Impact of Move On Cloud Computing Applications From Traditional Environment in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

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Impact of move on cloud computing applications from traditional

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Impact of move on cloud computing applications from traditional environment in
higher education institutions of Pakistan
A thesis submitted to the Robert Gordon University in partial fulfilment of
the requirements for the degree of MSC Information Management
By
Tariq Muhmood
Master in Library & Information Science,
University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
The Robert Gordon University
October 2016
1
Acknowledgement
I would like to thanks, Dr Allan MacLennan supervisor, for his continuous
supervision and guidance during dissertation research. He did not guide me in
dissertation only but I receive inspirations and guidance throughout the whole
session. Whenever I feel problem in the study, he responds quickly. Thank you
very much, Dr Allan MacLennan. I salute to YOU.
I would like to thanks, Dr Konstantina Martzoukou and all other respectable
teachers to whom I learn knowledge and skills sitting a thousand miles away. I
salute all of them who share their wisdom and knowledge to polish our skills.
They made us a shining star. Thank you very much you all.
I would like to thanks, Abdul Rasheed PhD student in our university, COMSATS
Institute of Information Technology Islamabad, who care me and provide
assistance in the whole process of dissertation preparation.
I would like to thanks my wife especially who give me time for study. She always
cares about me when I was busy in a study. She also gives her time to my study
in shape of tea serving, food arrangement etc.
I can not forget my parents who kept on praying for my success. My current
position is just due to their hard work and dedication. I salute to both. God bless
them.
Tariq Mahmood
MSC Information Management
0711909
2
Abstract
Higher Education Commission Pakistan is an institute which is responsible for
managing higher education in country. It is their responsibility to improve the
quality standard, enhance education delivery system and teacher’s performance.
It is started various programs in 2002 with its formation to uplift higher
education sector. Moving on cloud applications is one of them. They introduce
MS Office 365 with other important software through a private cloud. This move
is at the initial stage. ICT impact assessment framework model applies to find
the impact of the move. To assure data accuracy and validity, mixed method
approach applies. Quantitative data gathered through the questionnaire based
on five points Likert scale and analysed results with descriptive statistics,
correlation and regression analysis. Four universities were selected with a
mechanism to conduct interviews for qualitative data gathering. A recursive
abstraction technique applies to analyse it. Dependent variables are analysed
one by one as well as combine analysis is also performed to know overall impact
of the move. Descriptive statics, correlation and regression analysis results show
a significant relationship between traditional IT environment with all other
independent variables. It means that move on cloud application has significant
impact on traditional environment.
3
Contents
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Contents ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
List of tables ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
List of figures ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………….9
1.2. Background and rationale …………………………………………………………….10
1.3. Problem statement ………………………………………………………………………..11
1.4. Aim and objectives ………………………………………………………………………..12
1.5. Research questions ………………………………………………………………………..13
1.6. Significance of the study ……………………………………………………………….14
1.7. Organisation of the thesis ……………………………………………………………..15
Chapter 2 Research Methodology

2.1. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………16
2.2. Theoretical framework model ……………………………………………………….16
2.3. Mixed methods approach ……………………………………………………………..18
2.4. Mixed methods research ……………………………………………………………….18
2.5. Rationale behind Mixed Method approach ……………………………………19
2.6. Quantitative research approach ……………………………………………………19
2.7. Geographical area…………………………………………………………………………..20
2.8. Population and data sampling………………………………………………………..20
2.9. Quantitative data collection instruments……………………………………….20
2.9.1. Survey instrument ………………………………………………………………………….21
2.9.2. Measurement scale ………………………………………………………………………..21
2.10. Definition of research variables …………………………………………………….22
2.11. Quantitative data analysis ……………………………………………………………..23
2.11.1. Data tabulation……………………………………………………………………..24
2.11.2. Descriptive data analysis………………………………………………………24
2.11.3. Data disaggregation……………………………………………………………..24
2.11.4. Moderate and advanced analytical methods ………………………24
2.12. Qualitative data ……………………………………………………………………………..25
2.12.1. Qualitative data collection……………………………………………………25
2.12.2. Qualitative data collection instrument ……………………………….25
2.12.2.1. Interview technique …………………………………………………………….25
2.12.2.2. Focus groups ……………………………………………………………………….26
2.12.2.3. Observations ……………………………………………………………………….26
2.12.2.4. Action research ……………………………………………………………………26
2.12.3. Interview questions …………………………………………………………….26
2.12.4. Interview participants …………………………………………………………26
2.13. Qualitative data analysis ……………………………………………………………….28
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2.14. Ethical considerations ………………………………………………………………..29
Chapter 3 Background literature

3.1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………..31
3.2. ICT development ………………………………………………………………………..31
3.3. Cloud computing …………………………………………………………………………32
3.3.1. Service models of cloud computing …………………………………………..32
3.3.1.1. Software as a service (SaaS) ………………………………………….33
3.3.1.2. Platform as a Service (PaaS) …………………………………………..33
3.3.1.3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) …………………………………..33
3.3.2. Cloud development models …………………………………………………………34
3.3.3. Cloud computing platforms …………………………………………………………34
3.3.4. Cloud computing characteristics …………………………………………………35
3.3.5. Cloud computing security ……………………………………………………………35
3.3.6. Cloud computing challenges………………………………………………………..35
3.3.7. Future of cloud computing ………………………………………………………...36
3.4. Cloud applications …………………………………………………………………….….36
3.4.1. Cloud applications for education sector ……………………………….……..36
3.5. ICT in higher education sector…………………………………………...………..37
3.6. E-Learning mode of delivery in higher education sector …………….37
3.7. Cloud usage in higher education sector ……………………………………….38
3.8. Cloud computing and Pakistan ……………………………………………………..38
3.8.1. Cloud computing and skilled human labor …………………………………..39
3.8.2. Cloud services providers in Pakistan……………………………………………..39
3.9. Cloud usage in higher education sector of Pakistan …………………….39
Chapter 4 Results and analysis

