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Organizations Combining Organizational Learning and AI-Specific Learning Are up to 80% More Effective at Managing Uncertainty

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New MIT SMR and BCG Research Quantitatively and Qualitatively Links Organizational Learning, AI-Specific Learning, and the Ability to Manage Rapidly Changing Business Environments

BOSTON, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Addressing uncertainty is a critical challenge for leaders today as geopolitical tensions, shifting consumer preferences, talent disruptions, evolving regulations, and rapid technological advancements increasingly complicate the business landscape. According to a new report by MIT Sloan Management Review (MIT SMR) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), artificial intelligence, a major source of uncertainty in its own right, is essential for meeting this challenge.

The report, Learning to Manage Uncertainty, With AI, presents findings from the eighth annual global research study on artificial intelligence and business strategy by MIT SMR and BCG. It draws from a global survey of 3,467 respondents across 21 industries and 136 countries, along with interviews with nine executives leading AI initiatives in sectors such as financial services, technology, retail, travel, transportation, and health care.

“AI adoption jumped 20% last year, driven by interest in generative AI, as 91% of organizations now expect GenAI to be core to the strategy in at least parts of their organization,” said report coauthor Sam Ransbotham, professor at Boston College. “This increased AI use isn’t causing workers to panic about their jobs, with respondents far more hopeful (84%) than fearful (20%). Instead, augmenting organizational learning with AI-based learning enhances the knowledge capture, synthesis, and dissemination that organizations depend on to manage the myriad uncertainties they currently face.”

“Our previous research found that organizations with superior learning capabilities are more likely to obtain significant financial benefits from their AI use,” said Shervin Khodabandeh, a BCG managing director, senior partner, and coauthor of the report. “Now we find that the reverse is also true. Using AI can improve organizational learning capabilities, and these learning improvements are tied to not only enhanced financial results but also the ability to manage strategy-related uncertainties.”

Most Organizations Lack Strong Learning Capabilities Despite Facing Widespread Uncertainty

The report defines organizational learning as “an organization’s capability to change its knowledge through experience.” The research finds that organizations that combine organizational learning with AI-specific learning outperform organizations that do neither or employ either alone.

Of the companies surveyed, 59% reported low levels of both organizational and AI-specific learning and only 29% of respondents say their company has strong organizational learning.

Organizations Combining AI and Learning See Greater Success  

According to the report, 15% of organizations integrate AI into their learning capabilities. These organizations — referred to in the report as Augmented Learners — are:

1.6 times more likely than those with limited learning capabilities to manage various environmental and firm-specific uncertainties, including unexpected technological, regulatory, and workforce changes.Twice as likely to be prepared to manage talent-related disruptions compared with organizations that have limited learning capabilities.60% to 80% more likely to be effective at managing uncertainties in their external environments than Limited Learners—companies with limited learning capabilities.1.4 times more likely to recognize some revenue benefits from AI compared with Limited Learners.

Augmented Learners Are Prepared to Manage Many Types of Uncertainty

Organizational learning and AI-specific learning (augmented learning) help enterprises manage uncertainty and disruptions from talent mobility, changing technology, and evolving regulatory and legal requirements. The survey results show a clear link between organizational learning and preparedness for talent mobility disruptions. Only 39% of Limited Learners feel ready to manage knowledge loss from departing employees, while this rises to 64% in those with strong learning capabilities. Using AI can further contribute to this readiness: Eighty-three percent of Augmented Learners are prepared to deal with the uncertainty of knowledge disruption from talent mobility—twice as much as Limited Learners.

Compared with Limited Learners, Augmented Learners are significantly more likely to be prepared to deal with uncertainty from technology disruptions (86% versus 49%) and regulatory disruptions (79% versus 48%). On the regulatory front, large organizations with global operations can use AI to navigate complex, uncertain regulatory frameworks that vary from one country to the next. Augmented learning organizations have an advantage here because they have abilities that those unable to learn with AI lack.

“This research demonstrates that human users can use AI to make sense of the business environment in new ways,” said David Kiron, a report coauthor and editorial director, research, at MIT Sloan Management Review. Both organizations and managers can become better learners with AI. That is arguably at least as important as using AI to create efficiencies.”

“Companies can adopt five practical and actionable strategies to enhance their organizational learning through AI,” said Leonid Zhukov, vice president of data science at BCG and a coauthor of the report. “These strategies include fostering growth in both organizational and AI-driven learning, leveraging AI to drive exploration, accelerating learning with AI, selecting initiatives that support continuous learning, and ensuring responsible and ethical AI usage.”

