Dr Blair Wang
Lecturer in Business Information Systems
J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway
Blair's research investigates the changing nature of work in the digital era, on topics such as digital nomadism, knowledge work, and the digital work practices of researchers and scientists (including related topics like videoconferencing fatigue). His teaching seeks to empower students with a deeper understanding of the digital technologies that drive the modern economy, such understanding not being limited to technical knowledge but also encompassing social insights from a sociotechnical perspective.
Blair's work contributes to these SDGs
An example of where Blair's work aligns with the UN SDGs is in the space of decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Blair's teaching and research focuses on the changing nature of work in the form of digital work and knowledge work, expressed in fascinating new phenomena like digital nomadism yet also in new kinds of challenges such as videoconferencing fatigue.
Target 8.2 Diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity
SDG Target 8.2 is an example of an overlap between Blair's research and the UN SDGs. By exploring emerging topics like digital nomadism and videoconferencing fatigue, we can "innovate and upgrade" our work practices for economic productivity into the 21st century.
Teaching
Database Systems
In this class, our postgraduate students learn how to develop and assess database designs, as well as how to practically work with real-world database technologies such as SQL. In doing so, this class empowers the next generation of technology specialists and leaders with the analytical skills to support innovations in our work practices, industry and the economy.
Supporting SDG Target: 9.5 Enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies
Applied Analytics in Business and Society
In this class, our postgraduate students learn about the latest techniques to bring together different sources of data and information, recognise patterns, formulate insights, and communicate their findings in a logical and impactful manner using technologies like RStudio. In doing so, this class equips the next generation of analysts, specialists and experts to support informed decision-making about how to innovate across various sectors of work, industry and the economy.
Supporting SDG Target: 8.2 Diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity
Engagement
Blair engages with the international network of Information Systems (IS) academics and researchers, through involvement in bodies such as the Association of Information Systems (AIS) and the European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS). An example of his contribution is his role as the lead developer of www.litbaskets.io, a scholarly project to facilitate better visibility and discovery of scientific research.
Supporting SDG Target 9.5 Enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies
Indirect impact SDG Targets
1.B - Create pro-poor and gender-sensitive policy frameworks
4.4 - Increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success
4.5 - Eliminate all discrimination in education
4.6 - Universal literacy and numeracy
4.7 - Education for sustainable development and global citizenship
5.1 - End discrimination against women and girls
5.5 - Ensure full participation in leadership and decision-making
5.B - Promote empowerment of women through technology
8.1 - Sustainable economic growth
8.2 - Diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity
9.5 - Enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies
9.C - Universal access to information and communications technology
10.2 - Promote universal social, economic and political inclusion
10.3 - Ensure equal opportunities and end discrimination
11.3 - Inclusive and sustainable urbanization
13.B - Promote mechanisms to raise capacity for planning and management
17.6 - Knowledge sharing and cooperation for access to science, technology and innovation
Research
Featured Publications
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Reference |
SDG |
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Wang B., Schlagwein D., Cecez-Kecmanovic D., Cahalane M. C. (2020), Beyond the Factory Paradigm: Digital Nomadism and the Digital Future(s) of Knowledge Work Post-COVID-19. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 21(6), article 10, doi:10.17705/1jais.00641 |
1; 3; 8 |