| Many colleges and universities around the world are adopting cloud computing resources and services. The benefits of cloud computing for institutions and students include factors such as mobility, scalability, security, availability, interoperability, and end user satisfaction in the use of software applications and other computing resources. However, some institutions are not taking advantage of the services offered by the cloud computing paradigm. The problem researched in this study was the lack of understanding of the factors that determine cloud computing adoption by some colleges and universities and not by others. A nonexperimental, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted of 119 information technology (IT) managers in colleges and universities in the United States (U.S.) and Canada that have implemented, or were planning to implement, cloud computing environments. An online survey was used to gather demographic information and data to test the relationship between the criterion variable (cloud computing adoption) and the predictor variables (relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, institutional size, technology readiness, perceived barriers, regulatory policy, and service provider support). The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that complexity (beta = 0.972, p = 0.002), institutional size (beta = 1.680, p= 0.011), and technology readiness (beta = 1.406, p < 0.001) were statistically significant in determining cloud computing adoption. The predictor variables relative advantage (beta = 0.244, p = 0.408), regulatory policy (beta = -0.128, p = 0.692), and service provider support (beta = 0.013, p = 0.971) were not statistically significant. The chi-square value (chi2 = 35.84, df = 6) of the research model was significant at p < 0.001. Recommendations for future study include conducting similar research with post-secondary institutions in other countries; modifying the theoretical model to include control variables or moderators, such as the reliability of cloud computing; conducting separate studies of public and private institutions; understanding cloud computing adoption in public and private, elementary and high schools in the U.S. and Canada; studying categories that are underrepresented in this study, such as larger institutions, particularly in the U.S; and examining the amount of money colleges and universities are spending on cloud computing resources and services. |
