A cloud computing decision making model for small and medium enterprises in South Africa.

Cloud computing is a paradigm for allowing relevant, on-demand network access to a public group of configurable computing properties that can be quickly delivered and unrestricted with least management determination or service provider communication. Due to cloud computing benefits like cost reduction, scalability and automated software or hardware updates, cloud providers have introduced other features to quickly deliver information technology services. Due to the progress in cloud computing, decision makers are cautious and not entirely open to cloud computing. The Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) framework has been selected as a theory for this study. This study reviews existing decision support methods, frameworks, processes and Behavioral Decision Theory (BDT) factors. A qualitative research design was found appropriate for this study because it allows the researcher to reach insights from the participants from own understanding. The data collection methods used were semi-structured interviews, observations, document analysis and web inspection. These data collection methods will ensure triangulation through data collection methods. The target population was from Information Technology department and other members of the organization who were involved in making decision towards cloud computing. Technology factors such as relative advantage, technology readiness, compatibility, cost and security ,and trialability; Organization factors such as top management, size and structure, innovation; Environment factors such as competitive pressure, industry and trust; Human factors innovativeness, technical competence and cloud knowledge; and BDT factor satisficing; were important factors in the consideration to decide to adopt cloud computing. Therefore, the study developed a cloud computing decision-making model for organizations in the context of South Africa. Implications for this study include that the proper cloud computing decision making drives organizations to be more innovative through effective decision making. For theory, the study has introduced constructs for improved understanding of cloud computing decision making represented on the model. These constructs on the developed model can be used in practice in making decisions regarding cloud computing and other technologies.

Grantor dc:publisher

Tshwane University of Technology.

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Mkhabela, L.A.F

Advisor dc:contributor.supervisor

• Dr Lavhengwa, Tendani J.

• Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE)
• Behavioral decision theory
• Triangulation
• Cloud computing.

Statement dc:rights

• CC0 1.0 Universal

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/3022

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:tutvital.tut.ac.za:20.500.14519/3022