Technological, organisational and environmental factors influencing managers’ decision to adopt cloud computing in the UK

Factors associated with the download and use of mobile personal health record applications in Korean hospitals

The use of mobile personal health records (m-PHR) has been little studied at the organizational level. This study was to investigate the relationships of various hospital-related factors with m-PHR use in Korean hospitals. Downloads of m-PHR applications for 101 hospitals were examined from May 26 to 30 June 2022. The dependent variable was the number of m-PHR downloads, and the major independent variables included six technological, organizational, and environmental factors. As technological factors, the number of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imagery devices were significantly associated with downloads (RR = 1.119, CI = 1.022-1.226, p = 0.016; and RR = 1.155; 95% CI = 1.024-1.302, p = 0.019, respectively). At the organizational level, the number of physicians, adjusting for the number of beds, and the number of medical information management staff showed significant associations (RR = 1.059, CI = 1.019-1.100, p = 0.004; and RR = 1.026, CI = 1.002-1.050, p = 0.033, respectively). From an environmental standpoint, downloads were positively associated with the proportion of the local population of working age (20-59 years) (RR = 1.102, CI 1.022-1.189, p = 0.012). Healthcare policymakers should pay close attention to these factors to advocate for the widespread use of m-PHR applications.

Determinants of cloud computing integration and its impact on sustainable performance in SMEs: An empirical investigation using the SEM-ANN approach

Although extant literature has thoroughly investigated the incorporation of cloud computing services, examining their influence on sustainable performance, particularly at the organizational level, is insufficient. Consequently, the present research aims to assess the factors that impact the integration of cloud computing within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its subsequent effects on environmental, financial, and social performance. The data were collected from 415 SMEs and were analyzed using a hybrid SEM-ANN approach. PLS-SEM results indicate that relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, cost reduction, and government support significantly affect cloud computing integration. This study also empirically demonstrated that SMEs could improve their financial, environmental, and social performance by integrating cloud computing services. ANN results show that complexity, with a normalized importance (NI) of 89.14%, is ranked the first among other factors affecting cloud computing integration in SMEs. This is followed by cost reduction (NI = 82.67%), government support (NI = 73.37%), compatibility (NI = 70.02%), top management support (NI = 52.43%), and relative advantage (NI = 48.72%). Theoretically, this study goes beyond examining the determinants affecting cloud computing integration by examining their impact on SMEs' environmental, financial, and social performance in a comprehensive manner. The study also provides several practical implications for policymakers, SME managers, and cloud computing service providers.

Exploring the contextual factors affecting financial shared service implementation and firm performance

Purpose

Although the financial shared service (FSS) mode has become a well-established organizational arrangement, current information system (IS) research remains limited and mixed. The purpose of this study is to narrow research gaps in the literature on shared services from an FSS practice perspective. The following research questions guide this study: (1) what are the important antecedents of FSS implementation? (2) what is the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance?

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and previous innovation studies, this study explores the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese firms using partial least squares (PLS) for data analysis.

Findings

The authors find technological, organizational and environmental factors affect the extent and depth of FSS implementation. The empirical results show that relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, managerial obstacles and competitive pressure significantly affect FSS implementation, but bandwagon pressure does not have a direct impact on it. Top management support is the most important factor, and managerial obstacles and compatibility are controllable and manageable factors for firms. The study confirms that FSS improves the financial and non-financial performance of firms significantly, and the degree of improvement in non-financial is greater than that in financial performance.

Practical implications

A comprehension of the key factors influencing FSS implementation will help companies predict weaknesses in their implementation plan and design suitable strategies to handle deployment to achieve these benefits. Managers can make a comprehensive decision regarding the long-term development of combining FSS and the suitability of companies.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the shared services implementation theory by identifying a set of theoretical factors that shape a firm's shared service implementation. This study provides empirical support to gauge the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance and provides new evidence for a shared-service payoff study. Moreover, the study extends the applicability of the TOE framework and the balanced scorecard (BSC) viewpoint to the FSS implementation field.

Managing healthcare supply chain through artificial intelligence (AI): A study of critical success factors

Healthcare is one of the most critical sectors due to its importance in handling public health. With the outbreak of various diseases, more recently during Covid-19, this sector has gained further attention. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare supply chain (HSC). Recent advancements like the adoption of various advanced technologies viz. AI and Industry 4.0 in the healthcare supply chain are turning out to be game-changers. This study focuses on identifying critical success factors (CSFs) for AI adoption in HSC in the emerging economy context. Rough SWARA is used for ranking CSFs of AI adoption in HSC. Results indicate that technological (TEC) factors are the most influential factor that impacts the adoption of AI in HSC in the context of emerging economies, followed by institutional or environmental (INT), human (HUM), and organizational (ORG) dimensions.

Evaluating the adoption of cybersecurity and its influence on organizational performance

Cyberattacks negatively impact the performance of enterprises all around the globe. While organizations invest more in cybersecurity to avoid cyberattacks, studies on the factors affecting their overall cybersecurity adoption and awareness are sparse. In this paper, by integrating the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), technology acceptance model (TAM), and technology-organization-environment (TOE) with the balanced scorecard approach, we propose a comprehensive set of factors that influence cybersecurity adoption and assess the effects of these factors on organizational performance. Data are collected through a survey of IT experts in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom, with 147 valid responses. Structural equation modeling based on a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to assess the model. The findings identify and confirm the importance of eight factors affecting SMEs' cybersecurity adoption. Moreover, cybersecurity technology adoption is found to positively impacts organizational performance. The proposed framework depicts variables influencing cybersecurity technology adoption and assesses their importance. The outcomes of this study provide a basis for future research and can be adopted by IT and cybersecurity managers to identify the most appropriate cybersecurity technologies that positively impact their company's performance.

Digital transformation of business model innovation

Because of the rising labor costs and the trade impact after joining the World Trade Organization, the textile industry in Taiwan has encountered many operational and production problems and obstacles. In addition, the lack of knowledge and resources for the digital transformation required to improve business performance has led to poor production and decision-making efficiency, and stagnant R&D for textile product innovation. In order to improve business operations, enhance customer satisfaction and experience, increase efficiency and reduce manual error, this study was conducted with senior executives and company managers in Taiwan's textile industry as the target population. The knowledge, technological resources, and competitive pressure of digital transformation are the independent variables. The organizational innovation atmosphere is the moderating variable. The study analyzes the impact of digital transformation on the intention of enterprises. The results of the study show that the knowledge of digital transformation, technological resources, and the competitive pressure of the textile industry positively and significantly affect their perceived benefits of digital transformation. Digital transformation knowledge, technological resources, and competitive pressure will negatively and significantly affect the perceived risk of digital transformation. The perceived benefits and risks of digital transformation are related to the intention of digital transformation of enterprises. The organizational innovation atmosphere of the textile industry positively moderates the influence of perceived benefits on digital transformation intention. Finally, based on the research findings, this study provides practical recommendations to senior executives and company managers in the textile industry. It is also recommended to promote the digital transformation of related software and hardware vendors and government agencies, as well as the subsequent related research reference.