4.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………….41
4.2. Quantitative analysis ………………………………………………………………………41
4.3. Research variables ………………………………………………………………………….41
4.4. Positive effects ………………………………………………………………………………..42
4.4.1. Economic impact …………………………………………………………………………….42
4.4.1.1. Combine analysis of economic impact ………………………………..45
4.4.2. Technological impact ………………………………………………………………………47
4.4.3. Environmental impact …………………………………………………………………….50
4.4.4. Impact on human resources ………………………………………………………….53
4.4.5. Impact on governance …………………………………………………………………..54
4.4.6. Impact on procedures …………………………………………………………………….56
4.4.7. Analysis of positive effects …………………………………………………………….57
4.4.8. Descriptive statistics of positive effects responses ……………………..59
4.4.8.1. Economic impact………………………………………………………………….60
4.4.8.2. Technological impact ………………………………………………………….60
4.4.8.3. Environmental impact………………………………………………………….60
4.4.8.4. Impact on human resources ……………………………………………..60
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4.4.8.5. Impact on governance …………………………………………………………61
4.4.8.6. Impact on procedure …………………………………………………………..61
4.5. Challenges addressed by cloud computing ……………………………..…..61
4.5.1. Descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud computing
applications ……………………………………………………………………………………..65
4.6. Technology integration ………………………………………………………………....66
4.6.1. Descriptive statistics of technological integration responses ……….69
4.7. Incentives for IT professionals …………………………………………………….…70
4.7.1. Descriptive statistics of incentives for
IT professional’s responses ……………………………………………………………73
4.8. Traditional IT environment …………………………………………………………….73
4.9. Correlation analysis ………………………………………………………………………..75
4.10. Multivariate analysis (Regression analysis)……………………………………77
4.11. Qualitative data analysis …………………………………………………………………79
4.11.1. Selection criteria ………………………………………………………………….79
4.11.2. Selected universities ……………………………………………………………79
4.11.3. Interview sessions ……………………………………………………………….80
4.11.4. Data transcription ………………………………………………………………..80
4.11.5. Data analysis technique ……………………………………………………….80
4.11.6. Data analysis with recursive abstraction …………………………….80
4.11.6.1. Highlight interesting points…………………………………………………..80
4.11.6.2. Transfer highlighted points in a table …………………………………80
4.11.6.3. Paraphrase points to make concise and manageable ………..84
4.11.6.4. Combine answers and create themes………………………………….86
4.11.7. Concise analysis of responses …………………………………………….88
Chapter 5 Summery and conclusion ……………………………………………….………90
References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………93
Appendix A: Survey questionnaire ……………………………………………………………..104
Appendix B: Interview Semi-Structured Questionnaire ………………………………109
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List of tables:
Table 1: University selection criterion……………………………………………………………27,79
Table 2: Selected universities……………………………………………………………………….28,79
Table 3: Variables definition ………………………………………………………………………………41
Table 4: Economic impact ……………………………………………………………………………………42
Table 5: Combine analysis of economic impact …………………………………………………45
Table 6: Technological impact ……………………………………………………………………………47
Table 7: Environmental impact……………………………………………………………………………50
Table 8: impact on human resources ……………………………………………………………….53
Table 9: Impact on governance……………………………………………………………………………55
Table 10: Impact on procedures………………………………………………………………………….56
Table 11: Analysis of positive effects……………………………………………………………………57
Table 12: Descriptive statistics of positive effects responses ……………………………59
Table 13: Challenges addressed by cloud computing …………………………………………61
Table 14: Descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud computing ….65
applications
Table 15: Technology integration ……………………………………………………………………….66
Table 16: Descriptive statistics of technological integration responses……………69
Table 17: Incentives for IT professionals……………………………………………………………70
Table 18: Descriptive statistics of incentives for IT professional’s responses …73
Table 19: Traditional IT environment ………………………………………………………………..73
Table 20: Pearson Correlation between dependent and independent variables 75
Table 21: Multivariate Regression ………………………………………………………………………77
Table 22: Transfer highlighted points in a table …………………………………………………81
Table 23: Paraphrase points to make concise and manageable ………………………84
Table 24: Combine answers and create themes…………………………………………….86
7
List of figures (Bar charts)
Figure 1: Economic impact, Question No. 1…………………………………………………………43
Figure 3: Economic impact, Question No. 3………………………………………………………..44
Figure 5: Economic impact, Combine analysis ……………………………………………………47
Figure 6: Technological impact ……………………………………………………………………………50
Figure 7 Environmental impact ……………………………………………………………………………52
Figure 8: Impact on human resources……………………………………………………………….54
Figure 9: Impact on governance …………………………………………………………………………55
Figure 10: Impact on procedures ……………………………………………………………………….57
Figure 11: Analysis of positive affects ………………………………………………………………..58
Figure 12: Challenges addressed by cloud computing ……………………………………..65
Figure 13: Technological integration ………………………………………………………………..69
Figure 14: Incentives for IT professionals ……………………………………………..…………72
Figure 15: Traditional IT environment ………………………………………………………………75
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CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Higher education institutions have great importance in the development of a
country (Escrigas 2008; Thomson 2008; Lazowska et. El. 2008). This is an
era of knowledge economy. Developed countries transferred their economies
into knowledge economies (Houghton, and Sheehan 2000) which raise their
GDP rapidly and improve living standard of natives. A significant increase is
seen in every field of life with the emergence of ICT (Tiwari 2008), especially
due to advancement in information technologies. Companies, institutions,
and individuals can now communicate and disseminate information through
the internet easily & quickly (Torero and Braun 2006; Chen and Dahlman
2005).
America and European countries are using ICT extensively in the education
sector to facilitate academicians (Youssef and Ragni 2008) whereas this
trend is getting popular in developing countries also (Obijiofor, Inayatullah
and Stevenson 2005). Earlier ICT equipment and internet bandwidth were
inadequate (Smet and Dhamdhere 2016) and much expensive that was not
in reach of academic institutes of underdeveloped economies but now latest
equipment is available at cheap rates as compared to the past due to
advancement in information technologies (Marks 2002). Secondly, the expert
human resource was a big hurdle. Cloud computing technology resolves such
issues. Now academic institutions can use a lot of ICT applications without
deploying on their own servers (Pardeshi 2014). In short, cloud computing
9
applications are playing a vital role to improve academic activities in
educational institutions of developing countries as well.
1.2 Background and rationale
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is a body to control higher
education institutions, including universities and degree awarding institutions in
Pakistan (World Bank 2007). There are 179 public & private institutions which
are listed with higher education commission Pakistan (HEC recognised
universities, 2016).
Before 2002, it was called University Grant Commission (UGC) whose area of
working was very limited (Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, 2016).
Higher education was not the priority of the earlier governments so they did not
pay much attention to this sector, nor allocate handsome funds to promote
higher education in the country (World Bank 2007). Due to limited funds, UGC
could not play an effective role to the progress of higher education sector in
Pakistan. In 2002, world-renowned scientist Dr Atta ur Rehman took charge of
the UGC (ATTA-UR-RAHMAN (chemist), 2016). The government has full
confidence in him. They provide him moral & financial support. He was well
aware of new strategies & technologies which are being adopted in developed
countries of the world. Frist of all he changed the status of the institute as
“Higher Education Commission” from “University Grant Commission” under
presidential order 2002 and prepare reforms to overhaul the institute. He
introduces lots of changes in structure & procedures of the institute. He makes a
comprehensive plan to uplift higher education in the country. He plans to send
more than 5000 scholars in three phases in European and American universities
for higher degrees (ATTA-UR-RAHMAN, 2016). At present, about 85% scholars
10
have been returned and serving in Pakistani universities. He also plans to
establish world-class labs and libraries equipped with latest ICT facilities in
universities to provide the same environment which they were using in European
countries. He arranges world class publications in digital format under HEC
consortium. It boosts research productivity rapidly. It is reported that there were
about 11763 research publications from 1975 to 2002 whereas a rapid increase
is seen after 2002. In the single year 2014, about 7966 impact factor research
publications have been published (Malik, 2015) in renowned journals whereas
citable documents reached up to 10318 in the year 2015 (SJR, 2016) which
shows tremendous progress in research output.
Under ongoing reforms program, HEC signs a contract with Microsoft in 2012 to
provide licensed software and technological facilities for faculty and students of
HEIs in Pakistan. These facilities are free of cost for end users. Microsoft
provides cloud computing application, Share Point along with various apps like
MS office 2016, Exchange, MS Azure, Skype for business, Mail, Yammer,
Calendar, People, One Drive, Task, Delve, Video, Sway and Class Notes (Farooq,
2015). HEC was working on the project from day first. They establish private
cloud in their premises to facilitate users (HEC 2016). It is matured in February
2016 and properly being used in Pakistani HEIs.
1.3 Problem statement
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were using traditional techniques to deliver
education in Pakistan. Their way of teaching and classrooms were traditional.
ICT usage was limited. There were no communication and collaboration
mechanism among faculties and HEIs. Research scholars were not aware which
research is going on in other institutes.
11
In traditional settings, each university/ institute has to establish server rooms
which require a huge budget to purchase server machines, software, UPS/
generator as power backup to run services 24/7, skill human labour and bear
continuous maintenance cost.
HEC introduced lots of reforms in the higher education sector to produce quality
education and research productivity in 2002. To eliminate expenses and to
facilitate IT departments in universities, HEC establishes private cloud under
their umbrella and offer cloud computing application “MS SharePoint” to
universities which are a combination of various apps introduced to increase
contents productivity, communication, dissemination, collaboration and
knowledge sharing. The deployment of cloud applications will certainly overcome
on various issues which are highlighted above. The current study is being
conducted to evaluate an impact of this move on cloud applications from
traditional settings.
1.4 Aim and objectives
Higher education commission launched this project recently. It is at the initial
stage at the moment. Universities have established networks and hire qualified
staff accordingly.
The prime focus of the study is:
 To evaluate the impact of the current move to cloud applications
from traditional settings in HEIs of Pakistan.
 Is it effective change? Will it show a significant response? To
answer all these questions and to achieve above mentioned aim
various objectives are defined which are given in the following:
 To find positive effects of this move on higher education sector?
12
 To know challenges addressed by cloud applications
 To study integration of cloud applications with existing equipment
 To study incentives for IT professionals
1.5 Research Questions
In research, the main question along with sub-questions are significant
components (Collins & Hussey 2009; Mason 2006) and core ingredient
(Alvesson 2013). Their agreement or disagreement with the research
findings conclude final results.
The core research question is to find the impact of the move on cloud
applications from traditional settings in HEIs of Pakistan. Main research
question is given in the following:
“Have move on cloud computing applications significant impact over
traditional environment in HEIs of Pakistan”
To address the main question comprehensively, it is divided into four
