William A. Young II
Ohio University, College of Business
“Dr. Young is one of the best professors I have had at Ohio University. He actually gets through to his students and creates a relationship with us that improves how we do in the class and our abilities to perform the tasks we learned in his class on our own. He actually cares about his students.” – Colton Schindler
William A. Young II is is a Charles G. O’Bleness Full Professor of Business Analytics in the Department of Analytics and Information Systems at Ohio University’s College of Business.
He is the winner of several research and teaching awards, including Ohio University’s University Professor Award in 2020.
He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of faculty, students, and professionals on projects and programs funded by General Electric Aviation, the National Science Foundation, Sogeti, Capgemini, and Ohio’s Department of Labor.
Young’s primary research and teaching interests relate to business analytics and operations management. He has published various peer-reviewed articles related to operation management, healthcare services, and environmental systems, as well as specific interests in quantitative sports analysis, and educational technologies and techniques for innovative curriculum development and teaching instruction.
Young has published his articles in journals such as Expert Systems with Applications, Applied Soft Computing, International Journal of Production Research, European Journal of Operational Research, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Neural Computing & Applications, and Computers and Industrial Engineering. Young has co-authored a college course textbook titled ‘Excel’ in Business Analytics.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? Ohio University, 2011
Education:
- Ph.D. Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Ohio University, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
- M.S. Electrical Engineering, Ohio University, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
- B.S. Electrical Engineering, Ohio University, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …
While completing my Ph.D. in Mechanical and Systems Engineering, I pursued tenure-track positions in engineering departments nationwide. Through my doctoral advisor’s network, I was introduced to a Professor of Operations Management at Ohio University, who presented an opportunity to teach two Business Statistics courses during the summer term. Given the limited teaching opportunities available during doctoral studies, I recognized this as an invaluable chance to gain pedagogical experience in a complementary field. This experience proved transformative, solidifying my desire to pursue a career as a business professor. Subsequently, I secured a position as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Operations Management, which led to my current tenure-track appointment in Ohio University’s College of Business.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
My research portfolio spans multiple domains, leveraging the versatile applications of business analytics to foster diverse collaborative opportunities across disciplines. Recent research initiatives encompass critical societal challenges, including optimization of vaccine distribution networks, predictive modeling of student employment outcomes, analysis of mental healthcare accessibility, and cryptocurrency price forecasting. While individual research findings have contributed to their respective fields, I find the greatest value in conducting research that directly enhances the student learning experience. For instance, my dissertation introduced HEART (Heuristic Evaluation of Artificially Replaced Teammates), a sophisticated decision-support system designed for personnel management in professional sports, particularly the National Football League (NFL). This work exemplifies how I bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, enabling students to understand how classroom principles apply to high-interest domains such as professional sports analytics and sports betting markets.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be …
Given my expertise in business analytics, I would likely pursue a career in management consulting. However, earlier in my career trajectory, I envisioned combining my analytical capabilities with my passion for sports by working in professional sports analytics departments, where data-driven decision-making has become increasingly paramount.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
My pedagogical approach is distinguished by several key characteristics. Foremost, I deliver meticulously structured courses that provide rigorous preparation for careers in data science and business analytics. Recognizing the complex nature of quantitative material, I emphasize building strong faculty-student relationships while implementing a scaffolded learning approach that systematically develops students’ technical competencies and professional confidence. This methodology ensures students progressively master advanced concepts while maintaining engagement with challenging course content.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Excited
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
Successfully navigating institutional dynamics within academic departments and colleges requires considerable interpersonal acumen. The guidance of experienced mentors proves invaluable in developing effective strategies for professional advancement while maintaining productive collegial relationships.
Professor I most admire and why:
I hold Dr. Gary Weckman in the highest professional regard. His exceptional mentorship facilitated my academic transition from Electrical Engineering to Mechanical and Systems Engineering. His steadfast confidence in my capabilities proved transformative, significantly influencing my development across research, teaching, and service dimensions of academic life.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
My role as a Professor in the College of Business offers numerous rewarding dimensions. I particularly value the collaborative engagement with colleagues in curriculum development, focusing on creating educational pathways that advance both the academic and professional trajectories of our students.
What is most challenging?
A significant challenge in academia lies in fostering engagement among stakeholders who demonstrate limited commitment to academic rigor and professional excellence, both within and beyond the classroom environment. This dynamic requires careful navigation to maintain educational standards while seeking strategies to enhance motivation and participation.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged. I deeply value intellectual exchanges with students enrolled in my courses. These interactions provide valuable opportunities to assess their comprehension of business scenarios, evaluate their grasp of analytical methodologies, and strengthen their confidence in applying quantitative techniques to real-world business challenges. Through these dialogues, I can better facilitate their development of professional expertise while ensuring their mastery of analytical concepts.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Unmotivated
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Tough but fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
I maintain professional vitality through regular outdoor activities, including cycling and walking around campus. These deliberate wellness practices contribute significantly to achieving an optimal work-life equilibrium.
How will you spend your summer?
My summer plans encompass both professional development and personal enrichment through travel experiences while dedicating significant time to curriculum refinement and enhancement. This balanced approach allows for both scholarly advancement and personal growth.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Mexico, the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, and Norway.
Favorite book(s): Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game – Michael Lewis
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
While I don’t have a singular favorite film or television program, I regularly engage with streaming media in the evenings as part of my wind-down routine. This practice serves as an effective way to decompress from professional responsibilities and ensures I maintain a healthy work-life balance. The entertainment helps facilitate mental relaxation, ultimately contributing to better rest and enhanced preparedness for the following day’s challenges.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
I enjoy playing both electric and acoustic guitar, having initiated my musical journey during my adolescent years and continuing through my early collegiate studies. Although there was a significant hiatus in my practice, the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to revisit this artistic pursuit. Guitar performance provides a unique combination of intellectual stimulation and stress relief, serving as both a technical challenge and a meditative outlet.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …
The optimal evolution of business education necessitates an increased emphasis on experiential learning methodologies. Through my pedagogical observations, I have found that student comprehension and retention significantly improve when engaging with practical scenarios and relevant business cases that resonate with their interests. Furthermore, the current departmental structures often impede interdisciplinary collaboration in both curriculum development and research initiatives. The dissolution of these institutional barriers would facilitate more integrated and comprehensive business education, better reflecting the interconnected nature of modern commerce.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
From my perspective as a business educator, organizations must significantly enhance their approach to holistic stakeholder management and adaptive strategic planning. Many companies continue to operate with outdated hierarchical structures and rigid decision-making processes that impede innovation and employee engagement. There’s a pressing need to cultivate more practices surrounding continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and sustainable practices. Furthermore, I’ve observed that numerous enterprises struggle with effectively leveraging data analytics while maintaining ethical considerations, particularly in areas of artificial intelligence implementation and privacy protection. Companies should also strengthen their commitment to developing robust succession planning and talent development programs that prepare the next generation of leaders for an increasingly complex business environment.
I’m grateful for …
I am profoundly appreciative of the mentors and colleagues who have contributed to my academic and professional trajectory. During my formative professional years, several key individuals recognized my capabilities and provided pivotal opportunities that significantly influenced my career development. Their investment in my potential has inspired my current approach to mentoring junior faculty members, as I strive to perpetuate this legacy of professional stewardship. This cycle of mentorship and support exemplifies the vital role of professional guidance in academia, fostering the development of the next generation of scholars and educators.
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