Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming pervasive -- Deloitte reports more than two-thirds of smartphone users already use AI or machine learning. And experts say this is just the beginning. Dale Carnegie asked more than 3,500 employees, across a range of industries and company sizes and 11 countries, how they feel about AI and what they expect from it. While optimism mostly prevails, the increase of workplace monitoring can send the message that the company doesn't trust its employees. In fact, 64 percent of respondents at the level of director or above were at least moderately worried about the potential impact of AI on their organization's culture.

Data analytics helps people better understand their business and see weaknesses and inefficiencies more clearly. Analytics can also increase revenue through pricing optimization or analyzing margin or costs to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Many internal audit departments, however, are just getting on board with this trend. Smart Business spoke with Kirstie Tiernan, data analytics managing director for BDO, Chicago at BDO USA, LLP, about data analytics, especially as it relates to internal audit and why artificial intelligence (AI) adds even more value. How are employers developing programs around data analytics? Data analytics requires people, tools, infrastructure and IT, and it's an involved investment.