major categories, positive effects, challenges, integration, and incentives
for IT professionals. These categories will be evaluated individually under
cloud environment against the traditional environment to extract results
of the main question.
Sub-questions are given in the following:
Q1 Have cloud applications positive effects over traditional IT
environment?
Q2 Are cloud applications addressing more challenges as compared to
traditional IT environment?
Q3 Is cloud applications integration easier than traditional IT
environment?
13
Q4 Have cloud applications additional incentives for IT professionals as
compared to traditional IT environment?
1.6 Significance of the study
In this research, new initiative of Higher Education Commission “move on cloud
applications from traditional settings” is being studied to evaluate its impact of
move specifically whereas positive effects on higher education, challenges
addressed by cloud applications, integration with existing setup and incentives
for IT professionals is also being studied generally.
The prospective beneficiary of the study would be future researchers, higher
education commission, ministry of education, planning division, ministry of
finance, institutes and third party vendors
The current study is first in nature to know the impact of the move on cloud
applications in higher education institutions in Pakistan. No earlier work found in
the literature on the usage of cloud applications in HEIs of Pakistan. This
research will use as a base document in future which will help prospective
researchers and give them documentary states on the topic.
Higher Education Commission is investing handsome amount on the project.
Current research will be beneficial for them also which will help them to do
future strategic planning. They will get awareness about, what end users are
thinking about the project. Are they facing problems in some area? On the basis
of research findings, they can modify processes and policies.
Ministry of finance, Minister of education and planning division are government
institutions which are directly involved in such project to accommodate
governmental objectives. They make plans, strategies to implement, allocate
sufficient funds and keep an eye on their success. This research will give them
14
documented statistics so that they can modify the policy to get better results in
future.
Universities and degree awarding institutes are major stakeholders in the
project. To see the research findings, they can rank themselves, where they
stand. What is their weakness? Network team is capable of handling future move
or not?
This research is equally beneficial for third party vendors like IT equipment
vendors, environment protection agencies, air conditioner vendors etc. They will
get direction from the research. What trend is going to carry on in HEIs? They
will import equipment accordingly. Environment agencies will know, how this
move positively effect on the environment. On the basis of findings, they will be
in the position to design improved guidelines to make the environment better.
1.7 Organization of the thesis
This thesis is organised as follow:
The current chapter introduces with the background of the study, problem
statement, aim & objectives and significance of the study.
The second chapter introduces with research methodology used in the
study.
The third chapter presents background literature which is published on the
topic.
In chapter four, results and analysis of the study are presenting.
The chapter five presents summery and conclusion of the study.
15
Chapter 2
Research Methodology
2.1. Introduction
An extensive literature review reveals that earlier researchers evaluate
impact of cloud computing in respect of one or two elements in an
organization like economic impact, cost & security impact (Dimitrov and
Osman 2012), cost benefits analysis (Chandra and Borah 2012) etc. Author
did not find a single study which can evaluate impact of move in higher
education sector. However, he finds a model with name “ICT impact
assessment model” presented by Nafisat Afolake Adedokun Shittu and Abdul
Jaleel Kehinde Shittu (2013) which is a combination of Kirkpatrick’s
successive four level model (Kirkpatrick 1996) and the stufflebeam’s CIPP
evaluation model (Stufflebeam 2000). This new model covers all major areas
of study like positive effects (benifits), challenges, integration problems and
incentives for professional staff to evaluate impact of newly introduced ICT
technology in an organization. It is decided to use this model in the study as
it is most appropriate with research topic and can evaluate number of related
variables.
2.2. Theoretical framework model
ICT impact assessment model is used in a current study to evaluate an impact of
the move on cloud computing applications in higher education institutions of
Pakistan from traditional environment. This model is presented by Nafisat
Afolake Adedokun-Shittu and Abdul Jaleel Kehinde Shittu. The first contributor is
working in a college of business whereas the second is working in a school of
computing in university Utara Malaysia. As there was no ICT impact assessment
16
model in higher education sector so they studied two different models and
design a new model with their combination which can evaluate ICT impact in
higher education institutions.
Kirkpatrick’s successive four-level model is based on four pillars which are
reaction, learning, behaviour transfer and result. Daniel Stufflebeam’s CIPP
evaluation model is also based on four pillars which are impact, effectiveness,
transportability and sustainability. Shittu combines elements of both these
models and extracts four new elements to access ICT impact. They pick reaction
and learning elements from Kirkpatrick whereas impact and effectiveness from
CIPP model which produced a new element “positive effect”. Further, they pick
behaviour transfer from Kirkpatrick and transportability from CIPP and generate
a new term “incentives/ drive. Same like that they pick the result from
Kirkpatrick and sustainability from CIPP and generate “integration” term for new
ICT impact assessment model. Although Shittu’s use all elements presented in
Kirkpatrick and CIPP models but they were not satisfied. They feel the gap. So
they introduced a new term “challenges” to address problems faced by users due
to the deployment of technology. Hence they presented a new ICT impact
assessment model with the amalgamation of Kirkpatrick and CIPP model.
ICT impact assessment model is used in the current study which
comprehensively addresses impact assessment issues. This model is covering
four areas which are positive effects, integration, incentives and challenges.
Respondents opinion will be gathered according to above mentioned four areas
to evaluate an impact of a move on cloud applications from traditional settings.
17
2.3. Mixed methods approach
Mixed method approach is widely used in social science research which is known
as a third methodological movement. This approach is known as mixed method
research (Tashakkori and Teddlie 2010) as well. Various terms are used to
represent this discipline in literature as triangulation, combined, multi-method,
mixed methodology, mixed research, quantitative & qualitative approach and
mixed method.
Mixed method approach is being implemented for data collection and analysis.
Its reason is, mixed method approach is a combination of quantitative as well as
qualitative analysis. One approach validates results against another approach
that assure authenticity and validity.
2.4. Mixed methods research
There is no compact definition of mixed method research in literature. Various
experts define mixed method differently. Creswell and Plano Clark (2007) define
mixed method as:
“Mixed method research sis a research design with philosophical
assumptions as well as methods of inquiry. As a methodology, it
involves philosophical assumptions that guide the direction of the
collection and analysis of data and the mixture of qualitative and
quantitative data in a single study or series of studies. Its central
premise is that the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in
combination provides a better understanding of research problems
that either approach alone.”
18
2.5. Rationale behind Mixed Method approach
Mixed method approach is widely used in social sciences to assure accuracy and
validity of research results. Following is the rationale to use mixed method
approach:
 A single approach is not sufficient to explore the impact of
the move.
 Quantitative data is gathered through a survey. Some
participants do not bother to read properly that’s why to
decide to use qualitative approach also.
 Sometimes respondents do not understand the sense of the
scenario.
 Often respondents require knowing more information about
the topic.
 In the quantitative method, there is no authenticity that
appropriate person has fill the questioner.
 The researcher can not visit all participants to conduct
interviews if the population is widely spread.
 Respondents availability for an interview is a big question.
2.6. Quantitative research approach
The quantitative research approach is widely used in scientific as well as social
sciences research. Responses can be presented in number form which can
evaluate comprehensively through mathematical or statistical analysis. Current
study adopted quantitative research approach as a part of mixed method
approach to get responses from users located in a widespread area. The detail of
quantitative research design is given in the following sections.
19
2.7. Geographical area
This study is not covering all universities of Pakistan due to wide distance. It
could be difficult to reach all universities for data gathering. So the selected
public sector universities are 52, geographically located in twin cities
Rawalpindi/ Islamabad and province of the Punjab.
2.8. Population and sampling
An in-depth search of the literature revealed that there is no hard and fast rule
or formula to measure population size. It could be small or large, depends on
one’s research objectives. The current study is going to evaluate an impact of
the move on cloud applications from traditional settings in higher education
sector of Pakistan. The topic of the study clearly indicating that movement on
one computer application from other is under discussion in institutes/
universities of Pakistan. It reveals that computer experts of universities would be
the population.
IT managers are looking after all affairs of network services in universities so
they are the population of the study. Selected universities are 52 in number and
top first or second positions in IT departments is contacted to get the response.
As respondents are very selective so all are included in the population.
2.9. Quantitative data collection instruments
Data collection instrument is carefully designed because the whole structure of
the research would base on it. Various studies use various instruments. Some
are designed in-house to address the particular nature of study whereas a large
number of researchers apply predefined instruments. A literature review
revealed that survey method as an instrument to collect data is widely used in
20
social sciences researchers. This instrument was developed by Adorno et. Al.
(1950) to measure authoritarianism. Later on, this instrument got popularity in
social science circle and being used in almost all quantitative research projects.
2.9.1. Survey instrument
Survey instrument is widely used in research to get a response from the
selective population. The main advantage of the survey instrument is sent to a
large population which is scattered over a wide area and it was difficult for the
researcher to touch one by one. Dictionary dot com (2016) define survey as:
“To take a general or comprehensive view of or appraise, as a situation,
area of study, etc.”.
Wikipedia highlights that it is a field of statistics to study population units
through questionnaires (Wikipedia 2016).
Above mentioned definitions are explaining that survey is used to collect general
or comprehensive view of the population through a questionnaire. It means that
questionnaire has the central position to conduct the survey.
2.9.2. Measurement Scales
In research methodology, there are four known scales which are nominal,
ordinal, interval and ratio scales. Each scale is used for specific purposes and
studies. In nominal scale, data is presented in categories without alignment. The
question structure is normally in YES/ No format. The second measurement
scale is ordinal scale. It is also called rank order scale. In ordinal scale, questions
are asked in a rank order form. Respondents give their choices to select one
option from various rank options. Statistical measurements in nominal scale are
median, mode, rank order correlation and non-parametric analysis of variance.
