VIVA Sole Questions
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The University of Nairobi *
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Information Systems
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Nov 24, 2024
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VIVA Sole Questions
Here are some potential questions that could be asked during the defense of your project:
Please provide a brief overview of your project and the key goals.
This study examines cloud computing adoption by SMEs worldwide, focusing on the Top 100 Mid-sized Enterprises in 2015. This study seeks to understand the drivers, market entry strategies, benefits, and drawbacks of cloud computing in SMEs. Descriptive research, data analysis, and a thorough literature review are used to gain nuanced insights into cloud computing
adoption, identify SMEs' challenges, and make actionable recommendations for businesses and policymakers.
This problem was chosen because cloud computing is becoming more important in company operations and SMEs are vital to the economy. The initiative intends to fill information gaps, contribute to academic discussion, and illuminate SME cloud adoption problems.
A diverse mix of SMEs is represented in the research by sampling 104 Nairobi-based Top 100 cloud computing enterprises. To increase research instrument credibility, rigorous validation methods, including pilot studies, have been created. Statistics including frequency distribution, percentages, inferential statistics, and correlation are utilized in data analysis. The literature analysis uses reputable academic journals, industry papers, and related sources to build a solid theoretical framework and identify knowledge gaps.
Cloud computing offers SMEs cost savings, scalability, flexibility, increased data backup and protection, and advanced security. Price-based constraints, IT ignorance, data transfer and migration concerns, perceived complexity, and political and legal issues are issues.
One of the most intriguing data analysis findings is favorable correlations between cloud computing adoption drivers, barriers, and benefits. These interdependencies highlight the tough cloud adoption decision-making process for SMEs.
Cloud computing is presently used by 83% of SMEs. The 17% sector that has yet to research or use cloud technologies suggests potential growth and expansion.
Future research should examine industry-specific trends, market entry tactics and cloud computing success, and the subtle effects of different reasons on SMEs' benefits.
These studies aim to inform SMEs' cloud computing adoption decisions. This research may help SMEs plan, overcome obstacles, and optimize cloud technology integration, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.
What was the motivation behind choosing this topic? Why did you feel it was important to research?
The growing relevance of cloud technology in current corporate contexts prompted the emphasis on cloud computing adoption among US SMEs. The disruption of cloud computing has given enterprises new efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness opportunities. Understanding the reasons, issues, and strategies for SMEs' cloud computing adoption, a key part of the business ecosystem, is crucial.
Several factors make this study important:
• The economic significance of SMEs: They generate economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Since various firms face different challenges and opportunities, studying their cloud computing utilization might reveal economic patterns.
• Technology is a key competitive advantage in today's ever-changing business landscape. Cloud
computing gives SMEs access to modern technologies without large upfront costs, allowing them to compete with larger enterprises.
• Addressing Knowledge Gaps: There is a need to address knowledge gaps on the benefits and challenges of cloud computing for SMEs. This research will contribute to the present knowledge and provide a more nuanced perspective of industry cloud adoption factors.
Understanding the dynamics of cloud adoption in SMEs has significant consequences for policymakers and industry stakeholders. This study may inform supportive policies, encourage innovation, and boost SME development and resilience.
This topic was chosen because of its technical innovation, economic importance, and capacity to provide actionable information for corporations and policymakers. We wish to study SME cloud computing use to improve decision-making, innovation, and economic development.
Walk us through your research methodology. How did you conduct the literature review? What sources did you use?
This study's research methodology used a structured and methodical approach, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to evaluate the adoption of cloud computing among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in a global perspective. Here's a rundown of the essential stages, with a special emphasis on the literature review:
1. Problem Identification and Research Goals:
Understanding the reasons, obstacles, and advantages of cloud computing adoption among SMEs: Clearly articulating the study issue.
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Defining study objectives: determining motivators, market entrance tactics, advantages, and hurdles to cloud computing adoption.
2. Review of Literature:
Identifying Relevant research: Conducting a thorough study of current research on cloud computing adoption in SMEs. Academic publications, conference proceedings, novels, and trustworthy industry reports were used as sources.
To discover peer-reviewed literature, use academic resources such as PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and
Google Scholar. Using particular keywords such as "SMEs," "cloud computing adoption," and "market entry strategies" to narrow the search.
Criteria for Inclusion and Exclusion: Choosing literature that directly addressed the study goals while rejecting irrelevant or out-of-date sources.
