Adoption of Cloud Computing by Small-Medium Manufacturing Organizations
Loading...
Authors
Miola, Mario
Issue Date
2024-12-04
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
cloud-computing , business management , technology management , manufacturing industry
Alternative Title
Abstract
Small and medium-sized manufacturers are facing a decline in competitiveness in their industry due to the inability of their leadership to adapt their organizations and implement cloud computing. This study aimed to identify key factors that leaders in small-medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector can use to support their organizations in the process of adopting technology, specifically embracing cloud computing, to enhance competitiveness. A qualitative research methodology was employed to investigate how leaders develop practices that encourage innovation among their internal personnel. The research design was a case study, which focuses on contextual conditions relevant to the adoption of cloud technology, clarifying on the phenomenon in the adoption context. The research population consisted of small-medium manufacturing companies located in the Pacific Northwest that have successfully implemented cloud computing technology. The selection of organizations for the case study employed judgment and expertise to choose cases that specifically pertain to cloud computing adoption. Participants in this research included business leaders involved in decisions, implementation challenges, organization's changes to adopt cloud computing. Three sources of information served as research instruments: participant interviews, analytical responses captured from surveys using cloud computing technology, and relevant documents related to cloud computing implementation. The data analysis identified factors addressed by business leaders that foster engagement and participation among the organization's personnel, leading to successful adoption. Based on the analysis and interpretation of the data, the conclusions related to the research questions and discussions of the broader implications of the findings are elaborated. These were factors that corroborated by the observation of business activities utilizing cloud computing technology and subsequently documented as business practices by the organization and service vendors. This study intended to elucidate the business practices that contribute to the successful adoption of cloud computing, enhancing the understanding of adoption for researchers, business leaders, and information technology personnel. The research's recommendations are tailored to ensure leadership involvement, develop appropriate organizational structures that balance human expertise with automated processes, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Further research exploring causal relationships among the themes developed from this research may assist in improving the actual technology adoption framework.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess