DECISION FRAMEWORK FOR THE USAGE OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGY IN ETHIOPIA HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The rapid technology advancements are always creating new opportunities and a new way of working. Cloud Technology is being popularizing across the world especially in academic institutions. It is not a new technology but rather a new delivery model for information and services using existing technologies. The paradigm has been recognized recently as key enabling efficient and effective technological services that will reshape the delivery and support of the educational services. This study is conducted on public Ethiopian Higher Educational Institutions to explore the critical determinants that influence the adoption of the Cloud Technology. Despite the fact that cloud computing offers great deal of opportunities, its adoption exacerbated with lack of standards and relative lack of general framework created dilemma for the institutions how to approach the cloud adoption. An exploratory study is carried out. This research work proposes TOETAD conceptual framework according to the Technology Organization Environment (TOE) model, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with added Decision Maker Context to the model. Adoption determinants for the technology will be examined through the lens of integrated model. The framework factors were identified by critically reviewing studies found in the literature together with factors from the industrial standards within the context of Ethiopia Higher Education Institutions. Data is collected by online questionnaire survey with IT managers, lectures, E-learning coordinators and Team Leaders from selected 17 Ethiopia Higher Educational Institutions with a total 103 respondent. On the other hand the proposed frame work is evaluated by an expert to validate the framework. The result also helps to encourage the Public Higher Educational Institutions in Ethiopia to understand the nature of the problem, increase their awareness about factors to be considered while adopting the cloud computing