Analytical study on users' awareness and acceptability towards adoption of multimodal biometrics (MMB) mechanism in online transactions: a two-stage SEM-ANN approach

The study analyses user awareness of multimodal biometrics and its acceptability for online transactions in the current dynamic world. The study was performed on the five underlying perspectives: User Acceptability, Cognizant Factors towards Biometrics, Technological factors, Perceptional Factors (Fingerprints, Iris, Face Recognition and Voice) and Data Privacy Factors. A questionnaire was prepared and circulated to the 530 biometrics users; on that basis, the corresponding answer was obtained for analysis. SEM is first employed to gauge the research model and test the prominent hypothesized predictors, which are then used as inputs in the neural network to evaluate the relative significance of each predictor variable. By considering the standardized significance of the feed-for-back-propagation of ANN algorithms, the study found a significant effect of DPF_3 (93%), DPF_2 (50%) and DPF_4 (34%) on the adoption of MMB. In the Perceptional construct, PRF_2 (49%) and PRF_3 (33%) was relatively the most important predictor, whereas, in User Acceptability, UAC_2 (37%), UAC_3 & UAC_5 (41%) was vital to be considered. Only one item, TCF_2 (35%), from Technological Factors, followed by Cognizant factors, i.e., CFG_1 (33%), confirmed the best fit model to adopt MMB. The research is a novel effort when compared to past studies as it considered cognizant and perceptual factors in the proposed model, thereby expanding the analytical outlook of MMB literature. Thus, the study also explored several new and valuable practical implications for adopting multimodal instruments of biometrics along with certain limitations.

Cloud computing applications in library services of Bangladesh: a study on librarians’ perceptions

Purpose

This study aims to find out the current state of cloud-based library services in selected academic and special libraries of Bangladesh. The study also explored some pertinent problems faced by librarians in implementing this new technology in library services and activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach with a range of exploratory research questions. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the libraries. A set of structured questionnaires was designed to address the objectives of the study. For in-depth analysis, short interviews with the library professionals were also conducted.

Findings

Only four libraries made use of cloud computing services, and they maintained a partial cloud environment. Most responding librarians treated cloud computing as a dynamically scalable infrastructure for applications, data and file storage with charges imposed. Most of the respondents (90%) preferred cloud computing for “Software-as-a-Service”. Due to the high subscription rate (70%), unreliable online payment system (60%) and trading system (60%), librarians treated cloud computing as a burden in providing library services and activities. Respondent librarians were also interviewed for exploring their views on cloud computing in library services. For adopting cloud computing in library services of Bangladesh, “sufficient financial allocation” and “organizations’ positive decision over cloud computing” were mentioned as challenging tasks by the respondents. Finally, the study suggested some solutions to the problem and proposed a model for a cloud-based library system that can be replicated in libraries and information centres of other developing countries too.

Originality/value

This paper encapsulates the overall scenario of cloud-based library activities and services in Bangladesh. Based on the available secondary sources, no empirical study on librarians’ perceptions of cloud computing in library services of Bangladesh has been carried out before this study. Thus, this is perhaps the first attempt to quantitatively measure cloud-based services in Bangladeshi libraries.

Key Factors in the Implementation of E-Proctoring in the Spanish University System

Between two possible practices when supervising a remote synchronous evaluation, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of Spanish universities opted for the use of videoconferences with audio and active video, instead of implementing e-proctoring. Thus, in order to analyze the reasons for this non-implementation and take measures so that its use can be extended in the Spanish university system, this study focused on identifying the critical factors in the decision of Spanish universities to accept and implement e-proctoring as a method of remote supervision. For this, a causal study was carried out using the methodology of fuzzy cognitive maps, and the data obtained were processed through the FCMappers tool. This allowed a glimpse of the key role played by students in this non-implementation (who alleged the non-possibility of having the resources necessary for the use of e-proctoring and the violation of privacy that the use of this tool entailed) and highlighted the role of the “pressure or incentives from government” factor if these allegations are to be eliminated and if e-proctoring is to be implemented in Spanish universities.

Cloud adoption in Indian SMEs – an empirical analysis

Purpose

This study aims to empirically validate the determinants of cloud adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India and examine its impact on their economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated theoretical model interplaying technological, organizational and environmental aspects were applied for analyzing the variation in factors. Using data from 317 Indian SMEs, we have applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results demonstrated that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, technology readiness, top management support and trust were the influencing drivers of cloud adoption in SMEs in India. Compared to previous studies, we did not find compatibility and competitive pressure as significant, suggesting that there was no single set of factors influencing technology adoption. Economic performance achieved by reduced transaction costs formed the basis of favorable adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The integrated model can provide space for new dimensions based on the category and geography of the SMEs. The paper does not address the supply-chain perspective of cloud adoption.

Practical implications

The study directs the firm owners to visualize business logic by creating a digital ecosystem. Further, the model guides the stakeholders, including cloud service providers, to contribute to the economic proficiency of the SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper empirically validates a model integrating both the drivers and consequences of cloud computing adoption as a unique study. Findings indicate that the usage of metrics such as return on investment and system efficiency form a part of the technology system approach.

The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Top Management Support on the Cloud ERP Implementation–Financial Performance Relationship

Cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) is one of the most sought after information technology (IT) solutions for improving business performance due to its affordability, scalability, and pay-per-use subscription model. The impact of cloud ERP implementation on business performance, on the other hand, remains inconclusive. Additionally, an important factor that transverses all organizational processes, including IT implementation, is top management support (TMS). However, the TMS role in the latter stage (business value realization) of implementation is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating and moderating impacts of top management support (TMS) on the relationship between cloud ERP implementation and financial performance. A total of 204 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia were surveyed, and data analysis was conducted using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that TMS plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between cloud ERP implementation and financial performance, and that this relationship is significantly stronger in SMEs with low TMS levels. As a result, it is concluded that top management should provide the required support following successful cloud ERP implementation in order to achieve positive financial results. However, the TMS role in the latter stage (business value realization) of cloud ERP implementation is unclear.