3. Data Gathering:
Collecting primary data using a survey delivered via Microsoft Forms. The study aimed to learn about the motivators, market entrance tactics, advantages, and hurdles to cloud computing adoption among SMEs.
Sample Selection: To achieve a representative sample, SMEs in Nairobi were targeted, especially
those featured in the Top 100 Mid-sized Enterprises in 2015.
4. Data Examination:
Descriptive Analysis: Using descriptive statistics to describe the distribution of firms across sectors, duration of existence, number of workers, motivating reasons, market strategies, benefits, and hurdles in survey results.
Inferential Analysis: Using inferential analysis to analyze the associations between variables, such as reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha) and correlation analysis.
Literature Review Resources:
Articles from prominent periodicals in the fields of information technology, business, and management.
Conference Proceedings: Papers given at cloud computing and SMEs-focused conferences.
Books: Textbooks and academic publications that provide in-depth knowledge of cloud computing technology and applications.
Reports from recognized industry research organizations that provide market insights and trends in cloud computing usage.
The thorough approach provides a rigorous and evidence-based investigation of cloud computing
adoption in SMEs by integrating insights from current literature with actual data obtained from SMEs in the globe.
What were some of the key benefits of cloud computing that you identified for SMEs? Can you summarize the main advantages?
The study found many significant advantages of cloud computing adoption for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), offering light on how this technology improves their operations. Here is a summary of the key benefits discovered in the study:
1. Cost-cutting and resource-allocation:
Findings from the survey: 69% of respondents believed that cloud computing decreases the initial expenditure in hardware and software infrastructure.
In summary, cloud computing enables SMEs to use a pay-as-you-go strategy, reducing upfront capital costs. Because they only pay for the services and resources they use, organizations may optimize resource utilization.
2. Flexibility and scalability:
Findings from the survey: 72% of respondents strongly agreed that cloud services provide scalability, allowing for fast modifications to computer capacity depending on demand.
In summary, cloud computing enables SMEs to scale their IT resources up or down to accommodate variations in workload or seasonal swings without incurring fixed infrastructure expenditures.
3. Remote Collaboration and Accessibility:
Findings from the survey: 38% of respondents believed that cloud computing allows them to access data, apps, and services from any internet-connected place.
Summary: Cloud technology enables remote work by allowing workers to access critical business tools and interact successfully from several places, enabling a dynamic and productive work environment.
4. Disaster Recovery and Data Backup:
Findings from the survey: 47% of respondents believed that cloud providers typically provide extensive data backup and disaster recovery solutions.
In conclusion, cloud services often incorporate powerful data backup and recovery tools, which are critical for SMEs with limited resources. This protects and quickly restores critical company data in the event of data loss or system failure.
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What challenges or barriers to adopting cloud computing did you uncover through your research? How can these obstacles be overcome?
The study highlighted various obstacles and constraints to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) adopting cloud computing. Understanding and overcoming these roadblocks is critical for effective implementation. The following is an outline of the difficulties and suggested solutions:
1. Cost-Related Issues:
44% of firms said price-based constraints, such as quotas and subsidies, impede cloud computing
adoption.
Strategies for Overcoming: SMEs with limited budgets might look into cost-effective cloud service plans, do a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, and take advantage of any available government incentives or subsidies. To suit the different financial capacity of SMEs, cloud service providers might potentially provide tiered pricing options.
2. Problems with Internet Connectivity:
Findings from the survey: Internet access was regarded as a possible hindrance, particularly for SMEs in some regions or rural areas.
Strategies for Overcoming: Improving internet infrastructure in underserved areas, introducing financial incentives to internet service providers to increase coverage, and advising SMEs on picking dependable internet services may all assist to overcome connection issues. Adoption of hybrid cloud solutions that do not depend only on internet access may also be explored.
3. Inadequate IT Knowledge:
Findings from the survey: A substantial proportion of SMEs lack specialized IT teams or in-
house workers with the essential cloud infrastructure management capabilities.
Overcoming Strategies: Offering training programs, seminars, or cooperating with managed service providers may help SMEs improve their IT skills. To make their services more accessible
to companies with low technical competence, cloud service providers should also simplify user interfaces and offer user-friendly documentation.
4. Concerns around data transfer and migration:
Findings from the survey: SMEs expressed worries about the time-consuming and possibly challenging process of moving big volumes of data to the cloud.
Overcoming Strategies: Cloud service providers should provide frictionless and secure data transfer solutions, as well as clear migration recommendations. To avoid interruptions, SMEs might arrange for data transfer during times of low company activity.