21
The third scale is interval scale which is called standard survey rating scale also.
This scale is normally used to know satisfaction level of participants which is
measured through five point, seven point or nine-point scales. Parametric
statistical techniques like mean, standard deviation, correlation, regression,
analysis of variance and factor analysis are used to measures results. The fourth
and last scale is ratio scale which is the simplest scale to draw and extract
results.
The current study is required to evaluate an impact of one environment over
another. It needs to get choices of selected population. In above mentioned four
scales, interval scale is dealing with choices and satisfactions. This study deals
with choices so interval scale is selected to evaluate results.
Renowned psychologist Rensis Likert introduced 5-point scale to measure
person’s attitudes for his Ph. D. thesis in 1932 (Likert, 2016). Later on, this scale
associates with his name and known as Likert scale. He presents Likert scale in
the range of five points like strongly disagree, disagree, not known, agree,
strongly agree. However, practice is seen up to 7 or 9 categories. In current
study 5 points Likert Scale is used to get responses from respondents.
2.10. Definition of research variables
Variables in a research have key importance. The whole structure of research is
based on variables. A variable is an attribute or characteristic of a group,
individual or the environment which is under study. These are age, gender,
education level, performance, ability, quality etc. which can be measured easily
to implement statistical analysis. A variable can be divided into two more types,
independent variables and dependent variables. An independent variable is
22
standalone without changing its state due to some changes in another variable.
If a variable changed its state, it will recall dependent variable.
This study has independent as well as dependent variables. Independent
variable is positive effects, technology integration, incentives for professionals
and challenges addressed by cloud applications. On other hands, there is only
one dependent variable which is traditional IT environment. Each independent
variable will be analysed against dependent variable and all independent
variables will also analyse later on against dependent variable to draw required
results.
2.11. Quantitative data analysis
Data has two forms, numeric and non-numeric. Numeric data can be easily
quantifiable and make it understandable to implement some analysis. Non-
numeric data can also be analysed but its process is difficult.
Raw data is a garbage. No one can extract conclusive results. Each research
project has the objective to produce a presentable report which has some
meaning to act upon. There are some strategies to analysis quantitative data
which are given in the following:
 Data tabulation
 Descriptive data analysis
 Data disaggregation
 Moderate and advanced analytical methods
23
2.11.1. Data tabulation
Frequency and percent distribution are used to tabulate research variables. The
data is gathered according to variables in shape of groups and implement
frequency distribution or percentage to draw results.
2.11.2. Descriptive data analysis
Descriptive statistics refer to measures large data sets to make it presentable or
give a sensible view so that observer can get understanding. In descriptive
statistics mean, median, mode and maximum & minimum values are identified.
2.11.3. Data disaggregation
Data disaggregation is implemented on tabulated data. It means that data is
purified in the first step then disaggregation applies through crosstabs analysis.
2.11.4. Moderate and advanced analytical methods
Correlation, regression and analysis of variance are moderate and advanced
analytical methods to measure required results. These analyses are difficult
to perform manually, however, there is computer software SPSS, SAS,
STATA, MINITAB etc. also available for researchers to measure such
complicated analysis.
At first descriptive statistical analysis will be performed. Later on, moderate
and advanced analytical methods like correlation & regression will also be
performed to analyse data.
24
2.12. Qualitative data
A data which represent qualities of an item is called qualitative data. Qualities of
an item like the sweetness of one’s voice, softness of skin, taste of burger are
not measurable in quantity. It can be described but not defined (Bryman, 2008).
2.12.1. Qualitative data collection
In qualitative data collection approach, a direct attraction is required with
respondents so it is much time consuming and expensive. Usually, this technique
is used to gather data from a small population.
2.12.2. Qualitative data collection instrument
Data collection techniques for qualitative analysis are given in the following:
 Interview
 Focus groups
 Observations
 Self-study
 Ethnography
 Action research
2.12.2.1. Interview technique
An interview is a conversation among researcher and
respondent. It is in a format of the structured interview,
unstructured interview and semi-structured interview. In the
structured interview format, questions are on standard
information. None of both can extend from boundaries
(Arksey and Knight, 1999). Questions are open-ended in
unstructured interview format whereas semi-structured is a
25
combination of both formats. In semi-structured interview
questions are structured whereas respondents are
independent to answer questions.
2.12.2.2. Focus groups
In focus group strategy, a group gives a response about
perception, beliefs, attitude and opinion regarding concept,
service, idea or advertisement.
2.12.2.3. Observations
A researcher uses his/ her senses and examine the situation
carefully. Then he/ she describe the situation in Observation
format.
2.12.2.4. Action research
Action research is a format to record observations on spot. When an
activity is being performed, it is noted to evaluate results.
In above section, quantitative data collection techniques are described
comprehensively. To see the study objectives, semi-structured
interview technique is most appropriate so it is used to collect
responses from a selective population.
2.12.3. Interview questions
Interview questions are prepared on the basis of survey questionnaire which is
covering four independent variables and one dependent variable.
2.12.4. Interview participants
The population of this study is IT managers of 52 public sector universities. It
was not possible to interview all respondents due to long geographical distance.
26
It is decided to interview six universities. The selection of these six universities is
based on university ranking which Higher Education Commission Pakistan issues
every year. To get more accuracy and data integrity, two universities are
selected from the upper ranks, two from middle ranks and two from last ranks.
This specific selection criterion is used to maintain the accuracy of results. In
case to select all top rank universities results accuracy was doubted. All top rank
universities already have good IT infrastructure so their responses were
expected to comes in favour. In another case, lower rank universities or mid-
rank universities were not in a positon to produce accurate responses. It is
decided to get two universities from the top, two from mid and two from lower
rank universities so that all level of universities can represent and give their
responses. Universities selection criterion is given in the following table
Table 1: University selection criterion
Categories HEC ranking score
Two top universities fall in score 67-100
Following universities fall on above mentioned criteria. It could be seen that
there is no university in lower rank. The reason is that all selected universities
get score more than 33 so not a single university from the population fall in
lower rank category.
27
Table 2: Selected Universities
Universities Rank Rank
score
Top Rank Quaid e Azam University 100 1
Islamabad, Pakistan
University of the Punjab, Lahore, 85.014 2
Pakistan
Middle rank PMAS Arid Agriculture university 63.539 5
Rawalpindi, Punjab
Government college university 60.348 7
Faisal Abad, Punjab
Lower rank
2.13. Qualitative data analysis
Qualitative data is based on impressions, attributes and respondent’s
expressions so nature of data is text. It is not available in number form to
evaluate however can be converted into numbers with coding technique to
analyse complex qualitative data through computer software. Normally MAXQDA,
ATLAS.ti, QDA MINER, NVIVI and Dedoose software are used to analyse
qualitative data however NVivo has widely used software in social sciences.
There are some other data analysis techniques to evaluate qualitative data which
are recursive abstraction and coding & thinking techniques. But recursive
abstraction technique is most popular to evaluate data without coding. It is
favourite for data analysis of the small population. In this techniques, data is
28
summarised twice then gather under common subjects to analysed. It is very
easy and widely used in organisations which have a small number of population.
Dr Martyn Polkinghorne and Amy Arnold (2014) explain qualitative data analysis
through recursive abstraction comprehensively. They define it in six easy steps.
Aa a first step, they urge to highlight all interested or relevant portions of
interview questions. In the second step put all highlighted portions along with
interview questions in a table. Now paraphrase the extracted text in the third
step. There is a possibility that some common thought gathered under one
them. It needs to delete one common thought in the fourth step. In the fifth
step, combine common thoughts under one subject. Recursive abstraction
process is almost completed. There are few control data elements like sex, age,
institution name etc. in an interview. The sixth step is to rearrange data
according to control data. This will show responses in presentation form.
Population for an interview in the study is small and above mentioned software
were not available to analyse qualitative data so it is decided to use recursive
abstraction technique for data analysis. This technique is easy and being used
widely in social science circle.
2.14. Ethical considerations
At the start of research few ethical principles are defined so that research work
could run smoothly. The current research is conducted with own expenses. It is
not demanded from a parent organisation or another funding agency. Few
funding bodies were available but did not pursue due to wastage of time so
researcher decided to carry on with own expenses. It was also decided that
university resources like computer, printer and scanner will not be used in
29
research work. This activity will be performed after duty hours, means during off
time.
A lot of third persons were also involved in the research process like respondent,
mediators and statistical data analyser. Mediators were librarians of selected
universities. Researcher contact with them at the time of survey questionnaire
dissemination which makes response submission activity quick and fast. It was
decided to contact with them as per their suitability and availability. To contact
with them SMS service will be used. In case they give their availability, a short
call will be made to communicate a message. Most of the time researcher
contacted directly to respondents but the same term of reference was strictly
followed. Sometimes researcher requires to visit respondents to get a response
in shape of questionnaire or interview, an early message was sent and got time
for the meeting. If he/ she agree or show availability on the day, researcher
visits him. In another case, wait for the green signal from his side.
The research is related to move from one paradigm to another. It is not going to
disturb any department or organisation, however, can facilitate them with
research results. So there was no legal conflict to discuss said issue or get
responses from IT managers of universities. Required information was not
personal nature of their own or parent organisation so they show willingness
easily.
30
Chapter 3
Background literature
3.1 Introduction
Cloud computing is new computing environment in Pakistan. It is being
introduced in services sectors rapidly. At present, cloud service providers,
expert professionals and clients are few in number. Institutions, companies,
entrepreneur and individuals are hesitating to adopt cloud application due to
data security, privacy, storage at anonymous place and recovery fear in case
of disaster. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan established data
center in alliance with Microsoft Pakistan in his premises and offering cloud
services to public universities.
Cloud computing environment is highly feasible for low economies like

