scholarly journals Understanding the Complex Adoption Behavior of Cloud Services by SMEs Based on Complexity Theory: A Fuzzy Sets Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA)

Complexity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Ge Zhang ◽  
Weijie Wang ◽  
Yikai Liang
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
Entry Cost ◽  
Medium Enterprises

To survive in a competitive environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have had to adapt to the digital environment in order to adjust to customer needs globally, particularly in the post-COVID-19 world. The advantages of cloud computing (e.g., flexibility, scalability, and low entry cost) provide opportunities for SMEs with a restricted budget and limited resources. To understand how SMEs adopt cloud computing in a complex digital environment, this study examines how antecedents combine with each other to explain the high adoption of cloud computing. From the perspectives of holism and set theory, we draw on complexity and configuration theories, present a conceptual model including seven antecedents based on the technology-organization-environment framework, and conduct an asymmetric fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Through an empirical study with 123 Chinese companies, we identify nine combinations (configurations) of determinant antecedents that lead to the high adoption of cloud computing. The results show that none of the factors are indispensable to explain a high adoption on their own; instead, they are insufficient but necessary parts of the causal combinations that explain a high adoption. This study contributes to the literature on cloud computing adoption by extending current knowledge on how antecedents combine to increase the adoption and identify specific patterns of SMEs for whom these factors are essential and greatly influence their adoption.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abul Khayer ◽  
Nusrat Jahan ◽  
Md. Nahin Hossain ◽  
Md. Yahin Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
Effort Expectancy ◽  
Toe Framework ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organisational Agility

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.

A Cloud Computing Adoption Framework for Developing Countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 661-679
Author(s):  
Anh D. Ta
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Living Wage ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
New Jobs

This chapter explores Cloud computing adoption strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microenterprise that can enhance the economic growth of local industries in developing countries. This focus is based on the recognitions that (1) economic growths of local industries reduce poverty through the creation of new jobs for poor people to earn a living wage and support their families, and (2) there is a lack of research on Cloud computing adoption strategy that addresses the unique constraints of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.

scholarly journals CONDITIONS AFFECTING EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION IN POLISH SMES QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1214-1217
Author(s):  
Magdalena Gębczyńska ◽  
Anna Kwiotkowska
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Fuzzy Set ◽  
Organizational Identification ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Employee Job Satisfaction ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose: This study investigated the simultaneous impact of conditions on employee's job satisfaction in Polish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Methodology: This study used the survey technique to better understand the determinants of job satisfaction the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) was preferred. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is a widely used method in the field of political science and sociology. In recent years, the use of the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) in business and management research has also increased. Result: The results of our empirical study contribute to research on job satisfaction by presenting several conditions that create constellations affecting employee job satisfaction in Polish SMEs. The results certify previous research on employee satisfaction, exploring the important factors such as: organizational identification, co-workers support, rewards, supervisor relationship and quality of work life. It is worth noting that our research contributes to different constellations lead to job satisfaction by investigating the effect of all of selected conditions simultaneously. Applications: This finding can be useful for small and medium enterprises to enhance employee job satisfaction, which in turn translates into the results of the entire organization. Novelty/Originality: In this research, the model of conditions affecting employee job satisfaction in polish SMEs, a qualitative comparative analysis is presented in a comprehensive and complete manner.

To investigate the determinants of cloud computing adoption in the manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 990-1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh D. Raut ◽  
Bhaskar B. Gardas ◽  
Balkrishna E. Narkhede ◽  
Vaibhav S. Narwane
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Significant Factors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the critical factors influencing the cloud computing adoption (CCA) in the manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by employing a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology.Design/methodology/approachThrough literature review and expert opinions, 30 significant factors were identified, and then a DEMATEL approach was applied for exploring the cause–effect relationship between the factors.FindingsThe results of study highlighted that five factors, namely, “hardware scalability and standardisation”, “cost (subscription fees, maintenance cost and implementation cost (CS1)”, “innovation”, “installation and up gradation (CS28)”, and “quality of service” were the most significant factors influencing the CCA in the case sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe DEMATEL model was developed by considering expert inputs, and these inputs could be biased which can influence the reliability of the model. This study guides the organisational managers, cloud service providers and governmental organisations in formulating the new policies/strategies or modifying the existing ones for the effective CCA in the case sector.Originality/valueFor the first time. interdependency between the critical factors influencing CCA was discussed by employing the DEMATEL approach in the Indian manufacturing MSMEs context.

The Benefits of Cloud Computing

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Georgios Chatzithanasis ◽  
Christos Michalakelis
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Software Maintenance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Third Party ◽  
It Infrastructure ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Cloud computing is gaining ground in the global ICT market and day by day a significant number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are adopting cloud services with sole purpose to improve their business environment and become more efficient, competitive and productive. Migrating a business IT infrastructure to the cloud offers reduction on server and storage costs, software maintenance expenditures, network and energy expenses as well as costs associated with disaster recovery. Since the cloud computing model works on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, it provides the option to pay for what is used. Thus, its adoption can offer slow start-up or expansion costs, creating an environment for rapid innovation and development. Into that context, this article presents the Greek side of cloud evolution through two representative case studies, the migration of an IT system of a Greek industry, from an in-house data center to Google Cloud and a study of the “in-house” IT infrastructure of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce. Findings from the Greek industry, indicate that the cloud proposal could cost 50%, or 24% less per month (depending on the solution). As far as the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce is concerned, the article proposes only a new measure of security using Cloud services for reasons that will be discussed at the case study. Both case studies take into account the present costs of the IT system (energy consumption, third party contracts and maintenance) and propose alternatives through cloud migration. Results indicate that cloud computing offers benefits and significant cost savings for both studied cases, showing promising ways for the successful adoption of the cloud.

A Cloud Computing Adoption Framework for Developing Countries

2017 ◽  
pp. 175-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh D. Ta
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Living Wage ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
New Jobs

This chapter explores Cloud computing adoption strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microenterprise that can enhance the economic growth of local industries in developing countries. This focus is based on the recognitions that (1) economic growths of local industries reduce poverty through the creation of new jobs for poor people to earn a living wage and support their families, and (2) there is a lack of research on Cloud computing adoption strategy that addresses the unique constraints of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document