Abstract
Most organisations intend to implement cloud computing (CC) to realise the benefits that CC brings. Among other benefits, it provides organisations with on-demand and scalable solutions with minimal management, which are cost effective and flexible by allowing organisations to focus on their core businesses. However, cloud computing brings complexities and risks to IT projects.
The main goal of this research was to develop a conceptual framework to assist organisations to effectively implement cloud computing projects. Traditional project management approaches no longer geared to addresses the challenges and complexities that come with ever changing, volatile environments and technologies like cloud computing. In addition, there is limited knowledge and research on how to effectively implement cloud computing projects.
The goals of the research were first to explore project management (PM) knowledge areas and project approaches that would be required to implement CC projects. Second, to establish whether or not cloud computing is different from traditional information technology (IT) through the lens of project management principles. Third, by understanding the complexities brought by cloud computing to IT projects by applying complexity theory; fourth, by applying middle-range theory approach to construct cloud computing project management framework. Middle-range theory approach was adopted because no grand theory was found that address this new and specific area of cloud computing project management research.
The research used a qualitative exploratory approach. The approach was suitable because the research explored the ‘how’ question; how organisations can effectively implement a cloud computing project. Semi-structured interviews were adopted, and 16 participants were interviewed. The researcher elicited the understanding, perceptions, and views from IT project managers and IT professionals with experience and skills of implementing cloud projects...