Peter Weill, E. van den Berg
2026.1.27MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW
tlooto Summary
Case studies of United Airlines, Ikea Retail, and Vanguard illustrate how those companies have engaged in the four capabilities to become successful real-time businesses.
Abstract
Real-time businesses are able to make quick, data-driven decisions, enabling them to dramatically outperform competitors. Research points to four key capabilities that the most successful RTBs have: real-time data availability and decision-making, empowered employees, better business agility, and a more integrated customer experience. Case studies of United Airlines, Ikea Retail, and Vanguard illustrate how those companies have engaged in the four capabilities to become successful real-time businesses.
Citation format
WEILL, Peter; BERG, E. van den. Build business advantage with real-time decision-making. MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW, 2026, 67(3).