The State of AI in Business

Since 2017, MIT SMR and BCG have tracked AI implementation in business as part of an ongoing research program. The report details evidence of other trends in AI use in business beyond the relationship between AI use and organizational learning:

Interest in AI, Especially GenAI, Is Increasing. Since 2017, AI adoption has been relatively stable, but this year, 70% of organizations report piloting or deploying AI solutions, up from 44% to 57% in previous years. More than 54% of organizations are now piloting or deploying GenAI solutions.GenAI Is Drawing Attention. Ninety-one percent of organizations report that their leadership expects generative AI to be a core element of their business strategy in at least some of their business units in the next three years. While 26% of organizations surveyed feel GenAI is diverting funds from traditional AI initiatives, 51% report that it is expanding their overall AI budget. Only 11% find it distracting, and just 13% believe their organization is overly focused on it.Hopes for AI Are Outpacing Fears. In 2024, 84% of respondents are hopeful that AI can assist with some of their tasks, up from 70% in 2017, while only 20% are fearful that AI will assume some of their tasks, down from 31%.Emergence of GenAI Upsets Strategic Plans for AI Use. Since 2020, MIT SMR and BCG have tracked AI’s importance in business strategy. In 2020, 41% of respondents viewed AI as core to their strategy, rising to 61% by 2023. However, in 2024, only 38% consider AI to be core, likely due to the impact of GenAI as executives reassess its role in their strategies.

Download the publication here: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/manage-uncertainty-with-organizational-learning-ai

Media Contacts:

Eric Gregoire:
+1 617 850 3783
gregoire.eric@bcg.com 

Tess Woods:
+1 617 942 0336
Tess@TessWoodsPR.com 

ABOUT BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

ABOUT MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW
At MIT Sloan Management Review (MIT SMR), we explore how leadership and management are transforming in a disruptive world. We help thoughtful leaders capture the exciting opportunities—and face down the challenges—created as technological, societal, and environmental forces reshape how organizations operate, compete, and create value.

MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW: BIG IDEAS
MIT Sloan Management Review’s Big Ideas Initiatives develop innovative, original research on the issues transforming our fast-changing business environment. MIT SMR conducts global surveys and in-depth interviews with frontline leaders working at a range of companies, from Silicon Valley startups to multinational organizations, to deepen our understanding of changing paradigms and their influence on how people work and lead.

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SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

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Wrap Up Your Phone in Style with OtterBox

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-Sleigh the season with must-have holiday cases-

FORT COLLINS, Colo. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Gearing up the holidays includes getting your phone ready for heavy travel and tons of photos. Prepare your most crucial travel companion for the holiday season with Symmetry Series Winter Collection and 2-in-1 Crossbody Straps, available now on otterbox.com.

Spread holiday cheer with Symmetry Series Winter Collection. These ultra-slim cases feature nutcrackers, holiday bows and a classic holiday plaid. Symmetry Series hugs your phone’s curves and features legendary OtterBox protection to keep your device safe all season long. These three new cases are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and traveling in style.

Pair Symmetry Series Winter Collection with new 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap, available now. Symmetry Series for iPhone 16 devices have two built in connection points that act as accessory attach points. The crossbody is perfect for keeping your device close at hand during the holiday bustle. It features loops to easily connect keys and headphones when wearing as a crossbody or can be quickly converted into a wrist strap. The adjustable straps allow you to dial in the perfect length every time you wear it.        

OtterBox Symmetry Series Winter Collection and 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap are available now on otterbox.com and are 30% off through Thanksgiving.

About OtterBox:
From humble beginnings in a Fort Collins, Colo. garage, OtterBox now leverages more than 25 years of engineering and design expertise to develop protective products for all things mobile. It’s no surprise that OtterBox is the #1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S. From ultra-rugged to sleek and stylish, OtterBox has you covered. 

Protect it. Style it. OtterBox it. 

At the center of every OtterBox innovation is a deeper goal to affect positive, lasting change. In partnership with the OtterCares Foundation, OtterBox gives back by inspiring kids to change the world through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. To learn more about this mission, visit otterbox.com/givingback

For more information, visit otterbox.com.

1Symmetry Series is NOT protective against water. Will provide added protection against drops and shock.

