Factors affecting Cloud Computing adoption in Higher Learning Institutions in South Africa: A case of Matjhabeng TVET Colleges

Abstract

Cloud Computing is one of the most important trends and newest area in the field of information technology in which resources (e.g. CPU and storage) can be leased and released by customers through the Internet in an on-demand basis. The adoption of Cloud Computing in Higher Learning Institution is a real opportunity. Although Cloud computing has gained popularity in the world especially in education and industry, but its impact in colleges is still unexplored. This exploratory qualitative research seeks to identify the factors affecting the adoption of Cloud Computing in South Africa, focusing on Matjhabeng TVET colleges. 35 IT stakeholders from two TVET colleges was interviewed. Thematic analysis was utilised to analase data. After data was analysed, the findings revealed that data security, lack of internet access and lack of infrastructure resources are key factors that affects Cloud computing adoption in Matjhabeng TVET colleges. This paper contributes to the literature on Cloud Computing adoption in Higher Learning Institutions in South Africa.