Pakistan. All public sector organizations and institutions are facing budget
shortage. They could not implement latest information technology in their
departments due to rapid advancement in hardware and software. They have
no sufficient budget to replace it with new versions on frequent bases. Recent
advancements in computing technologies are highly in favor of under
developed countries. Now they are able to subscribe latest versions at highly
low cost due to cloud computing technologies.
Pakistan is rapidly growing economy as compare to region. Internet and

mobile facilities are available to more than 70% population. Good number of
mobile users have china made IPhone due to low price and high performance.
It made feasible environment for cloud applications to grow rapidly. Internet
service providers of past are converting into cloud service providers now. At
present, they are few in number but growing gradually. Young generation
shows good interest to learn cloud applications due to emerging market. The
major fear among Pakistani entrepreneurs is data security that’s why they
are reluctant to adopt it. They have some trust on private clouds.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan sign a contract with Microsoft

Pakistan to provide MS Office 365 in higher education institutions. MS Office
365 is a package of various modules that is covering Mail, Task management,
latest MS Office (online & offline), Azuree to provide programming
environment, One drive for data storage and share point to manage resource.
3.2 ICT development

Information Communication Technologies (ICT) defined as “diverse set of
technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create,
disseminate, store and manage information” (Blurton 1999). With the
passage of time advanced communication means, storage devices and
networking tools introduced which are compact, economical and faster than
earliest. Voas and Zhang (2009) describe six phases of computing paradigms
31
which are mainframe, PC, network, internet, grid and cloud computing. In
first phase, user was interacting with mainframe system as a dummy client.
They become able to use personal system in second phase. Networking
technologies give users some liberty to communicate through servers. Forth
phase of computing “internet” is game changer. It gives wide access to
communicate globally. Grid computing in phase five introduced to create
shared network whereas cloud computing is latest computing technique
which store, communicate and disseminate information from central location.
Users connect through internet with cloud and work like a native PC.
3.3 Cloud computing

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) define cloud
computing as “Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous,
convenient, on demand network access to a shared pool of configurable
computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications and
services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal
management effort or service provider interaction” (Mell and Grance 2011).
Google dot come (access on 20 June 2016) define cloud computing in words
“the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to
store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal
computer”. Another definition of cloud computing is, a combination of
hardware and service which is delivered over the internet through data center
(Armbrust et. el. 2010). Each definition is elaborating that cloud computing is
a model which can be managed from central location and could be hired on
demand as per convenience of end users. It has lots of advantages over
earlier computing paradigms. It is available on-demand as a self-service with
broad network access. It can manage pooling and elasticity of resources
easily. Service providers and consumers can easily measure and monitor
services to assure transparency (Mell and Grance 2011).
Cloud computing is most hyped concept in IT and being matured rapidly

(Smith 2011). It was introduced by USA and extended in other first world
countries latter on. Salesforce launched first commercial cloud application in
1999, latter on Amazon in 2002 (Arif 2009). A revolutionary impact is seen in
IT industry with the emergence of cloud computing technology (Jindal and
Mishra 2013). CISCO release fifth annual global cloud index in October 2015
and predict that global cloud traffic increase more than quadruple by the end
of 2019. It further predicts that 73% data is being now stored on user’s PC
but major portion (51%) will move on non PC devices like tablets, mobile till
2019 (CISCO, 2015). Pew Internet / Elon University predicts that higher
education will move on tech centric solutions like teleconferencing, distance
learning and hybrid classes till 2020 (Lepi 2013).
3.3.1 Service models of cloud computing
Almost all publications on cloud computing refer service models which are
given in the following (Bento ed. 2012, Mell and Grance 2011).
32
3.3.1.1 Software as a Service (SaaS)
A client subscribes cloud services as per requirement. He needs not
to install software, antiviruses and other security patches on his
personal system. He signs in like Yahoo or Gmail to use cloud
services from his native PC. SaaS eliminates software installation,
hardware/ software upgradation and not to bear licensing cost as
well (Chang ed. 2015; Marston et. al. 2011, Grandinetti ed. 2013).
Installation of all required items is responsibility of the cloud service
provider. A client subscribes cloud services and pay agreed nominal
amount till the time of unsubscribe it. Google Apps, Salesforce,
Workday, Concur, Citrix go to meeting, Cisco webEx are common
examples of Software as a Service (SaaS) model (Apprenda 2016).
3.3.1.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a model that provide development
environment to programmers. It facilitates developers to develop
and deploy applications easily and quickly without installing
environment on their own PCs. Eclips, a java development platform
is an example of PaaS model. Users need not to download and
install on PC as its development studio is browser base.
(Grandinetti ed. 2013). Individual programmers and medium size
companies like PaaS platform because they need not to establish
and configure expensive server environment in their own premises.
In traditional system, individual user work individually on
application whereas PaaS provides integrated environment for
developers to write code and test applications same like in
production environment. A developer gets built in scalability, multi-
tenancy, security and reliability features without additional
configuration or development. Microsoft’s Azure provide
development, hosting and application management services.
3.3.1.3 Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas)

In IaaS environment, cloud service provider offers data processing
facilities, storage, network and fundamental computing resources.
Consumers can deploy operating systems and have limited control
over it to manage storage and deployed applications. IaaS service
provider outsource hardware equipment, storage, networks and
servers. They are responsible to house, run and maintain services.
AWS is a popular IaaS platform. S3 and Elastic block storage are
products of Amazon which are widely being used as IaaS
environment on payment. There are lots of open source IaaS
platforms also which are Open-Stack, OpenNebula (Nebula, 2010),
Eucalyptus (Nurmi et. al., 2009) and Nimbus (Nimbus Toolkit
Project 2010)
33
3.3.2 Cloud development models
Major cloud development models are public and private (Gens 2009)
whereas community and hybrid models are also existing (Mell and Grance
2011) which are adopted as per institutional requirement.
Public cloud is a service delivery model in which service provider offer IT
resources like CPU, storage and software facilities over the internet for
general public. In this model, subscribers use shared resources. There are
lots of public cloud service providers but Amazon EC2, Google app and
Force.com are best public clouds service providers.
Public cloud services are popular in general public and its subscribers are
increasing rapidly. It is most favorite platform for beginners and small
business owners. They need not to establish expensive server room
environment, hire skilled human force and purchase software/ hardware
to run services. An individual and small business owners can subscribe
public cloud services as they go. In public cloud, subscriber can hire few
services or limited storages to pay small amount. Further, he/ she can
extend services as his/ her business grow with the passage of time.
Cloud service providers are offering private cloud services as well for
dedicated clients. They assure availability, scalability, redundancy,
resource pooling and maintenance. Private cloud is equally popular among
subscribers but its clients are matured and corporate businesses. They
subscribe hardware/ software, storage, server and network exclusively to
assure security.
Community cloud is an infrastructure which is designed to use for specific

group of users. Whole group use pool of shared resources and pay for it.
community clouds examples can be seen in every field of life. UK’s G
cloud, Amazon’s GovCloud and EU’s cloud for Europe are examples of
government agencies. Same like that Optum’s health care cloud in health
sector, SITA’s ATI cloud in aviation industry, Oxford’s online research
database in higher education sector and Ericsson cloud system in telecom
sector (Murugesan and Bojanova, 2016).
Public cloud is open for all whereas private cloud is accessible only to
those who are owners or they allow to share with others and customers.
Hybrid cloud model is combination of public cloud and private cloud.
Hybrid cloud is established to create virtual computing environment
(Smoot and Tan 2012). This is most favorite model of enterprisers.
3.3.3 Cloud computing platforms

Lots of open source cloud application platforms are also available which are
nimbus, eucalyptus, open nebula, tplatform, enomaly elastic computing
plateform, Apache virtual computing lab (VLC), Amazon EC2, Google App
engine, IBM Cod, Juli cloud, Windows Azure etc (Endo et al 2010). Healthy
34
competition of cloud applications development is seen among giants of
software industry, Microsoft and Apple whereas same type of competition is
seen among hardware giants Intel and IBM (Khan et. al. 2014).
3.3.4 Cloud computing characteristics

Cloud computing is widely being adopted in the world due to its unique
features. Key characteristics of cloud computing are low cost, location
independence, agility, multi-tenancy, high scalability, sustainability, high
reliability and security. Various authors analyses cloud computing
definitions and highlight its characteristics. According to Vaquero et. al.
(2008) cloud computing has ten characteristics which are virtualization,
variety of resources, user friendliness, internet centric, pay per use,
infrastructure service level agreements and service (service level
agreements). Same like earlier D. M. Surgient (2009) present five defining
characteristics which are IT service centric approach, dynamic computing
infrastructure, consumption based billing, self-managed platform and self-
service usage model. D. Amrhein (2009) also present five essential
chrematistics of cloud computing which are virtualized infrastructure,
shared, elastic resource pools, self-service access, user based usage
tracking and consumable output. Almost all authors present cloud
computing chrematistics with little bit difference but all are agreed that
cloud computing environment is widely being used due to its exclusive
features.
3.3.5 Cloud computing security

IT administrators have major concerns regarding security and privacy on
cloud computing, especially on public cloud model. As it is used shared
network and services so chances of compromise are high. Entrepreneurs,
companies and institutions are horrified about data storage, its privacy,
redundancy and legal obligations of hosted country. Brodkin (2008)
highlighted seven significance issues which one should necessarily asked
from cloud provider before adopting. These issues are user privileges,
regularity compliance, data segregation, data location, recovery,
investigative support and long-term viability. Private cloud is preferable
and more secure than other models but its cost is high. Some clients
adopt hybrid cloud model that has good security features and low cost as
compare to private cloud.
3.3.6 Cloud computing challenges
Cloud computing applications have numerous limitations and critical

constraints also along with benefits (Odeh, Warwick and Garcia-Perez 2015).
Data security is prominently highlighted in literature. An institution must
have dependent on third party. Customer care and service quality could
compromise. Uncertainty about technology, compatibility issue, departmental
35
downsizing, lack of support services are major fears (Khajeh-Hosseini,
Greenwood and Sommerville 2010) in the minds of IT administrators.
Number of researches are available who suggest HEIs to adopt hybrid or
private cloud platform to reduce security concerns (Odeh, Warwick and
Garcia-Perez 2015; Dimitrov and Osman 2012).
3.3.7 Future of cloud computing