Acceptance Model of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Technologies in Construction Firms: Applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Combination with the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) Framework

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is a core technology, and AI-based applications are expanding in various fields. This research explored the influencing factors on end-user’s intentions and acceptance of AI-based technology in construction companies using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework. The analysis of end-users’ intentions for accepting AI-based technology was verified by applying the structure equation model. According to the research results, the technological factors along with external variables and an individual’s personality had a positive influence (+) on the perceived usefulness and the perceived ease of use of end-users of AI-based technology. Conversely, environmental factors such as suggestions from others appeared to be disruptive to users’ technology acceptance. In order to effectively utilise AI-based technology, organisational factors such as the support, culture, and participation of the company as a whole were indicated as important factors for AI-based technology implementation.

Factors Affecting Cloud ERP Adoption by Tunisian SMEs

This study aims to identify the factors that determine the intention to adopt cloud ERP by Tunisian small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMEs). Based on previous studies on cloud computing and cloud ERP, a research model was developed. A questionnaire survey was administrated online with two samples of adopters and non-adopters of traditional ERP during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia. Collected data were analyzed through PLS-SEM techniques. Findings suggest that both compatibility and technological readiness are favoring the cloud ERP adoption by SMEs adopters of traditional ERP, whereas compatibility and managers' support are driving its adoption by SMEs, non-adopters of these systems. Relative advantage, complexity, data security and confidentiality, financial readiness, regulatory support, and competitive pressure are insignificant factors for the two samples. This research contributes to fill some of the highlighted theoretical gaps in the field and may help managers and ICT staff in SMEs, cloud ERP providers, and policy makers to make more informed decisions.

Prioritising Organisational Factors Impacting Cloud ERP Adoption and the Critical Issues Related to Security, Usability, and Vendors: A Systematic Literature Review

Cloud ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that runs on the vendor’s cloud platform instead of an on-premises network, enabling companies to connect through the Internet. The goal of this study was to rank and prioritise the factors driving cloud ERP adoption by organisations and to identify the critical issues in terms of security, usability, and vendors that impact adoption of cloud ERP systems. The assessment of critical success factors (CSFs) in on-premises ERP adoption and implementation has been well documented; however, no previous research has been carried out on CSFs in cloud ERP adoption. Therefore, the contribution of this research is to provide research and practice with the identification and analysis of 16 CSFs through a systematic literature review, where 73 publications on cloud ERP adoption were assessed from a range of different conferences and journals, using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Drawing from the literature, we found security, usability, and vendors were the top three most widely cited critical issues for the adoption of cloud-based ERP; hence, the second contribution of this study was an integrative model constructed with 12 drivers based on the security, usability, and vendor characteristics that may have greater influence as the top critical issues in the adoption of cloud ERP systems. We also identified critical gaps in current research, such as the inconclusiveness of findings related to security critical issues, usability critical issues, and vendor critical issues, by highlighting the most important drivers influencing those issues in cloud ERP adoption and the lack of discussion on the nature of the criticality of those CSFs. This research will aid in the development of new strategies or the revision of existing strategies and polices aimed at effectively integrating cloud ERP into cloud computing infrastructure. It will also allow cloud ERP suppliers to determine organisations’ and business owners’ expectations and implement appropriate tactics. A better understanding of the CSFs will narrow the field of failure and assist practitioners and managers in increasing their chances of success.

Factors stimulating value micro-businesses attribute to digital marketing technology (DMT) adoption

Most micro-business managers in Nigeria do not see the adoption of digital marketing technology (DMT) as vital for business. Many consider it as a precondition to support managerial or operational activities, not as a tactical and/or strategic tool. Although most studies focused on large organisations, the outcome of such research may not be appropriate to micro-businesses. This is informed by the negligence of micro-businesses’ idiosyncrasies and their thought of digitalization as a precondition for managerial activities without considering the value small businesses attached to these devices in terms of aiding the use as strategic tools. This renders micro-businesses’ digitalization an under-reflected phenomenon. Yet, studies spend less on examining the factors that specifically stimulate the value micro-businesses attach to these applications, leading to constant adoption and usage. Hence, there is a need for a thorough exploration of the factors that shape the value of digital marketing applications in micro-businesses in Nigeria. The study is qualitative in nature and interviews (unstructured and semi-structured) were carried out with 26 micro-businesses which was drawn purposefully from the online database and underpinned by Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework. The study revealed eleven (11) critical success factors stimulating value micro-businesses attribute to digital marketing technology (DMT) adoption. These factors include long-term functional capacity, integration capacity, expansion capacity which are related to technology context. Collective capability, collaborative experience are linked to the organisation context while adaptive training, service delivery, customer fulfilment are linked to environmental context. The study also unveiled expectancy context which is linked to budget, growth and profitability and aid in the extension of the TOE framework. This study will be of importance to academics and practitioners because it provides further awareness into DMT adoption framework, factors critical to the DMT adoption and may assist in reducing the number of resources spent in search of information aimed at helping DMT adoption by micro-businesses.

Investigation of Cloud ERP Adoption in the Healthcare Industry Through Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) Framework

There is an accelerated migration from on-premise ERP to Cloud ERP systems in many industries, but this transition is relatively slow in the healthcare industry. To address this concern, we developed a research model based on Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, and explored it in the healthcare industry through semi-structured interviews with IT managers and finance managers. We found noticeable differences between small-sized and large-sized healthcare organizations, as well as the perceptions of IT managers and finance managers in Cloud ERP adoption decisions. We discussed these findings, and proposed future research questions on Cloud ERP adoption in the healthcare industry.

Malaysian SMEs m-commerce adoption: TAM 3, UTAUT 2 and TOE approach

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt mobile commerce (m-commerce) by integrating the constructs of Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM 3), Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 and Technology-Organization-Environment model. Though numerous m-commerce adoption (MCA) studies have been conducted, lesser attention is paid to how hedonic motivation (HM) can influence organizational users such as SMEs. This study bridges the gap by integrating the three models to provide a new lens to guide SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the factors that influence the adoption of m-commerce, the researchers collected data from SMEs in Malaysia using an online survey. The sample size of the participants was determined through the available list provided by SME Corp Malaysia. The researchers also used Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size and G * Power techniques to determine that the sample size was appropriate. The data collected were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that technological factors (computer self-efficacy [CSE], result demonstrability [RD] and computer anxiety [CA]) positively and significantly influence MCA. Likewise, the organizational/environmental factors (m-commerce knowledge, pressure from trading partners and pressure from competitors) positively and significantly influence MCA. The moderating influence of HM was also achieved on the relationship between CSE and RD. However, the proposed hedonic moderating relationship between CA and the adoption of m-commerce is not significant.

