A Multi Perspective Approach for Understanding the Determinants of Cloud Computing Adoption among Australian SMEs

Cloud computing is proved to be an effective computing technology for organisations through the advantages that it offers such as IT technical agility and scalability, enhancing businesses processes, and increasing enterprises competitiveness. In Australia, there is an emerging trend that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) begin to adopt this technology in the conventional working practices. However, there is a dearth of prior studies on examining the factors that influence the cloud computing adoption among Australian SMEs. To fill the empirical vacuum, this research-in-progress proposes an integrated framework for examining the determinants of cloud computing service adoption with the consideration of the unique characteristics of Australian SMEs, such as relatively low adoption of cloud computing services, less innovative, and limited knowledge about cloud computing and its benefits and hindrances. To this end, we are conducting consecutive studies to investigate this research issue. An exploratory interview study will be applied to observe and verify the characteristics of Australian SMEs toward the cloud computing adoption. This is followed by an organisational level survey that examines the effects of determinants on cloud computing adoption. Finally, a decision model for cloud computing adoption among Australian SMEs will be developed by using a Multi Criteria Decision Approach (MCDA) through rating, prioritising, and ranking of various criteria and alternatives available to the decision makers. Adopting the mixed-method research fashion, this research-in-progress intends to make significant implications to scholars and practitioners alike in the cloud computing research and applications areas

Technology organization environment framework in cloud computing

Cloud Computing is a rapidly emerging technology over the last few years, that has abolished the burden of purchasing heavy hardware and software. Cloud computing has been advantageous to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), though many SMEs have not adopted to delve into its appealing benefits. To increase the cloud adoption rate in these Enterprises, the most important thing is to understand the aspects which influence the cloud adoption. The article focuses on these factors, which influence the use of cloud services by establishing the three layer hierarchical framework based on the grounded on the Technology Oriented Environmental (TOE) framework through systematic literature review. Because cloud-based solutions offer numerous benefits for companies, they have precious cloud determinants. This paper therefore took into account the Technology Organization Environment TOE model for Cloud Computing adoption. In addition, the questionaries designed at the end also indicate the significant connection in the decision of adoption between three context of TOE. Moreover, the designed questionaries has been used for the analysis of cloud computing adoption in Bangladeshi SMEs

Determinants influencing adoption of cloud computing by small medium enterprises in South Africa

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce in Information Systems (Coursework) at the School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, June 2017Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now recognized as the driving force behind most thriving economies. This is mainly attributed to the role they play in most economies in reducing unemployment and their contribution towards Gross Domestic Product. This means that SMEs should have the right resources to enable them to enhance performance. Choosing the right technology to support their businesses is one of the important decisions that SMEs should make. Understanding the benefits and challenges of different technologies is often a problem for most SMEs. One of the new technologies that has gained prominence in recent years is cloud computing. Even though the value associated with this technology has been widely researched especially for large enterprises, the rate at which SMEs adopt cloud computing still remains low. The purpose of this research sought to explore and describe the determinants influencing the adoption of cloud computing by SMEs in South Africa. The study used Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework as the theoretical lens in understanding the adoption of Could Computing phenomenon. Further, this qualitative exploratory and descriptive study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from five SMEs based in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, operating in different industries and belonging to the National Small Business Chamber. The main factors that were identified as playing an important role in the adoption of cloud computing by SMEs are, relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, awareness, trialability, culture, top management support, size, regulation and trade partner relationship. It is worth noting that there was not enough evidence that competitive pressure played a significant role in SME cloud adoption.XL201

Factors Influencing Cloud Computing Adoption by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) In India

The purpose of this paper is to examine and assess the determinants of cloud computing adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an Indian context through an integrated research framework. A questionnaire based survey method was used to collect data from 271 SMEs from the northern region of India. An integrated model founded on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) was proposed to test ten hypotheses through a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The analysis reveals that relative advantage, security concerns, top management support, external pressure and service providers’ support are the significant factors which influence intention to adopt cloud computing by SMEs in India. The integrated research framework used and validated in this study is intended to enhance the predictive power of the ensuing model. The empirically validated research model and the instrument used for data collection can be adopted in other similar studies. The findings of this study can be useful for consumers, practitioners, and policy makers who are involved in utilizing, spreading and promoting the adoption of cloud computing among organizations, especially the SMEs. Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/pajais/vol9/iss3/3