Services utilities like water, electricity, gas and telephone has become
essential part of one’s life. To keep in view rapid advancement in
information technology, computing is being predicted by experts as fifth
pillar of services utility in future (Buyya, 2009).
Industry analysts are predicting that cloud computing has $160 billion
market in future (Hamilton, 2008). According to Morgan Stanley (2008)
cloud computing is one of the most prominent technology trend. Rick
Dilgado (2014) write in a blog that all software will be available online by
year 2020 due to cloud move. In respect of Pakistan, Waqas Hashmi
country sale manager of Oracle predicted that future of cloud is bright in
Pakistan (Gul 2016).
3.4 Cloud applications

Lots of cloud based applications has been developed. These apps are
facilitating large and small businesses. Their list is much long but here are
describing most popular apps. Joe Panettieri (2016) research on cloud
applications and find 25 most popular Apps. In his list, Office 365, Google
Apps, Amazon Web Services, LinkedIn, Dropbox, Twiter, GoTo Meeting,
Facebook and Google Analytics are publicly known Apps are available along
with few others. Microsoft introduced a package of Apps under caption “Office
365” which has complete MS Office to handle documents, People to manage
people, Tasks to manage projects, Email, Azure for programming purpose.
This package is available online at minimal price for students and
researchers. Google Apps are also consisting on mail, one drive, people, task
etc. which are extensively being used, especially in student circle. Dropbox is
another popular App which is being used to store documents, disseminate
and collaborate with each other. Facebook and LinkedIn are most popular
Apps all around the World. World indicators are showing that Facebook is
highly used App. It is source for common users to share information,
pictures, videos etc. with friends, colleagues or relatives. LinkedIn is a good
platform for professionals to save their profiles, job hunting and collaboration
with each other.
3.4.1 Cloud applications for education sector

It is fortune that the highest implementation of cloud applications is in
education sector. Service providers and developers focus on education
sector and introduced cloud Apps to facilitate faculty, students and
researchers. Tom Peterson (2013) highlighted cloud apps related to
36
education sector in a presentation which are TeacherKit, Moodle,
SchoolTube, ClassDoJo, Edmodo, blackboard and Deep freez cloud.
Moodle and Blackboard are widely being used in higher education sector
to manage resources and collaboration.
3.5 ICT in higher education sector

Administration has key importance in a university. Its structure tells us, who
is responsible to whom and how they will communicate with each other
(Feigel 2009). The administrative activities in HEIs are consists on staff
administration, resources administration, general administration and student
administration (Jaleel 2014;Maki 2008) whereas Olive Mugenda (2006) added
few more activities like timetabling, medical services, procurement & store
management and data distribution & management. Managerial activities are
highly interconnected with each other which could not perform independently
due to complex interdependent managerial system (Bititci et al 2011).
Transparent governance is highly important in higher education institutions
(Mwiria 2007) but unfortunately governance is not good in universities
(Chaudhry 2004). In traditional settings, different modules like fee collection,
admissions, attendance, feedback, grading, inventory, billing etc. implement
separately or in a part of database. Some modules are not compatible
properly due to latter addition (Goel, Kiran and Garg 2011). ICT is used right
from student administration to various resources administration (Maki 2008)
such as general administration, inventory management, administration of
student data, personal records maintenance, payroll and library system
(Barta and Gev 1995). University administration use ICT to send emails,
lesson plan submission, online admission and to perform day to day activities
(Salerno 2009). Volumes of records are processed now quickly and easily
(Obeng 2004). It increases efficiency and optical resource utilization of
general administration (Hasan 2007). It improves governance and reduce
operational inefficiency.
3.6 E-Learning mode of delivery in higher education sector

In last decade, phenomenal growth of ICT use is seen in HEIs (Krishnaveni
and Meenakumari 2010). The major factor of this shift is cut in their budgets.
It forced HEIs to use technological solutions to reduce cost and move on
learning centric from teacher centric paradigm (Sheard and Lynch 2003).
Strong support in favour of e-learning mode of delivery found in literature
which describe it as decent learning and sharing mode (Lewis & Allan 2004;
McConnell 2006). Another study describes it as most acceptable and favoured
37
teaching and learning mode in respect of students. They have good interest
to learn new technologies (Hubackova and Semradova 2016). Same
perception observed in University of Guyana by faculty in a study of
eLearning. They also suggest universities to adopt eLearning systems as
early as possible to improve quality of education and boundaries of their
campus (Khajeh-Hosseini, Greenwood and Sommerville 2010). E-Campus
learning management system facilitate students and administrative staff
members to interact and collaborate with each other (E-Campus 2012). An
institution, Observatory of Borderless Higher Education (OBHE) predicts that
higher education enrolment through distance learning will exceed 125 million
by 2020 (Laurillard 2008). An extensive literature review revealed eLearning
benefits which are low delivery cost (Allen 2011), high accessibility (Roy and
Raymond 2005), deep learning and bridging the gap (Johns 2003). Dr.
Mildred Atieno Ayere (2015) presented a new aspect of eLearning. He said,
people from different communities and races can get education without any
ethnic or religious conflict.
3.7 Cloud usage in higher education sector

Literature is full with benefits of cloud applications in respect of HEIs. These
are almost same with little deletion or addition. Software and hardware are
required to update rapidly in traditional computing environment. A university
has to afford huge financial burden to upgrade existing system as well as
costly maintenance. Cloud computing provide solution of all such challenges
(Sharma and Ganpati 2013). They can reduce staff, operational &
administrative cost (Dimitrov and Osman 2012), save energy, man power
and maintenance cost to implement cloud applications (McDonald, MacDonald
and Breslin 2010; Goel, Kiran and Garg 2011). Their data safety will also
increase due to centralized security management system and highly
professional data centre staff (Dimitrov and Osman 2012). Further they can
avoid repetitive work and come into the position to offer new services with
these savings (Khajeh-Hosseini, Greenwood and Sommerville 2010). Michele
and Cunningham (2014) conduct cost saving study and found significant
reduction in maintenance work and purchase of new hardware. Chandra and
Borah (2012) also conduct same type of study and report that a university
decreases software license expenses and reduce IT staff from 15 to 3
persons. He also reports that a university apply cloud security and reduce
66% calls to IT support office. An Italian open university, Marconi reduced
23% cost due to shifting its services on cloud computing platform (Archana
2013). The major cause of move from traditional IT system to cloud
computing in universities is reducing IT complexity and cost as well (Sasikala
and Prema 2011). CDW reports in 2013 that top services or applications are
being moved on cloud computing in university settings (European
Commission 2012).
3.8 Cloud computing and Pakistan

Pakistan is an under developed country whose institutions have to face lots of
constraints but shortage of finance is major among them. Often they sacrifice
to adopt most advance technologies due to budget shortage. Cloud
38
computing applications are highly suited to poor economies due to its unique
features like 24/7 availability, pay as you grow, reliability, accessible from
anywhere, central storage etc. This technology is being popular in Pakistan.
Institutions, organizations, companies and individuals are showing high
interest in cloud services. Oracle representative (Rind, 2015) highlighted that
cloud technology is introducing rapidly in Pakistan. He elaborated that large
enterprises like telecom sector, banks, textiles, logistics, SMEs and other
manufacturing units are adapting cloud computing. Oracle country (Pakistan)
sale manager Mr. Waqas Hashmi told in his recent interview that “this is
great time for cloud in Pakistan”. He further describes that small companies
and businesses can launch enterprise level IT solutions now which was
difficult in past (Haq 2016).
3.8.1 Cloud computing and skilled human labor

Cloud computing technology is new in Pakistan. Qualified professionals
and skilled human labor is not sufficient to meet market demands. Oracle
Pakistan is working to produce skilled professionals along with sale of
cloud applications. It is associated with 56 patterns and academic
institutes who are engaged to train qualified professionals so that they can
meet market demands in future. Oracle itself established an academy to
train local students. They engaged them in live projects so that they can
get real market experience (The Express Tribune 2014).
Currently cloud computing jobs requirement is low but its demand is
increasing day by day. Trovit and Rozee.pk are two major online job sites
in Pakistan which are showing small number of requirement of cloud
experts (Trovit; Rozee.pk 2016).
3.8.2 Cloud service providers in Pakistan

