beSMART

END-USER PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY AND TRUST IN CLOUD COMPUTING PLATFORMS

Cloud computing platforms offer many advantages to businesses and consumers in terms of reduced costs, flexibility and the accessibility of data. However, concerns remain about the security of data stored in the cloud. This paper investigates some of the technical issues surrounding data security in the cloud and examines the available literature for solutions. Moreover, it builds on a conceptual framework regarding the role of trust in the decision to use cloud services, end-user attitudes to risk and the relationship between provider reputation and trust. In line with previous research in this area, the study found a high perception of risk among users of cloud services, and an ambiguous attitude to positive statements about trust in the security of cloud platforms.  The results of the study also suggest that provider reputation correlates strongly with trust and that trust is a driver of intention to use cloud service.

Cloud computing, data, trust, provider reputation, risk, security

ICT AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SUDAN: CORRELATES AND CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS (1975 – 2013)

Mutasim Ahmed Abdelmawla

ICT helps countries improve their economic efficiency and social development. This study aimed at examining the correlates and causal relationships between ICT and socio–economic development indicators in Sudan over the period (1975 – 2013). Pearson correlation coefficient and Granger causality test are used for analytical purposes. The main results obtained revealed that ICT is positively correlated with educational attainment, health status, and GDP per capita. The findings also signified that there are two – way relationships between ICT and socio-economic development indicators in Sudan over the period under consideration. The most important recommendations of the study call for: wise use of ICT for productive and social development activities, building human capital, investing in ICT production, improving infrastructure in general and that related to ICT in particular, and strengthening technological cooperation with other countries.

APPLICATION OF TOE FRAMEWORK IN EXAMINING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING PRE- AND POST-ADOPTION OF CAS IN MALAYSIAN SMES

Wan Ismail, W.N. and Mokhtar, M.Z.

The adequacy and reliability of an accounting system is important to the survival of small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) business. Today, with efficient computer operations such as computerised accounting systems (CAS), an adequate accounting system could be raised more easily than through manual method.   However, many of  Malaysian SMEs have not yet ready for this innovation. In fact among adopters, the software was still underutilized.  For the important role plays by CAS in improving the practices of accounting system in a firm and the significant role plays by SMEs in country economy, this paper attempts to examine the CAS adoption factors in Malaysian context.  The objective of this paper is to discuss and propose the application of TOE framework in examining the factors influencing pre-and-post adoption of CAS in Malaysian SMEs. Based on previous literatures, hypotheses and a conceptual model is also developed. It is expected that all factors under Technological, Organizational, Environmental and Owner-Manager Context will have a significance effect on CAS adoption of Malaysian SMEs.  Instead of using other innovation theories, TOE is the choice in this conceptual paper as this framework provides a comprehensive view regarding the factors that shape the influence of innovation adoption among SMEs. The proposed conceptual model then is hoped to provide a basis for further empirical research.

Small-and-medium enterprises; Computerised Accounting System; TOE Framework; Innovation Adoption.