Research limitations/implications

This study integrates three models to explain the adoption of m-commerce among SMEs in Malaysia and tested the moderating influence of HM. The results obtained better explain the decision by the SMEs to use m-commerce.

Originality/value

The study critically considered how m-commerce can be adopted by SMEs in Malaysia, which previous studies have largely ignored. Considering this, the study, therefore, advances a new relationship by integrating Technology-organization-environment model with TAM 3 and the moderating influence of HM to explain MCA among SMEs. This paper is one of the few research studies to test the moderating influence of HM in this regard.

The Assessment of Big Data Adoption Readiness with a Technology–Organization–Environment Framework: A Perspective towards Healthcare Employees

Big data is rapidly being seen as a new frontier for improving organizational performance. However, it is still in its early phases of implementation in developing countries’ healthcare organizations. As data-driven insights become critical competitive advantages, it is critical to ascertain which elements influence an organization’s decision to adopt big data. The aim of this study is to propose and empirically test a theoretical framework based on technology–organization–environment (TOE) factors to identify the level of readiness of big data adoption in developing countries’ healthcare organizations. The framework empirically tested 302 Malaysian healthcare employees. The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the collected data. The results of the study demonstrated that technology, organization, and environment factors can significantly contribute towards big data adoption in healthcare organizations. However, the complexity of technology factors has shown less support for the notion. For technology practitioners, this study showed how to enhance big data adoption in healthcare organizations through TOE factors.

Evaluation of enablers of cloud technology to boost industry 4.0 adoption in the manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises

Purpose

Cloud technology is extremely critical for the continuing progress of Industry 4.0 and it helps in pooling centralized information for the business. Further, it offers a platform for collaboration for improving the performance of the industry. This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of cloud technology for boosting Industry 4.0 adoption in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 14 enablers were considered for the case study which were obtained from the literature survey and shortlisted by the experts of the domain (academia and industries). The interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been used as a methodology for exploring the relationships between the enablers. Matrices impact croises multiplication applique and classment (MICMAC) analysis has been carried out for the validation of the developed structural model. MICMAC analysis helps to identify driving power and dependency potential of all considered enablers.

Findings

The results of the investigation indicate that three factors, namely, system integration, project management and competitive pressure, were significant. These factors drive all other considered factors in the implementation process.

Research limitations/implications

The opinions of the experts from the industry and academia were analyzed for the development of the hierarchical model and these inputs could be biased. This investigation intends to help the decision makers in the effective adoption of the cloud and Industry 4.0 technologies and for the formulation of the efficient implementation policies.

Originality/value

The present study aims to focus on cloud technology as well as Industry 4.0 in the context of manufacturing MSMEs and none of the previous investigations analyzed the enablers that influence the adoption of cloud technology for boosting Industry 4.0, especially using the ISM approach.

Analysis of the factors influencing adoption of 3D design digital technologies in Colombian firms

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the factors influencing intention to adopt 3D design digital technologies (3DDTs) by Colombian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed using technology-organization-environment (TOE) and technology acceptance model (TAM) theoretical frameworks. From a sample of 138 firms, a structural equation model was analysed with partial least squares (SEM-PLS).

Findings

The study identified that perceived usefulness in the technological dimension; technological competence and top management support in the organizational dimension; and competitive pressures in the environmental dimension, are variables affecting intention to adopt 3DDT. The effects of the mediating variables with respect to intention to adopt the technology are also analysed, such as perceived usefulness on the effect of ease of use; top management support on the effect of technological competence and financial readiness; and competitive pressures on the effect of stakeholder pressure. The model explained 71.1% of the 3DDT intention to adopt.

Practical implications

The model can be used as a guideline to ensure a positive outcome of the 3DDT adoption in organizations. The results could be useful to understand a technological adoption process for digital transformation.

Originality/value

The proposed model integrates some contributions from the TAM and TOE theories and identifies some novel mediating effects that improve its predictive and explanatory power. Furthermore, this is a pioneering study in empirical research on 3DDT in the context of a developing country, specifically in Colombia. The findings from this study provide a foundation for other studies, as well as constructive insights for digital transformation, due to its infancy in an emerging economy.

Key Factors in the Implementation of the Internet of Things in the Hotel Sector

Many factors can influence decision-making, and if you wish to know which are the most influential factors in a decision, they must be classified by their degrees of influence. This study seeks to determine the most influential factors in the decision of hotels to accept and implement the Internet of Things in their services through a literary review and a causal study carried out on experts in technology and hotels. The methodology involves the use of fuzzy cognitive maps and the FCMappers tool. The results obtained show that the following factors are among the most influential (in order of relevance): the perceived reliability of the technology, the relative advantage it gives, the level of top management support, compatibility, customer pressure, information systems provider support, security, business partner pressure, characteristics of the leader or manager, government pressure or incentives, pressure from competitors, technological organizational readiness, complexity, size of the company, and the perceived cost.

Some antecedent factors that shape SMEs adoption of social media marketing applications: a hybrid approach

Purpose

Although several researchers have made significant efforts to examine the adoption of social media marketing technology in Nigeria, many have focussed on large organizations while others have constantly extrapolated the findings obtained in the Western world as if small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have the same structure, managerial capabilities, and operate in the same way. This has hindered the development of an integrated framework aimed at unravelling the factors shaping the adoption of social media marketing applications in SMEs in Nigeria. The paper, therefore, aims to explore some antecedent factors that shape SMEs adoption of social media marketing applications in SMEs in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deployed a qualitative approach with the use of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with a total of 20 participants drawn purposeful from Nigeria directories and analysed by using a hybrid method of thematic analysis.