Pakistan telecommunication authority (PTCL) is major local cloud service
provider in Pakistan. They are offering Software as a Services (SaaS),
Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (PaaS) at
very competitive rates (PTCL 2016). Oracle Pakistan and Microsoft
Pakistan are also actively doing cloud solution business. Some private
software companies like GTeknolgies (2016), Cube XS Weatherly (2016),
Rana Technologies (2016) are also providing cloud solutions along with
assistance. Amad Arsal (2015) described top ten cloud based ERP
software companies who are offering their services in the sector which are
The Net Hawks, SolutionDots, Bizztrax, Hisaab.pk, Fastservices.Pk,
Generixsol, Wizmen, Sysemsltd, Rivet solutions and Mazars.pk.
3.9 Cloud usage in higher education sector of Pakistan
High level of awareness about eLearning is found among people which shows
good acceptance level and an effective mode of delivery (Qureshi I.A. et. al.,
2012). Sheikh and Khoja (2011) Highlighted that least research material is
available on ICT and higher education institutions of Pakistan. Few research
work found on the subject in respect of Pakistan. They further elaborate in
39
their study that information technology is widely used in big cities of
Pakistan. Overall use of ICT is 50%. The study revealed that about 75% HEIs
staff use ICT applications in their daily routine. Further IT support is also
available to them. Many higher education institutions in Pakistan are facing
budgetary constraints that’s why they could not invest heavy amount on
support activities. In such severe economic conditions, cloud computing is
best solution for HEIs of Pakistan (Iram and Naeem 2010). They also present
cloud model for HEIs of Pakistan and suggest to adopt hybrid cloud model to
get maximum benefits with lower risks. They further enhance that the major
concern of HEIs is security which can address to implement appropriate rules
and policies. Pakistan telecommunication limited (PTCL) and Cyber net are
offering cloud services in Pakistan. Higher Education Commission (HEC) also
signed an educational alliance with Microsoft to provide cloud services in HEIs
of Pakistan (Farooq 2015). HEC deploy first private cloud in 2010. Its purpose
was to facilitate more than 20000 faculty and staff of universities with
cooperation of Microsoft (HEC). They have launched Microsoft Office 365
package that have MS Azure, Skype for business, SharePoint, Exchange,
Yammer etc. to promote education. The beauty of the program is that all
services are free for students.
40
Chapter 4
Results and analysis
4.1. Introduction
This study is going to investigate the impact of a move on cloud computing
applications in higher education institutions of Pakistan. Mixed method
strategy is applied for data collection. In research methodology chapter it is
proposed that descriptive statistics along with moderate and advanced
analytical techniques (correlation, regression and analysis of variance) will
implement to analyse data.
4.2. Quantitative analysis
A quantitative analysis is given in the following sections.
4.3. Research variables
Research variables are explained comprehensively in research methodology
chapter. These are given in the following to remind once again before the
start of the analytical procedure.
Table 3: variables definition
Independent variables Positive effects
Economic impact
Technological impact
Environmental impact
Impact on human resources
Impact on governance
Impact on procedures
Challenges addressed by cloud applications
41
Technology integration
Incentives for professionals
Dependent variable Traditional IT environment
Above mentioned variables are analysed one by one to apply different analysing
techniques.
4.4. Positive effects
A variable “Positive effects” is defined to know positive effects of the move

from traditional IT environment to cloud applications. It is further divided
into sub-variables to cover various aspects which are given in the following:
4.4.1. Economic impact
It was necessary to evaluate economic impact which will guide to know
the behaviour of current move. Whether this move will through positive
impact or not? Hence few relevant questions are asked from respondents.
These questions along with response rate are given in the following table.
Table 4: Economic impact

Questions Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
Licensing cost of software (MS Office, 17 52 5 2 0
Antivirus, images & video editing) will
reduce
Expenses on hardware purchase will 17 51 4 5 0
eliminate or reduce
Maintenance cost will be reduced 24 42 3 7 0
Universities were investing money to 28 43 4 2 2
purchase UPS as a backup in case of
the electric shutdown to run various
services like official e-mail server,
domain servers etc. Now such
expenses will also reduce
Total [Total of total=308] 86 188 16 16 2
Percentage (86/308*100)
27.92 61.04 5.19 5.19 0.65
42
Above mentioned questions are analysed one by one for in-depth study.
Question NO. 1
Licensing cost of software (MS Office, Antivirus, images & video editing) will
reduce?
It was asked from respondents that You were paying software licensing cost at
an individual level in the traditional environment. Now you are going to use
centrally host cloud applications with the courtesy of Higher Education
Commission of Pakistan. Will it reduce licensing cost or not? Their response
was:
Strongly agree Agree Not know Disagree Strongly disagree
17 52 5 2 0
There are about 52 respondents who are agreed and 17 respondents are
strongly agreed with the question. However, only two respondents disagree with
the question and there were 5 respondents who give their answer as “Not
know”. Results show that respondents are accepting, licensing cost of software
will certainly reduce with cloud applications. User responses are highlighted with
following bar chart.
Bar graph
representation clearly
showing that a large
number of respondents
are agreed and
strongly agreed with
the question. There is a
very small portion of
the population which is
not agreed. Few
number of respondents
have no knowledge so
they response as “Not
know”.
Question No. 2
It was asked from respondents that Expenses on hardware purchase will

eliminate or reduce at least with the inception of cloud applications. Their
response was:
17 51 4 5 0
43
A large number of respondents gave answers in favour of the question. There
are about 51 respondents who responses as agreed and 17 responses as
strongly agreed. Five respondents gave the opinion as disagreed whereas 4
respondents are not knowing. This is presented in a bar chart for better
understanding.
Bar chart showing that “Agree” and “strongly agree” responses are 51 and 17
respectively which is very high. Alternatively, only 5 respondents “Disagree”
whereas 4 participants
with answer “Not
know”.
Agreed and Strongly

Agreed response bars
are looking much high
as compared to
disagree, strongly
disagree and not know.
It means that a
significant number of
participants gave his
response in favour of the question.
Question No. 3
It is asked that “Maintenance cost will be reduced” to implement cloud

applications. The responses are:

24 42 3 7 0
Above responses show that 42 participants are in favour of “Agree” and 24 are in
favour of “strongly agree”. There are 7 participants who disagree with the
question and 3 respondents have no idea about the subject. None of the
respondent select “strongly disagree”. Collectively there are 66 respondents in
favour of subject whereas 10 participants disagree or have no knowledge about
the matter. This
scenario is showing with
bar chart in the
following:
“Agree” and “Strongly

agree” bars are touching
heights with 42 and 24
responses respectively
whereas “Disagree”
have only 7 responses
44
and “Not know” have 3 responses. “Strongly disagree” is nil in this question also.
High bars of Agree and Strongly agree are clearly showing that maintenance cost
will significantly reduce.
Question No. 4
The question was asked from respondents about “Universities were investing
money to purchase UPS as a backup in case of the electric shutdown to run
various services like official e-mail server, domain servers etc. Now such
expenses will also reduce”. They respond as:
28 43 4 2 2
They response as 43 are Agreed, 23 are strongly agreed, only 2 disagreed and 2
strongly disagreed whereas 4 are who know nothing about the subject. In case
to analysis collectively there are 71 respondents who are in favour whereas 4
are against it. There are only 4 respondents who know nothing or they do not
like to response on the question properly. This scenario is presenting with
following bar chart for better
understanding:
“Strongly agree” and “Agree”

bars are significantly high as
compared to other bars which
show that respondents know
about the extensive use of UPS
as a backup in universities. This
cost will also reduce with the
inception of cloud applications.
4.4.1.1. Combine analysis of economic impact
In above section, all questions are analysed individually and found that
respondents gave responses in favour of asked questions or scenarios with a
significant difference. Now it needs to analyse collectively to know the economic
impact of the move. Responses are given in the following:
Table 5: Combine analysis of economic impact

agree know disagree
Licensing cost of software (MS Office, 17 52 5 2 0
Antivirus, images & video editing) will
45
reduce
Expenses on hardware purchase will 17 51 4 5 0
eliminate or reduce
Maintenance cost will be reduced 24 42 3 7 0
Universities were investing money to 28 43 4 2 2

purchase UPS as a backup in case of
the electric shutdown to run various
services like official e-mail server,
domain servers etc. Now such
expenses will also reduce
Total 86 188 16 16 2
Average (86/308*100)
27.92 61.04 5.19 5.19 0.65
In above table, individual questions are discussed comprehensively. It needs not
to discuss them once again. Last two lines require focus which has a total
number of responses and their average.
The figures of all heads in the above table like Strongly agree, Agree, Not know,
Disagree and Strongly disagree are added under caption “Total” as 86, 188, 16,
16 and 2 respectively. Now calculate all these totals for a greater total which is
308. It is required to calculate average. Now calculate average responses under
each head which are 27.92, 61.04, 5.19, 5.19 and 0.65 respectively. This
average shows the real picture of sub-variable “economic impact”. Strongly
agree response rate is 27.92%, Agree response rate is 61.04%, Not know
response rate is 5.19%, Disagree response rate is 5.19% and Strongly disagree
response rate is 0.65%. The results show that a large number of respondents
select Agree and Strongly agree which are collectively 88%. It means that
economic impact sub-variable is highly significant which will through positive
impact due to moving on cloud applications. The pictographic view is presenting
in the following bar chart:
46
In a bar chart, it is very clear that Agree is touching heights with 61.04%
responses whereas Strongly agree also have a good response rate with 27.92%
response rate. Other categories like Not know can only get 5.19% responses,
Disagree also 5.19% responses and Strongly agree can get 0.65 responses.
The collective response rate of Agree and Strongly agree is 88% whereas all
others are 10% which
has no comparison
with each other. High
bars of Agree and
Strongly agree are
clearly indicating that
respondents give their
opinion in favour of economic impact.
4.4.2. Technological impact
The technological impact is an important factor to evaluate Positive impact
that’s why it was necessary to find a technological impact.
Following questions are asked from respondents which are given with the
number of responses.
Table 6: Technological impact

agree know disagree
IT complexity will reduce 23 39 4 10 0
In case of disaster, data is saved and 31 41 3 1 0

can be recovered quickly from central
data centre
IT support calls will reduce 20 36 10 8 2