The role of cloud computing in addressing small, medium enterprise challenges in South Africa

This thesis was motivated by Roberts (2010) who found that 63% of SMEs in South Africa do not make it past second year of operation. To expand further on this problem, we reviewed literature to understand key business challenges experienced by SMEs in South Africa which contribute to this high failure rate. The challenges include red tape, labour legislation, lack of skills, lack of innovation, impact of crime, and lack of funds. The research project aimed to answer a key question: “How can information technology, in the form of Cloud Computing be used to address the challenges faced by small and medium businesses in South Africa?” To answer this question, data was collected from 265 SME companies and quantitatively analysed. It is important to note that the profile of SMEs targeted in this study are those that employed fewer than 200 employees, with a turnover of not less than 26 million rand per annum, and registered with South African Revenue Services (SARS) and also with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) of South Africa. Over 60% of the firms that responded to the survey were in business for more than 10 years which means we are mainly dealing with data from businesses that have past the survivalist stage and are matured businesses. These are businesses that can share their experiences and challenges they faced throughout their journey. The profile of SMEs in this study should not be confused with that of Very Small Medium Enterprise Businesses. The questionnaire was designed to address four themes being the Demographic profile, SME Business Environment, Threat of Survival, and lastly Technology Adoption. Key finding in this research is that 60% of the panellists stated that red tape is the overriding challenge that small businesses contend with. 67% of the panellists confirmed that they have not invested in their businesses in the past year; and 53% stated that they have not applied for finance from the bank for fear of being rejected. Only 30% of the SME market were found to use enterprise resource planning (ERP) and 62% do not have their own IT department. Of great concern is that 65% of the panellists have experienced server down time at least once in the past year. Inability to predict the rising IT costs in a firm has been cited as the main concern when running IT on premise. The cost predictability finding was also discovered to be a benefit enjoyed by the SMEs who use Cloud Computing. The conclusion is that there is a relationship between Cloud Computing, Small and Medium Enterprise businesses and the challenges they face in their business environment. To address the identified business challenges, technology adoption studies by Gumbi & Mnkandla (2015), Carcary, Doherty & Conway (2014), Lacovou et al (1995), Mohlomeane & Ruxwana (2014), Kshetri (2010), BMI Research (2018), Conway & Curry (2012), Li, Zhao & Yu (2015), Wernefeldt (1985), Schindehuitte & Morris (2001), Tornatzy & Flesher (1991) were reviewed. From these publications, the Technology, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) was found to be relevant and of interest for use in answering the main research question. This study developed the Cloud Adoption Framework which is the anchor of all SME challenges. Key study contribution is that the TOE model, which is predominantly used to understand the determinants of technology adoption like various industry applications, infrastructure innovations etc., are now used to address specific challenges that have contributed in the high failure rate of SME business. This is the first-time TOE model has been used to align with key SME challenges that contribute to firms’ failure. Specific technology across Software, Infrastructure and Platform services models are recommended for use by SMEs to ensure challenges are mitigated and improve the chances of survival for SMEs operating in South Africa. By following the recommended Cloud Adoption Framework, SMEs should be able to navigate the complexities brought about by the tough operating environment and also the technologies available to address those challenges. All six challenges have solutions in Cloud Computing and SMEs are educated on these solutions and also how to access these on a pay as you use model of consumption.Business ManagementD.B.L

Innovation attributes and managers' decisions about the adoption of innovations in organizations: A meta-analytical review

