Faculty Friday: Woonam Hwang

Behind the success of the University of Utah MBA programs is the unwavering dedication and expertise of our faculty. Each one, with a unique blend of industry insights and academic prowess, is instrumental in crafting the business mavens of tomorrow. As we further explore the talent in our institution, our Faculty Friday Q&A series is your gateway into the lives and legacies of these academic trailblazers.

This Friday, we're thrilled to introduce you to the amazing Woonam Hwang, one of our brilliant Assistant Professors.

Beginning his journey at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Dr. Hwang studied Computer Science and Management Engineering. His path then led him to serve as an Engineer at the global tech giant, Samsung. Yet, a pull toward academia beckoned. Pursuing this passion, Dr. Hwang relocated to London, securing his Ph.D. in Management Science & Operations from the prestigious London Business School in 2015. Since then, his research contributions have graced the pages of top-tier journals like Management Science and Production and Operations Management. Beyond his role as a scholar, Dr. Hwang offers his expertise as a reviewer for elite journals, with his dedication recognized through the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Meritorious Service Award in 2021.

As we embark on our Q&A with Dr. Hwang, we will explore his innovative research, his teaching approach, emerging field trends, the unique edge of the U of U MBA, and his insights for aspiring students.

What areas of research are you most involved in?

My main research areas are socially responsible operations and behavioral operations. In socially responsible operations, I strive to conduct research that can have a positive impact on critical social issues. For instance, I am interested in preventing firms’ criminal acts such as covering up life-threatening product defects and preventing insurance companies from engaging in favorable beneficiary selection. In behavioral operations, I seek to enhance our understanding of the effects of human behavior on traditional operations management problems.

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What aspect of your role as a faculty member at the University of Utah MBA program brings you the greatest sense of fulfillment, and why?

It is definitely when I teach students in class. I absolutely feel lucky that I can help students develop quantitative mindsets and see them graduate to become business leaders in various industries.

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What are the emerging trends or challenges within your field of expertise, and how do you stay at the forefront of these developments?

In my opinion, the most critical challenge of our time is addressing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues. The rapid advances in technology and quickly deteriorating environmental conditions are creating multiple threats to the entire business community, or even to the human race at a greater level. Climate change and rising income inequality are some of the immediate threats that can affect everyday business decisions. The ability to analyze data is critical to tackling these challenges head-on because the only way we can clearly see the problem is through data. My hope is that, with their strong training in data analysis, our MBA students will be able to make a difference in these issues.

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How do you integrate real-world experiences and industry insights into your teaching?

I teach a data analysis course, and perhaps the COVID pandemic was a great learning example as much as it was painful and disruptive for all our lives. In the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021, I incorporated the pandemic data into the classroom discussion and analyzed with students how fast COVID-19 was spreading and how to estimate the rate of infection based on the theory that we were learning in class.

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In your opinion, how does the University of Utah MBA program apart from others?

I am constantly amazed by the professionalism of the University of Utah MBA program office. The whole MBA team is dedicated to working toward students’ success, and I can see how much time and effort they put in for each class I teach. I have a blast in every single MBA class because the MBA program office perfectly coordinates and organizes everything so the professor and students can fully focus on the learning experience. As a student, you will have unmatched support from the entire MBA program.

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What advice would you give to prospective MBA students who are considering the University of Utah for their graduate education?

For all of us, it is easy to be trapped in our little field and think it is representative of the outside world. In your job, you typically meet the same people every day, who are also likely to have a similar background to you. Sometimes, this can be a roadblock to your growth. Coming to the University of Utah MBA program can break you out of that shell. You will meet interesting people from different parts of the world with totally different backgrounds from you, and you will all sit in the same classroom, discussing ideas and sharing your opinions. This network can have a profound impact on your growth, both professionally and personally.

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In our series, we celebrate the influential faculty at the heart of the University of Utah MBA Programs. Dr. Hwang stands out not only for his analytical expertise but for his deep commitment to instilling a sense of responsibility and ethics in his students. Through his guidance, students are not just equipped with knowledge, but with a broader understanding of their potential impact in the business world. His teachings inspire students to look beyond the numbers and understand the societal implications of their decisions.

To learn more about Utah's MBA Programs, click here.