These techniques are designed to address the stated difficulties while also empowering SMEs to overcome hurdles to cloud computing adoption. It is critical to note that effective adoption requires a bespoke strategy that takes into account the particular requirements and circumstances of each SME.
What were some of the most interesting or surprising findings from your data analysis? Did any results contradict your initial hypotheses?
The data analysis revealed some fascinating and relevant aspects of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with cloud computing. Here are some fascinating findings:
1. Entrepreneurial Competence as Motivation:
Finding: The research showed that 40% of respondents strongly agreed that an entrepreneur's skills and ambition shaped a company's cloud computing business.
Implication: This shows that SMEs embrace cloud technology due to entrepreneurial motivation,
emphasizing the necessity for visionary leadership.
2. Motivation and Benefits Are Strongly Linked:
The study found a strong positive correlation (r = 0.61, p = 0.000) between cloud computing adoption drivers and SMEs' perceived benefits.
Implication: SMEs with strong motivators, such as entrepreneurial skills and opportunity recognition, profit more from cloud computing, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship between motivation and success.
3. Market Entry Strategy Preferences:
The most popular market entry technique for cloud computing adoption was exporting (59%), while licensing was the least desired (3%).
Implication: In cloud computing, SMEs export directly to overseas markets, emphasizing the need for product and operation management.
4. Pros outweigh cons:
Cloud computing boosts SME earnings, according to 69% of respondents, despite the limits.
The SMEs' positive appraisal of enhanced revenues suggests that cloud computing's benefits exceed its drawbacks, highlighting its potential profitability.
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These findings illuminate SMEs' cloud computing motivations, strategies, and perceptions, revealing the intricate interactions that affect adoption.
How would you describe the current state of cloud computing adoption among SMEs based
on your research? Where is there room for more growth?
The research found that SMEs' cloud computing adoption is dynamic, with important breakthroughs and future development areas. This is the current position and possible future developments:
Current State:
Significant Adoption: The research found that 83% of SMEs use cloud computing. Cloud technology is becoming increasingly accepted and incorporated into SME operations.
Diverse Market Access Strategies: 59% of SMEs embrace cloud computing by exporting. This proactive approach expands their global footprint and products. SMEs employ a range of methods to enter cloud computing sectors, including joint ventures (16%) and strategic alliances (14%).
Benefits: 69% of respondents strongly believed cloud computing enhances earnings and opens new markets (72%). These perceived advantages make SMEs like cloud adoption.
Growth Potential:
SMEs may still explore cloud computing's latent possibilities despite broad adoption. The paper states that entrepreneurial skills and possibility knowledge motivate. SMEs may benefit from actively seeking and seizing cloud computing ecosystem possibilities.
While exporting is the most prevalent alternative, SMEs should try various market entry methods. To tailor their approach to their products and markets, they may need to examine joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Long-term growth requires overcoming obstacles. Address pricing limits, competition, and political and legal obstacles first. Advocating for favorable laws, investing in cybersecurity, and encouraging innovation and international collaboration are all options.
SMEs have made significant progress in cloud computing adoption, but strategic diversification, overcoming obstacles, and optimizing technology adoption may still help them grow. This condition might help SMEs adopt cloud technology for long-term development and global competitiveness.
If you were to expand on this research, what additional questions would you want to explore about cloud computing for SMEs?
Extending this research would enable SMEs to explore numerous cloud computing issues. Other research topics may be investigated:
Industry-specific Patterns of Adoption Compare SME cloud computing usage by sector. Examine industry-specific needs, challenges, and benefits.
Cloud Service Model Comparison: Assess SMEs' adoption and preferences for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS cloud service models. Find out which business concepts are most popular and profitable.
Disparities: Examine regional SME cloud computing adoption. Examine if geography, regulation, or economic conditions impact SME adoption and methods.
Long-Term Business Effect: Assess how cloud computing usage affects SME performance and sustainability. Over time, examine revenue growth, cost savings, and market competitiveness.
depth Barrier Analysis: Examine the cloud computing adoption barriers in further depth. Learn about pricing constraints, political and legal issues, and competition. Study SMEs that overcame these challenges.
Find out how SMEs are using cloud computing with AI, blockchain, and the IoT. Consider the pros and cons of different relationships.
Assess cloud computing SMEs' cybersecurity preparedness. Check security measures and cybersecurity knowledge.
