The Internet of Things (IoT) can be generally explained as a network of objects that collect data regarding their surroundings and transfer it across the internet to various systems. While the addition of more information can improve a business's data-driven decision-making, should all businesses invest in IoT? This technical note explores IoT technologies, discusses how it is being used in industry, brings up some advantages and disadvantages, offers examples and applications, and investigates how it might fit into a firm's digital strategy.

A digital twin can be described as a digital model of a real object. But what makes it different from a prototype? How are digital twins being used in business settings outside manufacturing? How do they relate to machine learning and augmented reality? When digital twins meet their fullest potential, they enable businesses to optimize operations by managing their assets more efficiently, generating higher productivity, and reducing costs. This technical note discusses some potential benefits and drawbacks of digital twins; offers examples in aviation, car manufacturing, and agriculture; and helps managers identify where implementing the technology may be useful.

As companies increasingly rely on data and analytics to make decisions and improve their operations, it becomes clear that data quality can be a major issue. The insights gleaned from data analytics are useful only if the data is of high quality. This note summarizes some common issues that can result in low-quality data and explores the crucial task of data engineering. This note is taught at Darden in the second-year elective, "Digital Operations." It would also be suitable in a course or module covering data analytics.

This technical note details virtual and augmented reality and how these immersive technologies can be used in business. Specifically, this note highlights several business applications of both virtual and augmented reality-describing each technology's advantages and disadvantages. Various companies have uncovered new and interesting applications using these technologies, ranging from assisting distribution-center workers to improving learning and development. This note is taught at Darden in the second-year course, "Digital Operations." It would also be suitable in a course focused on technology strategy covering virtual and augmented reality or a module on the metaverse.

This technical note offers an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and some ways in which machine learning is leveraged to build this type of intelligence. The note also explores two schools of thought around AI's potential, discusses the possible roles for AI in business, highlights opportunities for collaboration between employees and AI, and considers one approach around responsible AI implementation. This note is taught at Darden in the second-year Digital Operations course. It would also be suitable in a module covering AI.