ACCM-SME: A New Theoretical Framework for Adopting Cloud Computing Model for Small and Medium Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Cloud computing technology is widely adopted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developed countries. However, many SMEs in developing countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, still rely on conventional technology like onpremises servers. With the Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative launched in 2016, significant technological, cultural and economic transformations are anticipated by 2030. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the factors impacting Saudi SMEs' adoption of cloud computing services to leverage the benefits of Vision 2030 programmes. Aims and Objectives: This thesis aims to investigate the intention of Saudi SMEs to adopt cloud computing services from the perspectives of employees, IT managers and top managers. The objectives of this study are to review the current literature to explore the barriers and challenges that influence Saudi SMEs' adoption of cloud computing services, identify the most influential factors that impact the adoption of cloud computing services and validate an appropriate conceptual framework for understanding Saudi SMEs' adoption of cloud computing services. Therefore, a new theoretical framework, Adoption of the Cloud Computing Model by Saudi SMEs (ACCM-SME), was developed to evaluate the potential influence of 17 factors from four different constructs: technological, environmental, organisational and social contexts. Methods: This thesis employs a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) methods. The questionnaires gathered data from 412 Saudi SME employees in Riyadh city and conducted a statistical analysis. Before further analysis, the validity and reliability of the instrument used were assessed using SPSS software. Then, a hypothesis analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) through AMOS software. After that, the next stage was conducting the semi-structured interviews and collecting data from 15 IT managers and top managers and analysing them thematically. The results from both stages were integrated to understand the factors affecting cloud computing adoption and to provide recommendations for enhancing the adoption process. Results: The findings revealed that while cloud computing adoption in Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages, there is a growing trend toward broader adoption. The study identified key factors influencing cloud adoption by Saudi SMEs using a new framework (ACCM-SME) built on the TOE Framework and DOI theory. The ACCM-SME incorporates technological, organisational, environmental and social (user behaviour) factors. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis confirmed these factors' importance, as 12 out of 17 hypotheses have been accepted. Conclusion: These insights highlight the factors influencing this process and can help cloud providers enhance their services and strategies. Policymakers and business leaders can also use these findings to formulate strategies that facilitate cloud adoption among Saudi SMEs. In summary, this thesis significantly contributes to existing knowledge of cloud computing adoption among Saudi SMEs.