Research
Research Interests
Research Topics
Keywords: nonprofit operations management, charitable giving, behavioral operations, volunteer management, donation quality, field experiments
My work examines how operations can be improved in charity and nonprofit settings. I study workforce design, volunteer and donor behavior, and the quality of in-kind donations, using field experiments, lab experiments, and analytical models to generate evidence that supports both practice and teaching.
Research Methods
Field Experiments
Conducting randomized controlled trials in real-world settings to test interventions and measure causal effects.
Lab Experiments
Designing controlled laboratory studies to understand decision-making processes and behavioral mechanisms.
Analytical Modeling
Developing mathematical models and optimization frameworks to analyze operations problems and derive insights.
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Workforce Configuration in Charity Settings: A Forward-looking Approach
Chao Wu, Milad Eftekhar, Joline Uichanco
Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 2024, Vol. 26, No. 6, pp. 2102-2120
Does volunteering crowd out donations? Evidence from online experiments
Chao Wu, Milad Eftekhar
Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 2024, Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 1542-1566
Improving the Quality of In-Kind Donations: A Field Experiment
D.L.T. Pacheco, Milad Eftekhar, Chao Wu
Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 2023, Vol. 25, No. 5, pp. 1677-1691
Sustainable supply chain management: continuing evolution and future directions
Craig R. Carter, Mark R. Hatton, Chao Wu, Xiang Chen
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 2019, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 122-146
Working Papers
We Volunteer Alone Together: A Field Experiment on Self Identity in Last-Mile Food Rescue Operations
Chao Wu, Stanley Lim
2026 • Under review at MSOM
Grants & Funding
Current Grants
Mike Ilitch School of Business Summer Research Grant
Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
2025 • Principal Investigator
$6,000
Past Grants
ASU Graduate Research and Support Program Grant for Dissertation
Arizona State University
2021 • Principal Investigator
$2,000