Findings

The study developed an extended technology–organization–environment framework (TOE) framework that incorporated the communication context, which aids in identifying 11 key success factors shaping SMEs adoption of social media marketing technology in Nigeria. The findings associated with the extended TOE framework show that they have an impact on social media marketing technology adoption in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

Because the researchers adopted the qualitative method, the findings may lead to some bias in the analysis of the data which may limit the insights into the key factors shaping the adoption of social media marketing technology adoption. Future studies may adopt a mixed-method approach or a comparative approach to confirm the finding and to better understand the critical factors linked to the framework. Although it is believed the with the use of thematic data analysis, the results are well associated with the structure; however, the structure has limitations. Drawing from the data analysis, the factors are limited. Other factors which may positively influence social media marketing adoption in SMEs. Hence, further studies are needed in this area in a bid to explore these factors by using different research appraoches.

Originality/value

The study has enriched the existing TOE framework and provided insights into the dominant issue faced by SMEs in adopting social media marketing technology, provided an analytical dimension, reliable explanation of these finding and tool for evaluating some of the challenges faced by SMEs in the adoption of social media marketing technology.

Factors Influencing the Realization of Competitive Advantage in the Private Portals Context

The aim of this study is to empirically explore the influences of a set of key technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) factors on the achievement of a strategic promised benefit of private portals, which is competitive advantage. Such exploration has not received attention in the web-based information systems’ area. To explore these influences, a theoretical model was developed on the basis of the information system adoption’s literature. The model postulates the TOE factors as crucial antecedents to the realization of competitive advantage. To validate the theoretical model, a questionnaire was constructed by focusing on the most precise measurements items for the TOE factors. A total of 241 responses were collected from the private portal’s users in a higher education institution in Saudi Arabia. The structural equation modeling approach was applied for conducting the required assessment. The results demonstrate that among the tested TOE factors, the relative advantage of private portals and the competitive pressure to adopt them have positive impacts on the achievement of competitive advantage. The empirical evidences produced by this study provide more clarifications about the factors that should be managed carefully to gain competitive advantage from the adopted information system innovations.

Exploring the Determinants of Mobile Health Adoption by Hospitals in China: Empirical Study

BACKGROUND

Although mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to transform health care by delivering better outcomes at a much lower cost than traditional health care services, little is known about mHealth adoption by hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the determinants of mHealth adoption by hospitals using the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework.

METHODS

We conducted an interviewer-administered survey with 87 managers in Chinese public hospitals and analyzed the data using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The results of our survey indicate that perceived ease of use (β=.692; P<.002), system security (β=.473; P<.05), top management support (β=1.466; P<.002), hospital size (β=1.069; P<.004), and external pressure (β=.703; P<.005) are significantly related to hospitals' adoption of mHealth. However, information technology infrastructure (β=.574; P<.02), system reliability (β=-1.291; P<.01), and government policy (β=2.010; P<.04) are significant but negatively related to hospitals' adoption of mHealth.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that TOE model works in the context of mHealth adoption by hospitals. In addition to technological predictors, organizational and environmental predictors are critical for explaining mHealth adoption by Chinese hospitals.

Quantifying SWOT analysis for cloud adoption using FAHP-DEMATEL approach: evidence from the manufacturing sector

Purpose

This study aims to identify the critical factors (barriers and drivers) influencing the adoption of cloud computing (ACC) in the manufacturing sector in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a mixed methodology approach is used. Interviews are conducted to investigate factors (drivers and barriers) influencing the ACC, which are further categorized as controllable determinants (weaknesses and strengths) and uncontrollable determinants (threats and opportunities) using a SWOT analysis. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) has been utilized to highlight the most critical drivers as well as barriers. Finally, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) has been used to find the cause-effect relationships among factors and their influence on the decision of adoption.

Findings

The manufacturing sector is in the digital and value change transformation phase with Industry 4.0, that is, the next industrial revolution. The 24 critical factors influencing ACC are subdivided into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The FAHP analysis ranked time to market, competitive advantage, business agility, data confidentiality and lack of government policy standards as the most critical factors. The cause-effect relationships highlight that time to market is the most significant causal factor, and resistance to technology is the least significant effect factor. The results of the study elucidate that the strengths of ACC are appreciably more than its weaknesses.

Research limitations/implications

This study couples the technology acceptance model (TAM) with technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and adds an economic perspective to examine the significant influences of ACC in the Indian manufacturing sector. Further, it contributes to the knowledge of ACC in general and provides valuable insights into interrelationships among factors influencing the decision and strategies of adoption in particular.

Originality/value

This is the first scholarly work in the Indian manufacturing sector that uses the analysis from SWOT and FAHP approach as a base for identifying cause-effect relationships between the critical factors influencing ACC. Further, based on the extant literature and analysis of this work, an adoption framework has been proposed that justifies that ACC is not just a technological challenge but is also an environmental, economic and organizational challenge that includes organizational issues, costs and need for adequate government policies.

Analysing the adoption of cloud computing service: a systematic literature review

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to presents an analysis of geographically and disciplinary scattered academic publications of cloud computing (CC) research in information systems. This review aims to understand the research methodology, research frameworks and models, geographical distribution, trends, critical factors and causal relationships associated with cloud computing adoption (CCA).

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic-literature-review using natural language processing is conducted to explore the phenomenon. The relevant research studies are extracted from various online databases using quality-assessment-criteria.

Findings

The study is a novel attempt to highlight the differences in critical factors for CCA in different country-settings. Further, the research explores the causal relationships among the identified factors. The findings of this 12-year systematic-review contribute by aiding the providers and potential adopters to devise context-specific strategies for the penetration of cloud services and sound adoption decisions (ADs), respectively. The findings also highlight the prospective avenues of research in the domain for researchers. Using the in-depth analysis, conceptual frameworks have been proposed that can assist in exploring the pre-adoption and post-adoption of CC.

Originality/value

This study contributes to CCA research by providing holistic insights into the methodology, research framework and models, geographical focus, critical factors and causal relationships influencing the AD or intention. The review highlights the unexplored emerging research topics in the field of CCA for future research directions.

A Systematic Literature Review on IT Outsourcing Decision and Future Research Directions

During the recent decades, some academic research on the subject of information technology outsourcing (ITO) decision has appeared in different outlets, which may impede the use of such resources and as a result, repetition of research by various researchers is very likely. The purpose of this paper is then to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) pertaining to research on ITO decision. Then, this review intends to 1) classify ITO decision literature, 2) provide a list of factors affecting ITO decision, and 3) identify ITO strategies. To this end, 91 ITO articles published between 2000 and 2018 in 51 unique journals were reviewed. The results yielded three kinds of descriptive, relational, and comparative ITO decision studies. The determinants of ITO decisions are classified into technological, organizational, environmental and user adoption factors. Furthermore, the trend of studied ITO strategies in the reviewed literature is analyzed, and future sourcing varietals are proposed. Finally, some insights and future research directions are proposed based on the review results.