The adop­tion of in­no­va­tions has emerged as a dom­i­nant re­search topic in the man­age­ment of in­no­va­tion in or­ga­ni­za­tions, al­though in­ves­ti­ga­tions of­ten yield mixed re­sults. To help man­agers and re­searchers im­prove their ef­fec­tive­ness, the au­thors em­ployed a meta-analy­sis in­te­grated with struc­tural equa­tion mod­el­ing to an­a­lyze the as­so­ci­a­tions be­tween the at­trib­utes of in­no­va­tions, man­agers' be­hav­ioral pref­er­ences, and or­ga­ni­za­tions' in­no­va­tion adop­tion de­ci­sions in a me­di­ated-mod­er­ated frame­work. Our find­ings of­fer ev­i­dence that at­trib­utes of in­no­va­tions in­flu­ence man­agers' be­hav­ioral pref­er­ences and, con­se­quently, adop­tion de­ci­sions in or­ga­ni­za­tions. We also ob­serve the sig­nif­i­cance of the con­text in which the adop­tion de­ci­sion oc­curs as well as the re­search set­tings em­ployed by schol­ars. Fi­nally, we dis­cuss the the­o­ret­i­cal con­tri­bu­tion and prac­ti­cal im­pli­ca­tions of our meta-an­a­lyt­i­cal re­sults

CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION DETERMINANTS: AN ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIAN SMES

In Australia, there is an emerging tendency among SMEs towards the adoption of cloud computing. However, there are limited studies investigating the factors that influence cloud computing adoption within Australian SMEs. To fill the research vacuum, we developed a research model based on the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, and our prior exploratory study to investigate the determinants that influence the adoption of cloud computing. An organizational-level survey was conducted across Australia to collect data from technology decision makers in SMEs. Data collected from 203 firms are used to test the related hypotheses. This study contributes a statistically validated model of the influential determinants of cloud computing adoption. Data analysis indicates that Technological Factors (cost savings, relative advantages, compatibility, and trialability), Organizational Factors (firm size, top management support, innovativeness of the firm, and IS knowledge), and Environmental Factors (market scope and external computing support) were found to be determinants of the adoption of cloud computing services. Benefits of the findings are twofold. First, they provide knowledge about cloud computing determinants in the Australian marketplace. Second, they provide policy planners and SMEs’ decision makers with insights and directions for successful adoption of cloud computing technology

Modelling the drivers of cloud computing use for SME businesses

This study proposes a model of the drivers of cloud computing use for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.The research model is developed based on technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory.It is proposed that the use of cloud computing is being influenced by relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity (from the technological context), CEO’s innovativeness, top management support, and technology readiness (from the organizational context), and competitive pressure (from the environmental context).A sequential explanatory mixed methods is used for data collection.The findings will contribute to knowledge in cloud computing, especially in regards to cloudbased technologies used by the SMEs and the drivers of use. The findings will also assist the government agencies in accelerating the use of cloud computing among the SMEs and extending the full benefits of cloud computing to sustain the competitiveness of the SMEs

Differential Adoption of Cloud Technology: A Multiple Case Study of Large Firms and SMEs

Firms across the industry segments have been exploring cloud computing to derive benefits out of its technological features. Even though literature pertaining to cloud adoption by firms exists, the factors based on cloud-specific characteristics are mostly anecdotal in nature. Following a multiple case study approach, we identify factors specific to cloud technology adoption by firms. We further explain the differential adoption of the cloud between large and small firms. Overall we obtained 11 variables that differentiate large firms and SMEs in their adoption behaviour. We further contribute to theory by mapping the extracted variables of cloud adoption to Diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and Technology organization Environment framework (TOE)

Determinants of SMEs’ Transformation Toward Cloud Services: Perspectives of Economic and Social Rationalities

Cloud services represent a new paradigm that changes how organizations obtain advanced information technology capability. Cloud services have especially important implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, not all SMEs choose to transform toward cloud-based solutions. Accounting for both technical-economic rationality and trust-based rationality, we explore the determinants of cloud service transformation in the SME context. We conduct a survey involving 107 SMEs operating in China to examine the research model. The findings illustrate that 1) both trust and benefit have significant influences on SMEs’ transformation toward cloud services; 2) information security and social influence have positive influences, whereas vendor scarcity has a negative influence on SMEs’ trust in cloud services; and 3) uncertainty of service demands and information asymmetry between service clients and vendors significantly affect SMEs’ perception of cloud service benefits. The theoretical and practical implications and limitations are discussed. Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/pajais/vol11/iss1/3