2), pp. 111-127, 2004
  48. G. Wang, T.W. Liao, "Automated Identification of Different Types of Welding Defects in Radiographic Images," NDT & E International, 35(8), pp. 519-528, 2002

Teaching

Teaching Interests:

Data analytics, programming, web development, database, data mining, social media analytics, management science

Student Comments:

"Professor Wang, was a very organized and helpful professor. He kept canvas very up to date and everything was organized in a structured manner which made accessing assignments very routine and convenient. He was very knowledgable of the material and gladly provided help when students needed it. In multiple instances, I had a hard time understanding assignments or debugging my code and he sat down with me and either explained it to me in a kind way or went through the assignment with me until it was debugged. I feel as though I learned the most material in this course throughout these past few semesters here at Tech. The course/material is very fast-paced; however, his lectures are detailed enough to guide students and prepare them with the material that theyneed. I really enjoyed this class and appreciate all professor Wangs hard work!"

Courses Taught

BIT2406: Quantitative Methods II

The objective of management science is to solve the decision-making problems by developing mathematical models of those problems. We will go through the modeling techniques used extensively in the business world, and learn how to apply computer and information technology based tools to solve those problems more efficiently. Topics include linear programming, network flow models, project management, multicriteria decision making, nonlinear programming, and forecasting.

BIT3444: Advanced Computing and Business Applications

This course introduces the construction of business applications using an advanced business programming language, Microsoft VB.NET. It covers the following topics: Fundamental programming terminologies such as variables, procedures and modules; User interface design; Software development life cycles (SDLC); Error handling and debugging; Database applications; and Object Oriented Programming (OOP).

BIT4444: Web-Based DSS

This course will focus on current technologies and tools that are used to develop web applications in a business environment. It covers a wide range of client-side and server-side web development technologies, including HTML5, CSS, DOM, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, PHP, Ajax, MySql, and web-based data analytics. Knowledge about relational databases is necessary for you to work on data related projects.

BIT4514: Database Management

This course provides students with the knowledge and tools to evaluate a business situation and build a database application. The students will learn the fundamentals of database design, writing queries to extract data from databases, database application development, and database administration. In addition, advanced database topics, such as analytical processing, data mining and data warehousing, are introduced.

BIT6414: Design Science Research Seminar

This course is focused on systematic knowledge of the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology in the context of Information Systems (IS). A primary objective is to help students evaluate other DSR research works and become a more discerning consumer of both the methodology and their contributions. The students are guided through a Design Science Research project, which leads to a high-quality publishable research paper.


Services

Professional Services

Electronic Commerce Research and Applications
Senior Editor
2019 - present
Information Systems Journal
Associate Editor
2017 - 2021
2019 INFORMS Workshop on Data Science
Treasurer
2019 - 2021

Community Services

First Lego League
Lead Coach
2015 - 2019
Pamplin College International Programs Committee
Member
2019 - present
Pamplin College Assurance of Learning Committee
Chair & Member
2012 - 2019

Ph.D. Students Advised

Zhilei (George) Qiao (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Dissertation: Consumer-Centric Innovation for Mobile Apps Empowered by Social Media Analytics
2014 - 2018
Qianzhou Du (Nanjing University, China)
Dissertation: Extracting the Wisdom of Crowds from Crowdsourcing Platforms
2015 - 2019
Long Xia (Elon University)
Dissertation: Combining Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence for Business Intelligence
2016 - 2020

Awards & Media Reports