What drives organizations to switch to cloud ERP systems? The impacts of enablers and inhibitors

Purpose

Switching to public cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems not only provides financial and functional benefits to organizations, but also results in sunk costs of incumbent systems and uncertainty costs of cloud systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the enablers and inhibitors concerning switching to cloud ERP systems at the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 212 top managers and owners of the enterprises in Taiwan, and 10 hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Technological (system quality), organizational (financial advantage), and environmental contexts (industry pressure) are found to be the antecedents of switching benefits. Perceived risk of cloud ERP systems and satisfaction with and breadth of use of incumbent ERP systems are found to be the predictors of switching costs. Switching benefits positively affect switching intention, but switching costs negatively affect switching intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study develops a theoretical model grounded in a set of theoretical foundations, including two-factor theory, technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, information systems (IS) success model, and expectation confirmation theory (ECT). Two-factor theory is used to characterize switching benefits and costs that affect switching intention. Technological factors come from IS success model, and the factors affecting benefits are organized based on TOE framework. Sunk costs of incumbent ERP systems are developed based on ECT.

Originality/value

Different from previous studies on cloud computing adoption, this study provides insights into switching intention to cloud computing. The study also proposes an integrated model grounded in multiple perspectives to explain organizations' decisions to switch to cloud ERP systems. These findings help cloud service providers better understand how to promote cloud ERP adoption from technical, organizational, and environmental perspectives.

Examining Critical Success Factors of Cloud Computing Adoption

The objective of this article is to identify the critical success factors of cloud computing adoption through the integration of AHP-Structural Mediation Model in MSMEs in India. The article is a mixed method research which includes both qualitative and quantitative study. The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) is a process of ranking the critical success factors based upon the priority and in our study, we have taken nine factors that affect business performance. Then these nine factors are employed to construct a conceptual model to check the final mediation effect of the factors (full and partial mediation) on business performance. The findings in AHP show Trust (T) is having lowest priority and perceived IT security risk (PITR) has the third priority. The structural mediation model shows that trust and PITR do not have any mediation effect on business performance. Rarely any study has integrated AHP and structural mediation to check the importance of critical success factors for Cloud computing adoption in business performance.

Understanding the Determinants for the Adoption of Mobile Market Research: An Empirical Study in the Spanish Market Research Industry

The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants for the intention to adopt mobile technology as a data collection methodology in market research projects. A conceptual framework was developed using the technology-organization-environment (TOE) model to identify technological factors (perceived benefits and limitations), organizational factors (open attitude toward change, professional competence, satisfaction with traditional systems, and firm size), and environmental factors (industry pressure, client pressure, and participant pressure) affecting adoption. The empirical study was performed with data from 67 firms in the Spanish market research industry, which were analyzed using partial least squares (PLS). The results suggest that only organizational and environmental factors have a significant influence on adoption. Key factors include professional competence, organizational openness, satisfaction with traditional and online methodologies, and pressure from industry, clients and survey participants. The findings reveal that technological characteristics are no longer a driver, as firms are starting to adopt mobile marketing research based on its greater convenience for participants, and as an element of strategic differentiation.

The adoption of cloud computing in small and medium enterprises: a developing country perspective

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of cloud computing adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), further, to measure the effect of cloud computing adoption on cloud-supported firm performance through enhancing organisational agility.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is developed by combining two popular theoretical models, namely, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework. Data are collected from 372 SMEs to test the model. The strengths of widely used structural equation modelling (SEM) are applied to analyse the data.

Findings

This study reveals that the significant predictors of cloud computing adoption are performance expectancy; effort expectancy; absorptive capacity; data security and privacy; and perceived trust. Also, cloud computing adoption positively influences firm performance directly and through organisational agility. The results of importance–performance map analysis indicate that effort expectancy falls in the critical zone, which needs to be improved.

Originality/value

This research is one of few that blends the strengths of UTAUT and TOE framework. The research outcomes yield noteworthy suggestions to cloud providers, managers and government policymakers on ways of motivating the spread of cloud computing in developing countries.

Mobile marketing technology adoption in service SMEs: a multi-perspective framework

Purpose

The popularity and use of mobile marketing technologies or devices have led to significant interest from researchers and practitioners, particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where these technologies offer significant benefits to SMEs given the poor human capital and financial constraints encountered. The use of mobile marketing devices assists SMEs to boost their sales promotion strategies which aim at increasing the sales of their products and services. However, there has been limited focus on developing a suitable framework that enables the evaluation and shared an understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of mobile marketing technology by service SMEs in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a theoretically grounded framework for exploring these factors and explaining their impact on mobile marketing technology adoption in SMEs in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative and used both unstructured and semi-structured interviews with a total of 26 participants drawn purposively from NIJA database in Nigeria. Thematic analysis was deployed in analysing the data.

Findings

The study developed an extended technology organisation environment (TOE) framework by incorporating the value anticipation context which helped to unveil 16 key factors influencing mobile marketing technology adoption in service SMEs in Nigeria. The finding revealed that factors associated with the extended TOE framework have an impact on SMEs mobile le marketing technology adoption but at different levels.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study emerged because of the use of qualitative methodologies about the research design, rigour in the collection and management of the large volume of the raw data, the data analysis and the credibility of the findings. This may lead to unforeseen respondent and research bias in the data analysis, which may lead to a limited understanding of alternatives and insights into the factors influencing the adoption of mobile marketing. Hence, other measures and approaches such as case study and mix-method could be deployed to validate the findings further. Also, one of the limitations of qualitative study has been the issue of theoretical generalizability of the framework. The generalizability of the formwork needs to be established across a broader range of the population. Future studies may apply confirmatory statistical techniques to test and ascertain the validity and reliability of the framework across a broader population of mobile marketing technology adopters in Nigeria. Such studies may be used as a benchmark for the theoretical constructs and the factors that may lead to the success or failure of mobile marketing technology adoption.

Originality/value

The study had further enriched TOE framework and provided an analytical dimension for exploring the adoption of mobile marketing technology. It also demonstrates the capacity to provide a reliable explanation of the factors and serves as a tool for evaluating the benefits or challenges of mobile marketing technology adoption in SMEs in Nigeria.

