Impact of cloud computing on the business operation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Ghana

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of cloud computing on SMEs Business Operations in Ghana using data collected from SMEs in the Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive research design and simple random sampling method to gather 153 responses received through a self-administered questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The data captured and cleaned in Microsoft Excel was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. An Ordinary Least Square Estimation Model was used in testing the relationships between Cloud computing and SMEs Business operations. The findings show that, the adoption cloud computing and ICT in general by SMEs in Ghana is relatively high. Most workers in these SMEs have a fair knowledge about cloud computing, and their organizations have separate units and dedicated staff for the ICT units. The study also showed that SMEs in Ghana have the compatibility to adopt cloud services. Again, the study revealed that even though data security is of concern for the SMEs, cloud services has improved the security of their data since most of the SMEs have local central based data storage for their businesses. The study concludes that the use of cloud computing among SMEs in Ghana is relatively high, even though previous studies have shown otherwise. Finally, this study concludes that there is a strong positive relationship between cloud computing and SMEs Business Operations. The study recommends that the government should create a compliance office, responsible for ensuring that businesses embrace cloud computing, which proved to be very effective for ensuring the security of data for organizations. In addition, cloud-service providers in Ghana should be licensed and regulated by law to build businesses confidence in cloud services