Investigating the impact of cloud-based systems as solutions for business operations at a selected university

Abstract

Cloud computing offers a transformative opportunity for higher education institutions, providing benefits such as cost efficiency, scalability, enhanced research capabilities, and improved administrative processes. However, the adoption of cloud computing also faces challenges, including financial constraints, data privacy concerns, and integration issues with legacy systems. This research explores the perspectives of existing literature and university stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of cloud computing on university operations. This study aimed to investigate these impacts, focusing on the benefits, challenges, and strategies necessary for successful adoption. The research employed a qualitative methodology. Insights were derived using an inductive approach from semi-structured interviews conducted with five participants involved in cloud initiatives at a South African university. These participants included IT staff providing insights into various aspects of cloud adoption. The thematic analysis, based on systematic coding and categorisation, highlighted important aspects of cloud adoption at the university, including flexibility, financial aspects, technical challenges, organisational behaviour, and strategic innovation. The findings reveal a small gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation, with overlap between literature-based studies and insights gathered from interviews. The interviews underscored the importance of training and awareness programs, the need for well-defined strategies, and the need to address cultural resistance. They also highlighted a lack of structured adoption frameworks. Furthermore, stakeholders observed that universities often adopt large-scale cloud solutions without careful, incremental planning, which can exacerbate resource limitations. This study identifies gaps where the university can leverage cloud computing to enhance their operations, including the development of innovative teaching models, the streamlining of administrative processes, and the expansion of research collaboration. Additionally, it recommends actionable strategies to tackle key challenges, such as funding shortages, compliance with privacy laws, and the integration of cloud systems. By aligning institutional goals with strategic cloud adoption frameworks, universities can navigate these complexities and position themselves for long-term growth in a technology-driven educational environment.