Rahim NZ. A multifaceted framework for adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to understand the relationships among technology, organizational and environmental (TOE) contexts, intention to adopt cloud computing (IACC) and actual usage of cloud computing (AUCC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia as a developing country. More specifically, this paper seeks to explore the mediation effect of IACC on the relationship between TOE context and AUCC.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivist research approach was selected for this study. Drawing largely upon the TOE framework, this study uses survey data from 209 Malaysian SMEs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the structural relations of the research model.

Findings

The results of the structural model show that data security, technology readiness, top management support, competitive pressure and innovativeness are the most significant factors in predicting the adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs. Further, the results indicate that intention to adopt cloud computing can play a mediating role between TOE factors and the actual usage of cloud computing.

Research limitations/implications

The focus upon Malaysian SMEs may diminish the generalizability of the findings. This study provides profound insight into the management and foundation of cloud computing, different types of cloud services and deployment models that could facilitate the management of enterprise strategic resources and contribute to the performance improvement. This study also provides another important implication for practitioners regarding the absolute necessity of value drivers’ identification within enterprise and understand the causal relationships, which are vital in driving those values.

Practical implications

This study provides several practical guidance for practitioners in deploying cloud services which are most suitable option for their specific technology requirement in their enterprise to enjoy the full benefits of their intangible assets. Another significant implication of this study lies in the fact that it may require a different emphasis on nature and adoption design when there is a higher level of stress on technology-related and cloud computing resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by developing an integrative model to identify how a wide set of contextual factors can determine the intention to adopt cloud computing and, in turn, influence the actual usage of cloud computing in SMEs in Malaysia as a developing country.

Thematic mapping of cloud computing based on a systematic review: a tertiary study

Purpose

A large number of systematic reviews (SRs) studies have been performed in the cloud computing field, demonstrating miscellaneous outcomes and utilizing different approaches. Accordingly, a meta-review of cloud SRs is needed to appraise the results of such studies and create an integrated understanding. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A tertiary study was conducted using a systematic method to analyze SRs including two stages: searching and screening the SRs and thematic synthesis of results. As a qualitative data management tool, Nvivo software was used to support the research process, for data coding and synthesis.

Findings

First, by searching electronic sources between the year of 2011–2016, out of a total of 142 identified articles, 94 articles were included according to pre-determined criteria, of which 76 articles were approved after qualitative evaluation. In the second stage, identifying the research themes, a map of the concepts and issues related to each theme was drawn up. The analysis shows that the quality of articles has improved but can be further enhanced using methodological guidelines as well as supporting tools. The research has focused more on the technical aspect, although there is an equal demand for synthesizing of cloud governance concepts.

Originality/value

This is the first tertiary study which presents the main research themes and concepts of cloud SRs in form of thematic maps by using the thematic synthesis and SR methods. This paper also provides some recommendations to improve reviews after evaluating the quality of papers. This study can support reviewers for future SRs in the field and also helps practitioners and managers to have a better understanding of different aspects of cloud computing.

Do strategy, processes, personnel and technology affect firm’s propensity to adopt cloud computing?

Purpose

Previous empirical research on cloud computing (CC) adoption factors has examined the effects of only a small number of firm’s characteristics on CC adoption. The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the effects of a wide set of firm’s characteristics, which concern four important aspects of it, its strategy, processes, personnel and technology, on the propensity to adopt CC.

Design/methodology/approach

Having as theoretical background the technology, organization and environment (TOE) theory of technological innovation adoption, in combination with Scott-Morton’s framework on firm’s main elements, ten research hypotheses have been developed based on previous CC and management literature. They were tested using data collected through the e-Business W@tch Survey of the European Commission from 676 European firms from three traditional manufacturing sectors.

Findings

The results reveal three characteristics of a firm that affect positively its propensity to adopt CC for all firm sizes: the adoption of ICT investment reduction strategy, the adoption of product/service innovation strategy and the sophistication of firm’s administration support ICT infrastructure. Furthermore, they reveal four additional characteristics of a firm that affect positively the propensity for CC adoption only in the small firms: the adoption of process innovation strategy, the employment of ICT personnel, as well as the sophistication of firm’s production support and e-sales ICT infrastructures.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the elaboration of the organizational perspective of the TOE theory of technological innovation adoption, which opens a new stream of CC adoption factors research, investigating the effects of a wide range of firm’s characteristics on CC adoption. Second, based on the above foundation, this study enriches substantially the empirical literature on CC adoption factors. The main limitation of this study is that it has been based on data from only three European manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

The findings provide new interesting insights concerning specific firm’s characteristics and therefore internal conditions that increase its propensity for CC adoption, and reveal specific kinds of strategy and ICT infrastructures for which CC is more appropriate and beneficial.

Originality/value

The authors have developed a theoretical foundation for extending our knowledge concerning the characteristics and internal conditions of firms that favor/promote the adoption of CC, which supports and enables the substantial extension of the existing knowledge base on CC adoption factors. Based on this theoretical foundation, the authors have formulated and tested ten research hypotheses concerning effects of firm’s strategic directions, processes, ICT infrastructures and ICT personnel, which have not been investigated previously, on CC adoption propensity.

Determinants of perceived information need for emerging ICT adoption

Purpose

Most studies in information behaviour have focussed on information behaviour aspects such as environmental uncertainty, scanning behaviour of top management executives, student and women information behaviour, information source and credibility, while little is known about the information behaviour of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when the need for emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption decision-making arises. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the major determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption by UK small service-oriented businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted qualitative method to explore 13 key determinants of SME managers’ information behaviour for EICT adoption decision-making by using both unstructured and semi-structured interviews at two different stages with 20 participants drawn purposeful from Luton directories.

Findings

The study developed an extended technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework by identifying and incorporating the information context which helped to unveil 13 key determinants of perceived information need and their impact on EICT adoption decision-making in SMEs. This further provided insight into understanding SMEs’ information behaviour. While the determinants associated with TOE and information contexts influence SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption, the extent at which these four constructs shape SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption decision-making differs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study emerged because of the use of qualitative methodologies in relation to the research design, rigour in the collection and management of the large volume of the raw data, the data analysis and the credibility of the findings. This may lead to unforeseen respondent – and research – bias in the data analysis, which may lead to limited understanding of alternatives and insights into the key determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption decision. Hence, other measures and approaches such as case study and mix-method could be deployed to further validate the findings. Also, one of the limitations of qualitative study has been the issue of theoretical generalizability of the framework. The generalizability of the formwork needs to be established across a wider range of population. Future studies may apply a confirmatory statistical techniques to test and ascertain the validity and reliability of the framework across a wider population. Such studies may be used as a benchmark for the theoretical constructs and the factors that may lead to success or failure of mobile marketing technology adoption.

