SaaS adoption in Swedish manufacturing markets

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to understand factors that affect to cloud computing adoption and deployment in Swedish manufacturing markets. Cloud computing is a method to provide IT services through the Internet. The research is done by studying largest manufacturing companies in Sweden that have over 300 m. € revenue. A semi-structured survey was sent to 186 top managers in SCM related positions by web survey and telephone calls. The questions are focusing on success factors in cloud computing adoption and deployment. This thesis used mixed research design. The core of this mixed research is quantitative research. Mean, standard deviation and confidence intervals were calculated. The core was supplemented with qualitative analysis. Themes that arose from open questions were categorized and summed and mixed with quantitative research. Total 6 valid responses were gathered. Even as the results are not generalizable due small sample size, indications can be made. For the core part, statistically the most significant findings were trust between the cloud provider and client organization and client communicating cloud benefits to employees have both positive affect on cloud deployment. Qualitative analysis revealed that sharing and communication, flexibility, reduced costs, convenience, improved performance, references, client need comprehension and big data usages were themes that benefit cloud computing adoption and deployment. The findings are useful for the managers who are working in SaaS related companies and are aiming to offer SaaS services to the manufacturing industry.