Critical success factors for implementation of cloud computing in government
Creators: name: Al Gharibi, Mansoor
Publisher: name: RMIT University
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 460908
subject: Information systems organisation and management

description: The purpose of this research is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing cloud computing in government, which is part of the critical infrastructure of governments. The literature review indicates that government cloud computing (g-cloud) reduces the cost of IT infrastructure and services in the public sector, enabling scalability, increasing efficiency, and allowing on-demand services. It also enables governments to focus on their core businesses and places the IT burden onto cloud computing service providers. Furthermore, the literature review found three deployment approaches of g-cloud adoption and implementation and took a step towards differentiating e-government and cloud-government.

The implementation of g-cloud which is part of the critical infrastructure is complex and resource intensive. Hence, it is crucial to identify a set of CSFs affecting the implementation of g-cloud. While there are a plethora of success factors influencing the success of general information systems implementation, there is a lack of focused, in-depth research on g-cloud success. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the CSFs for g-cloud implementation. The literature lacks specific studies on government cloud implementation approaches. Thus, this research adopted a post-positivist paradigm and adopted a quantitative approach. First, a research framework was synthesised and adapted from literature and experts' views of other technologies' implementation CSFs studies, namely, the Technology, Organisation, Process (TOP) research framework. Within the TOP research framework, 13 CSFs and three success criteria were proposed. Then, data were gathered from the Omani government through survey questionnaires and analysed using Multiple Linear Regression and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. Also, data from the questionnaire related to suggestions, and issues and challenges were used to explore further CSFs. The research revealed that relative advantage trialability, security, service provider support, and quality of service play a significant role in g-cloud implementation.

This study represents the first rigorously researched step towards building understanding of CSFs that influence cloud computing implementation in government. This research offers various findings and its outcomes extend current theories and enable governments to recognise and concentrate their resources on those CSF areas. More research is desirable to test and confirm the CSFs' robustness in theory and practice. However, the current findings constitute an important advancement in knowledge about CSFs influencing the implementation of g-cloud and a theoretical contribution in understanding how to improve g-cloud implementation. More specifically, g-cloud stakeholders are enabled to holistically understand the CSFs that influence g-cloud implementation through the CSFs framework and associated contextual elements. This research is useful for governments and public sectors in the planning, the implementation, or the review phases of their g-cloud, as well as for business support communities and policymakers engaged in g-cloud initiatives.