Dr. Goran Kuljanin
DePaul University

Session abstract

This workshop introduces participants to computational modeling. Specifically, we discuss and demonstrate the use of computational models as a tool to develop more explicit, transparent, reproducible, and insightful theories for organizational science. To do so, we begin with a discussion to distinguish the difference between narrative construct theorizing (i.e., the dominant form of theory development in organizational science) and computational process theorizing (i.e., the form of theory development promoted in the workshop). After this initial discussion, we collectively work through a specific motivated example to demonstrate how to: program a computational model using software (R, Positron, and GenAI), execute virtual experiments with a developed computational model, and analyze simulated data from a computational model to derive theoretical insights. During this collective work experience, participants actively engage in completing various tasks pertaining to process thinking, programming, simulation, and data analysis. By the end of this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of computational modeling for effective theory development and how to take the next steps in developing computational models for their own theories of interest.

Presenter biography

Professor Goran Kuljanin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship in the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University. He primarily teaches courses on business and people analytics. His courses cover topics such as data visualization, analytical notebooks, unsupervised and supervised learning, natural language processing, web scraping, time series forecasting, business process analytics, and organizational network analysis.

Professor Kuljanin’s research focuses on developing computational process models of human functioning and workplace operations to enable process-oriented, strategic decision-making on human resources management. He has published his research in the Journal of Applied Psychology, Leadership Quarterly, Organizational Research Methods, and Psychological Methods. His research awards include Best Article in Organizational Research Methods in 2013, the 2015 William A. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award from the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and a Monograph Distinction from the Journal of Applied Psychology. As a co-investigator, he has won grants from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Professor Kuljanin’s consulting work focuses on analyzing data on any organization’s most important resource: its people. Specifically, his consulting work involves applying advanced analytics (e.g., machine learning, dynamical modeling, organizational network analysis, natural language processing, computational process modeling) on employee, team, organizational, and client data to develop effective work strategies to meet organizational objectives.