Adoption of cloud computing technology in universities concerns and challenges (case study of Wa polytechnic)

Abstract

Cloud computing may be referred to as computer resources, both software and hardware available at a location accessible on demand via internet. This source offers different integrated services that are not hosted in-house and made easy to deploy from the remote location. The resource includes data backup, software applications, self synchronization and storage systems. Task scheduling, push-email, processing capabilities, and remote printing for part the remote resources mad available through the cloud. The aim of this research was to determine the issues and challenges hindering the adoption of cloud computing technology in Higher Education Institution, case study if the Wa Polytechnic. With a descriptive and analytical method, the effects of the five main elements also called independent variables (Top management, Support & integration, Skills of IT human resources, Security effectiveness and Cost reduction) on the adoption of cloud computing the dependent variable was conducted. The research focused on Wa Polytechnic as a case study, which is the first of such institutions to undertake such a study from the Northern Sector of Ghana. The researcher deployed questionnaire as a tool for data collection, administered on a sample size of 63 selected from a population of 172 employees. The MS Excel 2019 was used for coding the Liker results and transferred to the SPSS statistical tool for further analysis and validation. The findings indicate a positive correlation between the adoption of cloud computing and the five independent variables. It was recommended by the research that Wa Polytechnic can adopt the cloud computing technology in its operations, but should provide training for the IT staff, send them on scientific missions to develop their innovative powers. Additionally, it was recommended that security should be achieved by migrating non critical application and data to cloud, or by opting for hybrid system so that public cloud University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.ghxiii takes up the non-critical application while private cloud hosts the critical and sensitive programs such as data. It was also determined that Top management has peculiar role such as data. It was also determined that Top management has peculiar role in project success through effective decision making and provision of necessary resources.