CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION MODEL IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Cloud computing is seen as one of many new innovation solutions in assisting higher education institutions (HEIs) in improving their learning outcome delivery processes and efficiency, especially in terms of minimizing financial investments while becoming readily accessible to wider pools of potential students. While it has been widely adopted in HEIs, its adoption in developing countries is very low and there is a lack of empirical studies that examine the factors that influence its adoption in HEIs. This research proposes a conceptual model that identifies the factors that influence the adoption of cloud computing in HEIs in a developing country by integrating technological, organizational, environmental and human factors. Hypotheses were developed using four theories: (a) Technology, Organization and Environment Framework, (b) Diffusion of Innovations Theory, (c) Technology Acceptance Model and (d) Theory of Reasoned Action. A survey questionnaire was administered to 288 individuals comprising IT managers, IT staff and IT lecturers in HEIs in Yemen. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. The results indicate that Relative Advantage, Compatibility, Complexity, Data Concern, Top Management Support and Technology Readiness had significant effects on Perceived Usefulness towards the Intention to adopt cloud computing in HEIs. Perceived Ease of Use was found to have been significantly affected by Complexity, Data Concern, Technology Readiness, and IT Skills. In addition, the results also show that Subjective Norms positively moderates the relationship between Perceived Usefulness and Attitude towards the Intention to adopt cloud computing in HEIs. This research shows that for HEIs in Yemen to successfully adopt cloud computing, the top management has to play significant roles in ensuring that the technologies to support this initiative has to be in place and are compatible with other existing technologies adopted in HEIs.