Employee Training and Skill Development: Examine SMEs' digital training programmes. Discover how staff knowledge influences cloud technology efficiency.
Consider how cloud computing might help SMEs innovate. Explore how scalable resources and innovative technologies enable new products, services, and business models.
These additional questions would help academics and industry practitioners understand SME cloud computing adoption better.
How do you envision your findings being applied to real-world business decisions about adopting cloud computing? Who can benefit from this research?
This study's findings are important for corporate cloud computing adoption decisions and provide valuable insights for many stakeholders. Here are several ways to use these findings and who may benefit:
Decision-makers in SMEs:
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Strategic Planning: SME owners and decision-makers might utilize research findings for strategic planning. Understanding cloud computing adoption's motivations, market entrance strategies, benefits, and drawbacks helps them align organizational objectives with cloud technology.
Risk Mitigation: Understanding the study's challenges helps SMEs mitigate cloud adoption risks.
This requires pricing tactics, global competitiveness, and political and legal hurdles.
Industry consultants and analysts:
Advisory Services: Industry analysts and consultants may advise SMEs interested in cloud computing using research findings. Consultants may assist organizations integrate the cloud by analyzing industry adoption rates, regional differences, and market entry strategies.
Cloud service providers:
Customized offers: Cloud service providers may tailor their offerings to SMEs' needs. Cloud providers may tailor packages to SMEs' requirements by understanding their particular benefits, such as better revenues, access to new markets, and scalability.
Policymakers and government:
Policy Development: Policymakers might use research findings to encourage SMEs to employ cloud computing. Addressing political and regulatory barriers may assist foster digital change.
Educational Institutions
Curriculum Development: Business and technology schools may incorporate the study's findings.
This ensures that future company leaders and IT experts understand SMEs' cloud computing adoption dynamics and issues.
Investors:
SMEs' success may benefit from investors' knowledge of cloud computing usage. Success factors
like market entry and cloud technology use may influence investment decisions.
Tech suppliers:
focus on innovation: Cloud computing companies that provide cybersecurity solutions and integration services may focus on the report's issues. This ensures their solutions meet SME market needs.
Chambers of Commerce and Global Business Networks:
Chambers of commerce and other international business organizations may use the study's findings to assist SMEs overcome global competitiveness, trade restrictions, and cultural differences.
SMEs and other stakeholders pushing cloud computing adoption might use the research findings as a guide. These insights may help businesses make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize cloud technology's potential for innovation and development.
What advice would you give to an SME considering migrating operations to the cloud based on what you have learned? What factors should they consider?
The analysis suggests the following for SMEs contemplating cloud migration:
Know Your Reasons:
Entrepreneurial Skills: If your reason for embracing cloud computing matches the research's factors—leveraging entrepreneurial abilities, spotting possibilities, and accessing resources—
then your company approach should too.
Evaluation of Market Entry Strategies:
Exporting: The study found that SMEs most often enter markets via exporting. Consider if this approach matches your company model. Joint ventures, strategic partnerships, wholly-owned subsidiaries, and licensing may benefit your product, brand, and control needs.
Think about the benefits:
Economic and market growth: Cloud computing may boost revenues, open new markets, and build human and social capital. Cloud adoption may boost economic development and market expansion if your aims match them.
Cut Prices and Competition:
Address Pricing restrictions: Anticipate and alleviate pricing restrictions. Create a pricing plan that fits your budget and revenue goals as 44% of companies cited price as a barrier.
As 47% of firms saw overseas competition as a hindrance, adopt a competitive strategy that focuses on client cultures and product adaptation.
Overcoming Political and Legal Barriers:
Legal Compliance: Understand cloud adoption's political and legal issues. Comply with international trade standards and monitor political and legal events that may influence your firm.
Determine Tech Needs:
Consider your operations' scalability. Cloud computing lets your firm scale to meet workload and market demands.
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Data security: Address movement, transfer, and security. Choose cloud service providers who prioritize cybersecurity and data protection to secure your company data.
Teach Your Group:
Assess your company's IT expertise. Consider training or hiring cloud infrastructure managers if needed.
Explore global markets:
If your company wants to expand internationally, use cloud computing to simplify global operations. Consider the advantages of favorable trade tariffs, foreign market demand, and global
connectivity.
Imagine CSR and brand image:
CSR: Recognize that CSR activities boost brand awareness and market confidence. Add CSR to your business practices to boost brand image.
.