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SOURCE OtterBox

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VTech® and LeapFrog® Capture Coveted Holiday Toy Honors for 2024

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These Toys Deliver Award-Winning Learning and Fun for Kids of All Ages

CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VTech® and LeapFrog®, industry leaders in electronic learning toys, today announced that several of their innovative products have received top industry awards for 2024. These accolades celebrate the brands’ dedication to creating high-quality, engaging toys that bring excitement to every playtime.

“We couldn’t be more excited to see VTech and LeapFrog toys shining on holiday lists this year!” said Karen Balduf, Vice President of Marketing, VTech Electronics North America. “These awards reflect our commitment to creating toys that deliver joy while fostering kids’ development, learning and exploration.”

Highlights of the award-winning products include:

VTech® Sort & Discover Activity Wagon™: Discover a wagon full of wonders! Kids will love pulling this interactive wagon filled with light-up buttons, cheerful sounds and shape-sorting blocks. With an engaging activity panel and colorful design, it’s perfect for little adventurers to explore and play. Spark their curiosity and watch them enjoy hours of imaginative discovery. This wagon is a delightful way to turn playtime into an exciting journey!VTech® Sandy Snacks-a-Lot™: It’s time for a snack! Hold up a snack piece for Sandy to sniff, then place it on her tongue when she opens her mouth. Listen to Sandy’s thoughts on different foods and see her belly light up based on what she eats. Pet her head or press her back buttons for phrases and songs about food, flavors, colors and axolotl facts. Easily store snacks inside Sandy’s tail when playtime is over for convenient cleanup.VTech® KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX4: This super-cool, splash-proof smartwatch is perfect for kids ages 4+. It features dual cameras, a large high-resolution screen and a premium metal body. Kids can play exciting activities, challenges and reaction games designed to get them moving. They can explore creativity with photo and video effects or make music with the composer app. With 50+ clock faces and a shake-to-hear time feature, it’s both fun and entertaining!VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Checkered Flag Motorized Track Set™: Race into excitement with this fun track set! Use the remote to control the RC Racer and challenge the Motorized Race Car. Zoom around thrilling turns and bends, with track switches adding surprises at every lap. Celebrate victories on the winners’ podium with fun role-play phrases. Explore interactive SmartPoint® spots for first words, songs and racing sounds. This engaging toy develops fine motor skills and offers endless racing fun for toddlers!LeapFrog® Get Ready for Phonics™ Spin & Learn: This interactive toy is designed to boost vocabulary and early reading skills for kids ages 18+ months. With colorful lights, sounds and fun illustrations, kids can explore word sounds and vocabulary through four engaging modes. Press the big red button to light up pictures and hear fun phrases. Flip through ten easy-turn pages featuring playful scenes and characters. It’s a fun, educational adventure that helps little ones discover the magic of words!LeapFrog® Magic Adventures® Binoculars: Explore the world up close with these real high-tech binoculars, featuring a digital camera and vibrant video screen that magnifies up to 10x with day and night vision. Embark on virtual adventures with 340+ preloaded BBC videos and images of animals, insects, plants and more. Interactive games and trivia boost learning while exploring. Perfect for curious kids, these binoculars combine fun and education, letting them capture and save pictures of their discoveries and making every outdoor adventure an exciting learning experience!

Highlights of the award wins include:

Parents Best Toys Award Winners

VTech® Sort & Discover Activity Wagon™VTech® Sandy Snacks-a-Lot™LeapFrog® Get Ready for Phonics™ Spin & LearnLeapFrog® Magic Adventures® Binoculars

Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award Winners

VTech® Sort & Discover Activity Wagon™VTech® KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX4VTech® Baby Bopping & Cruising Baby Driver™LeapFrog® 4-in-1 Learning Hamburger™

Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Finalists

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Checkered Flag Motorized Track Set™ (Vehicle of the Year Finalist)LeapFrog® Magic Adventures® Binoculars (Preschool Toy of the Year Finalist)

For more information about VTech and LeapFrog products, available at major retailers, visit www.vtechkids.com and www.leapfrog.com.

About VTech®
VTech is a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children’s development and make learning fun. With a rich 45-year history, VTech has not only established itself as a learning authority but also consistently remains at the forefront of innovation with multiple award-winning products, including prestigious Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award winners. The company also has a broad range of award-winning infant, toddler and preschool products available in 28 different languages worldwide, with more than 100 new products introduced every year. In order to further strengthen VTech’s position as a learning authority, new products are developed with critical insights from a dedicated team of in-house learning experts.

VTech Electronics North America, L.L.C. is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. VTech Electronics Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution globally.

