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Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains: An organizational information processing theory approach

Casey G. Cegielski (Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems Management, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA)
L. Allison Jones‐Farmer (Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems Management, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA)
Yun Wu (Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems Management, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA)
Benjamin T. Hazen (Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems Management, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA)

The International Journal of Logistics Management

ISSN: 0957-4093

Article publication date: 10 August 2012

12647

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ organizational information processing theory to assess how a firm's information processing requirements and capabilities combine to affect the intention to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of electronic supply chain management systems. Specifically, the paper examines the extent to which task uncertainty, environmental uncertainty, and inter‐organizational uncertainty affect intention to adopt cloud computing technology and how information processing capability may moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a multiple method approach, thus examining the hypothesized model with both quantitative and qualitative methods. To begin, the paper incorporates a Delphi study as a way in which to choose a practically relevant characterization of the moderating variable, information processing capability. The authors then use a survey method and hierarchical linear regression to quantitatively test their hypotheses. Finally, the authors employ interviews to gather additional qualitative data, which they examine via use of content analysis in order to provide additional insight into the tenability of the proposed model.

Findings

The quantitative analysis suggests that significant two‐way interactions exist between each independent variable and the moderating variable; each of these interactions is significantly related to intention to adopt cloud computing. The qualitative results support the assertion that information processing requirements and information processing capability affect intention to adopt cloud computing. These findings support the relationships addressed in the hypothesized model and suggest that the decision to adopt cloud computing is based upon complex circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the use of single key informants for both the quantitative and qualitative portions of the study. Nonetheless, this study enhances understanding of electronic supply chain management systems, and specifically cloud computing, through the application of organizational information processing theory. The authors’ mixed‐methods approach allowed them to draw more substantive conclusions; the findings provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for future research in this area, and also suggest the use of additional theoretical perspectives.

Practical implications

This study provides insight that can help supply chain managers to better understand how requirements, when coupled with capabilities, may influence the decision to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of supply chain management systems.

Originality/value

As an emerging technology, cloud computing is changing the form and function of information technology infrastructures. This study enhances the understanding of how this technology may diffuse within the supply chain.

Keywords

Citation

Cegielski, C.G., Allison Jones‐Farmer, L., Wu, Y. and Hazen, B.T. (2012), "Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains: An organizational information processing theory approach", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 184-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574091211265350

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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