Originality/value

The study has further enriched TOE framework and provided an analytical dimension for exploring key determinants of SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption decision-making. It also demonstrates the capacity to provide a reliable explanation of the determinants and serves as a tool for evaluating the benefits or challenges of SMEs’ information behaviours when the need for EICT adoption arises.

Towards Development of an Integrated Cloud-Computing Adoption Framework — A Case of Indian School Education System

Many theoretical models viz., technology acceptance model (TAM), technology–organization–environment (TOE), diffusion of innovation (DOI), and human–organization–technology-fit (HOT-fit), etc., have been developed, validated, and tested to explain the acceptance of innovative technologies by the intended end users. However, given the limitations associated with these theoretical models as well as different cloud computing adoption scenario, they may not point out to the major constructs and the variables under so-called “selective contexts” in an explicit manner. Therefore, several research studies have been undertaken to integrate more than one model to provide a holistic evaluation of the determinants of cloud computing adoption for different domains. Such studies have also been conducted for education sector as well. But, the target of these studies is mostly specific to higher education using TOE or TAM models. To solve this limitation, we propose integrated approach of TAM, TOE framework, DOI, and HOT-fit frameworks in an effort to improve predictive power of proposed resulting model and, stretching the constructs to enrich the literature and implementing the same for Indian school education system as a case study.

Key success factors influencing SME managers’ information behaviour on emerging ICT (EICT) adoption decision-making in UK SMEs

Purpose

While a substantial number of studies have examined information behaviour, most centred on choice of information source, student information behaviour, information behaviour of women, environmental uncertainty and scanning behaviour of top-level hotel executives. However, little is known about how the small and medium enterprise (SME) managers scan, seek, gather, document and use information relevant for emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption decision-making. This paper aims to examine the key success factors influencing SME manager’s information behaviour on EICT adoption decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This study deploys a qualitative approach to exploring 16 key success factors shaping SME managers’ information behaviour on EICT adoption decision-making. More specifically, the study adopted both unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 20 small business managers drawn purposeful from Crunch Database.

Findings

This study develops an extended technology, organisation and environment framework by incorporating the information context which helped to unravel 16 key success factors influencing small business managers’ information behaviour on EICT. From the technology context, uncertainty driven, compatibility, replacement of legacy technology, relative advantages, lack of technical know-how and perceived affordability fit for purpose influence SME managers’ information behaviour. Users’ acceptance information, efficiency driven, owner’s support shape the organisation context of perceived information need; competitor’s intelligence gathering, customer’s information gathering provider credibility and government policy influence the environmental context of perceived information need; and finally, perceived information sources credibility, herding event, testimonial and openness to other people’s ideas and experiences are shaped by the information context.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative research is normally subjective, interpretive and limited on the sample used. Because of the limited number of interviews, the generalisation of the framework and the finding is difficult. Therefore, the finding and the framework need to be established across broader population. The findings are vital considering the fact that small business managers are limited in knowledge and the study may improve the way and manner they go about seeking and gathering information relevant in adopting new ICT.

Originality/value

This research provides further insight into SME managers’ information behaviour by developing a framework and identifying main factors influencing SMEs information behaviours on EICT. Therefore, understanding such factors will enrich their knowledge on some of the factors that may shape their decisions during EICT adoption decision to make effective decision.

A Decision-Making Model for Adopting a Cloud Computing System

The use of big data, artificial intelligence, and new information and communication technologies has led to sustainable developments and improved business competitiveness. Until recently cloud services were classified as having special system requirements for a business organization, and was represented by different cloud computing architecture layers like infrastructure, platform, or software as a service. However, as the environment of IT services undergoes successive changes, companies have been required to reconsider their business models and consider adopting a cloud computing system, which can bring on business achievements and development. Regarding a decision-making model for adopting a cloud computing system, this paper analyzes critical variables in a hierarchical structure of decision areas: technology, organization, and environment, as well as seven factors and 23 attributes based on underlying decision factors of cloud computing adoption by AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and Delphi analysis. Furthermore, this research explores a comparative analysis between demanders and providers of cloud computing adoption. Resultantly, this study suggests several important factors for adopting a cloud computing system: top management support, competitive pressure, and compatibility. From the demander side, the high priority factor was compatibility and competitive pressure; in contrast, related advantage and top management support were regarded as priority factors for providers to service their cloud computing systems.

ERP System Adoption Analysis Using TOE Framework in Permata Hijau Group (PHG) Medan

In this research, employee adoption intention is important consideration of successful ERP system implementation. The purpose of this research is to identify the important factors in Technology-Organization-Environment framework that affect ERP system adoption's intention. Online survey data were collected from 175 employees with active status from each department who had used ERP in PHG, Indonesia. The research data was collected through simple random sampling method and applying SEM in AMOS 24. The results of this article proves that technology readiness, organization size, and external support significantly influence ERP system adoption intention. Compatibility, relative advantage, complexity, top management support, business operation, and competition pressure have no significant influence on ERP system adoption intention. Thus, it can be concluded that ERP system adoption's intention is important to enhance corporate competitive advantage. Adopted ERP system can be developed continuously by involving employees to achieve information technology and business strategy within company.

Understanding Intentions to Switch Toward Cloud Computing at Firms' Level

This research aims to study intentions to switch toward cloud computing at firms' level. As a new way to deploy information technologies (IT) within firms, switching toward cloud computing remains a hard decision that depends on several contextual factors. While several studies have focused mainly on technological aspects, this research adopts a multidimensional perspective by combining the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework with a two-factor theory perspective. Doing so, the authors attempt to propose a research model that can be useful to deeply understand how firms perform when thinking about switching toward cloud-based solutions. A multiple-case study within five Tunisian firms has been conducted to contextualize the research model and give it more explanation power. The Tunisian context should be interesting, as cloud computing adoption is a new topic that is not sufficiently studied in developing countries, particularly in those characterized by an economy in transition. Data have been collected by semi-structured interviews and coded using the Nvivo software. The analysis of interviews content shows that the expected switching benefits and risks play a mediating role between TOE factors and intentions to switch toward cloud computing. Indeed, the authors found some different results within cases revealing the dual effects of technology, organization, and environment factors on intentions by generating different expected switching benefits and risks. In light of these results, some recommendations are proposed to decision makers in this area.