About LeapFrog®
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in innovative learning toys for children that encourage a child’s curiosity and love of learning throughout their early developmental journey. For more than 25 years, LeapFrog has helped children expand their knowledge and imagination through award-winning products that combine state-of-the-art educational expertise led by the LeapFrog Learning Team, innovative technology, and engaging play – turning playtime into quality time that helps children leap ahead. LeapFrog’s proprietary learning tablets and ground-breaking developmental games, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more are designed to create personalized experiences that encourage, excite and build confidence in children. LeapFrog is a subsidiary of VTech Holdings Limited, which is based in Hong Kong.  LeapFrog was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Learn more at www.leapfrog.com.

Media Contact:
Lauren Fagan
Coyne Public Relations
973-588-2000
lfagan@coynepr.com

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SOURCE VTech Electronics North America, L.L.C.

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Charge Your Phone For FREE At Lovesac This Holiday Shopping Season

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New StealthTech Charge Side brings wireless charging to any Sactionals configuration

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Lovesac Company, the Designed for Life home and technology brand, today announced the launch of the StealthTech Charge Side, bringing wireless device charging to its Sactionals Sides. Utilizing the invisible wireless charging capabilities of StealthTech Sound + Charge, the latest Lovesac innovation allows customers to stay connected without leaving the comfort of their couch. Throughout this year’s truncated holiday shopping season, Lovesac invites customers to recharge, literally and figuratively, with free device charging in all 300+ locations starting today through end of year.

Featuring invisible wireless charging, embedded in a Sactionals Side, StealthTech Charge Side offers the ultimate convenience, letting you power your devices without the clutter of power cords. With the ability to add up to three charging stations in a single Side, you’ll always have plenty of power at your fingertips. Like all StealthTech product line innovations, the Charge Side is designed with upgradable technology, allowing customers to easily stay up to date with the latest advancements. Charge Side seamlessly integrates into existing and new Sactionals configurations and is designed to be compatible with future innovations that enhance the comfort and convenience Lovesac is known for.

StealthTech Charge Side is the fourth major innovation to launch from Lovesac this year, closely following the Reclining Seat, the AnyTable, and the style renowned PillowSac Accent Chair – all building out new product categories or further innovating existing platforms for the brand. Understanding a shorter holiday shopping window will have many customers spending longer hours at the mall scrambling to find the perfect gift, Lovesac is offering complimentary device charging to keep your phone fueled in all 300+ locations, just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on fan favorite Sactionals and accessories. Perfect for nearly half of holiday shoppers who prefer to experience products in person before buying, customers can recharge themselves and their phones while they shop select Lovesac styles, which are 30% off from 11/8/2024 – 12/8/2024.

“With the new StealthTech Charge Side, our customers can stay connected without leaving the comfort of their couch,” said Lovesac CEO Shawn Nelson. “Our mission has always been to create products that are Designed for Life – products that evolve as your life does. The Charge Side product takes the innovation of Stealth Sound + Charge and makes it more accessible and customizable for the changing needs of our customers.”

All 300+ Lovesac locations will be open to consumers for free charging during business hours starting today. For more information on StealthTech Charge Side, now available for purchase starting at $575, visit www.lovesac.com. To find the closest Lovesac showroom to you to start charging, visit the Showroom Locator

About The Lovesac Company 
Based in Stamford, Connecticut, The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ: LOVE) is a technology driven company that designs, manufactures and sells unique, high-quality furniture derived through its proprietary Designed for Life approach which results in products that are built to last a lifetime and designed to evolve as customers’ lives do. The current product offering is comprised of modular couches called Sactionals, premium foam beanbag chairs called Sacs, the Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge System, and the most recently launched PillowSac Accent Chair, a first of its kind accent chair for the living room. As a recipient of Repreve’s 7th Annual Champions of Sustainability Award, responsible production and innovation are at the center of the brand’s design philosophy with products protected by a robust portfolio of utility patents. Products are marketed and sold primarily online directly at www.lovesac.com/, supported by direct-to-consumer touch points in the form of our own showrooms, as well as through shop-in-shops and pop-up-shops with third party retailers. LOVESAC, DESIGNED FOR LIFE, SACTIONALS, SAC, STEALTHTECH, and THE WORLD’S MOST COMFORTABLE SEAT are trademarks of The Lovesac Company and are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Contact Lovesac:
Nate Zubal, PR & Project Specialist
Nate@lovesac.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charge-your-phone-for-free-at-lovesac-this-holiday-shopping-season-302315281.html

SOURCE The Lovesac Company

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