Benefits of introducing the cloud computing based m-government in the western cape

Abstract

Successful delivery of services and information to the public nowadays largely depends on the use of modern information and communication technologies (ICT), which are transforming governments to be more accessible, efficient, effective and accountable. The pertinent literature suggests that cloud computing (CC) and technologyenabled mobile government (m-government) combined seem to be the most plausible in this regard. Hence, the plans of the Western Cape Government (WCG) in South Africa to introduce cloud computing based m-government services on the assumptions that (i) penetration of the mobile phones is almost 100% in this province and (ii) cloud computing can reduce service delivery costs and make government services more accessible and effective. Although recent studies have found that citizens and government officials in the Western Cape perceive mgovernment services supplied via cloud computing beneficial, and thus likely to be used, deriving benefits from the introduction of the CC based m-government largely still depend on a number of other factors. We have explored the impact of these factors on policy-making using two ICT benefit conceptual models: one found in the Information Management Body of Knowledge (IMBOK) and the Access-Adoption-Appropriation (AAA) model. Based on our literature review we tested our conceptual findings with two focus groups consisting of WCG officials and citizens. We found that these models, if used appropriately, can guide policy-making in this area, by leading government officials toward more effective and efficient service delivery and allow for the citizens' beneficial use of CC based m-government services. We have also acknowledged some limitation of this study as well as some recommendations for the further research.

Adoption of Mobile Government Cloud from the Perspective of Public Sector

“…Introducing the MCC to e-Gov has various benefits. For example, Mitrovic et al used the Information Management Body of Knowledge (IMBOK) to understand the way of achieving the CC-based m-government benefits and used the access-adoption-appropriation model to understand the way the citizens can obtain benefits for these technologies and concepts [20]. Due to these benefits, various m-Gov based MCCs have been presented in previous studies.…”

“…First, our findings make essential contributions to m-Gov cloud adoption literature on factors that influence m-Gov cloud adoption in government agencies. Previous studies on m-Gov cloud focus on the benefits and challenges analysis [20,21], architecture and framework of design, implementation, and deployment [23,24]. Few studies have developed an integrated model for systematically examining determinants of m-Gov cloud adoption in government agencies from innovation adoption perspectives.…”

“…Although perceptions of uncertainty have emerged regarding the use of MCC, e.g., privacy and security issues [17], few ones doubt MCC will continue to rise. In the context of public sectors, in order to improve the efficiency of administration and the quality of public service [20,21], many governments all over the world have introduced MCC to deliver mobile government information services anywhere and anytime to citizens, businesses, governments, and employees [17,22]. In order to promote the adoption and diffusion of MCC in the government context, therefore, it is of great practical significance to explorer the determinants and mechanisms of mobile cloud computing-based government (m-Gov cloud) adoption [12].…”

“…Previous studies of m-Gov cloud focus on the benefits and challenges analysis [20,21] and architecture and framework of design, implementation, and deployment [23,24]. However, few studies have explored the determinants and mechanisms of m-Gov cloud adoption from innovation adoption perspectives.…”