32.46 50.88 7.46 8.33 0.88
47
In this section, three questions were asked which were covering the
technological area.
The first question was asked “IT complexity will reduce” with the inception of
cloud applications or not. There were 23 responses about “Strongly agree”, 39
responses about “Agree”, 10 responses about “Disagree” and zero response
about “Strongly disagree”. The small number of respondents were “Not know”
about the subject and these were 4 responses. The respondents gave their
answers in the favour of question. They agreed that IT complexity will reduce. In
a traditional system, each university was developed server room which is a
complex system. Servers and network configuration are a complex procedure
that requires skilled human labour. But in a cloud environment, all services are
managed from a central location that means universities do not need to
configure systems so IT complexity reduces automatically.
In the technological section, the second question was asked: “In a case of
disaster, data is saved and can be recovered quickly from central data centre”.
The response rate was impressive which is 31 in favour of “Strongly agree”, 41
“Agree”, 1 “Disagree” and 0 “Strongly agree”. There were 3 respondents who
response as “Not know”. Overall results are in favour of the question.
Respondents were knowing that if any disaster happened in the traditional
setting like fire, flood or building collapse than data recovery chances are least.
However, in the case of cloud applications data is hosted at a third location so it
will not damage due to the local disaster.
In traditional settings all services are managed from the local server room. A lot
of issues like no internet service, mail is not responding, MS office issues, anti-
48
virus expired, pdf licence expired etc. arises on daily basis. IT support
department deals such issues and rectify them on priority. The third question
was asked “IT support calls will reduce” with cloud applications. They response
as 20 in favour of “Strongly agree”, 36 in favour of “Agree”, 8 in favour of
“Disagree” and 2 in favour of “strongly disagree”. There were 10 respondents
who did not know about it. Collectively, “Strongly agree and Agree” responses
are 56 which are much high than “Disagree, strongly disagree and Not know”
collective responses which are only 20. These results show that respondents are
given their opinion in favour of the question.
In above paragraphs, each question is discussed individually. Now aggregate
results are discussing as a whole in the following section.
All results under headings “Strongly agree, Agree, Not know, Disagree and
Strongly agree” are added under their captions which are 74, 116, 17, 19 and 2
responses respectively. All these figures are added once again to find the total
number of responses which are 228. Now the percentage of each category can
be defined easily. Total responses under caption “Strongly agree” 74 divided by
the total of total responses 228 and multiply with 100 will result in a percentage
of “Strongly agree” heading which is 32.46%. To follow the same process other
percentages are also calculated which are 50.88, 7.46, 8.33 and 0.88. The
collective percentage of “Strongly agree and Agree” responses is about 83%
whereas all others percentage is about 16%. The results are showing that
respondents give his opinion in favour of move which will through good
technological impact as a whole. This scenario is highlighted with bar chart for
better understanding in the following:
49
Bar chart presentation
showing that “Strongly
agree and Agree” response
bars are significantly high
as compared to others. So
respondents positively see
the technological impact.
4.4.3. Environmental impact
This is the third important factor in evaluation of positive effects. Information
technology is effecting environment as well in shape to produce heat, carbon
and emission. To know what impact will this move through on the environment,
three questions were asked of respondents. The questions along with responses
are given in the following table:
Table 7: Environmental impact

agree know disagree
Individual data centres were 16 45 10 5 0
producing heat and carbon. Now, due
to centralizing data centre, heat
emission will reduce
Server machines and cooling system in 20 46 6 4 0
NOC rooms of universities are
consuming electric energy. Now it will
reduce
Due to continual electric shutdown, all 22 47 4 1 1
IT equipment has power backup of
UPS or generator in HEIs of Pakistan
which is a badly affecting
environment. MS Office 365 along
with other software are managed
from central location so UPS/
generator use will reduce and
environment will be protected
25.55 60.79 8.81 4.41 0.44
50
In environment section, it was asked as a first question “Individual data centres
were producing heat and carbon. Now, due to the centralizing data centre, heat
emission will reduce” or not. The response rate was 16 in favour of “Strongly
agree”, 45 in favour of “Agree”, 5 in favour of “Disagree” and 0 response in
favour of “Strongly disagree”. There are 10 respondents who response as “Not
know”. The huge majority of responses received in favour of the question by
responding on “Strongly agree and Agree” categories. A small number of
respondents “Disagree” the question.
The second question was asked about “Server machines and cooling system in
NOC rooms of universities are consuming electric energy. Now it will reduce”.
The responses were as “Strongly agree” 20, “Agree” 46, “Disagree” 4 and
“Strongly disagree” 0 whereas 6 respondents reply as “Not know”. Collectively
“Agree and Strongly agree” responses are 66 whereas all others are 10. Results
show that there is a huge difference between positive and negative responses. A
significant number of respondents are in favour of the question who are
accepting that server machines are consuming lots of heat and energy in
individual server rooms of universities but now with the deployment of cloud
applications at central level will certainly reduce heat and emission. This will be a
positive move.
The third question which was asked “Due to continual electric shutdown, all IT
equipment has power backup of UPS or generator in HEIs of Pakistan which is a
badly affecting environment. MS Office 365 along with other software are
managed from a central location so UPS/ generator use will reduce and
environment will be protected”. The responses were as “Strongly agree” 22,
“Agree” 47, “Not know” 4, “Disagree” 1 and “Strongly disagree” 1. The results
are very handsome. Collectively analyse “Strongly agree and Agree” responses
51
which are 69 whereas all others are 6 in favour of “Not know, Disagree and
Strongly disagree”. It shows that significantly respondents are in favour of the
question. They know that there are heavy electric shutdown and all server rooms
arrange UPS to run services continuously. The UPS and generator culture is
badly affecting the environment. But this new move is environment-friendly.
In above paragraphs, each question is discussed one by one and individual
results are highly significant. Now the whole section is analysed to know
environmental impact.
All Strongly Agree, Agree, Not know, Disagree and Strongly disagree responses
are calculated individually which are 58, 138, 20, 10 and 1 respectively. The
percentage against “Strongly agree, agree, Not know, Disagree and Strongly
disagree is 25.55, 60.79, 8.81, 4.41 and 0.44 respectively. The collective
percentage of Strongly agree and Agee is 81% whereas all other categories have
only 16% responses. The percentage of overall results shows that respondents
significantly replay in favour of the question. This scenario is presented through
bar chart for better understanding.
This bar chart is clearly indicating that Agree and Strongly agree bars are
touching heights whereas all
other bars are very low. High
bars against low bars are
showing respondents
positive response about
environmental impact.
52
4.4.4. Impact on human resources
This is the fourth factor which will help to evaluate positive effects. In this
section, it is studied that how human resources of IT departments will
affect with the move. To get responses on the subject, following three
questions were asked. Their responses are also given in the table.
Table 8: impact on human resources

agree know disagree
Users horizon will expand and they 17 42 12 5 0
will be able to communicate with
global workforce
Highly qualified staff support from 21 43 8 3 0
centralized data center will be
available
Staff efficiency will improve 23 36 5 11 0
26.99 53.54 11.06 8.41 0
The first question was asked with the inception of cloud applications
“Users horizon will expand and they will be able to communicate with
global workforce” to settle complex queries. The results were very
interesting. These responses are unique in the sense that Not know and
disagree ratio is increased as compared to earlier responses. Although
Strongly agree and Agree responses are strong once again but the good
number of responses received about Disagree and Not know. The
responses are Strongly agree 17, Agree 42, Not know 12, Disagree 5 and
Strongly disagree are 0. The responses in percentage are 26.99%,
53.54%,11.06%, 8.41% and 0% respectively. Collectively, Strongly agree
and Agree responses are 80% whereas all others are 20%. The huge gap
between positive side and negative side shows that respondents are in
favour of the question. They are agreed with the situation which is going
53
to develop. In simple words, they are saying that user’s horizon will
certainly expand with this move and they will be able to communicate
with skilled professionals around the world to settle complex queries
without travelling abroad. Further explanation is presenting with following
bar chart.
The high bars of
Strongly agree and
Agree is indicating
that response is in
favour of the
question. Other
bars are very low. There is a huge gap between positive and negative
sides.
4.4.5. Impact on governance
Impact on governance is fifth sub-variable of positive effects. The
separate results need to evaluate separately which will help to produce a
collective result of positive effects.
Governance management is a big issue in universities. The reason is that
there is no centralise management systems. Each department is
managing records individually. The current move to cloud applications
may resolve governance issues in universities. Let’s see respondents view
on the subject.
54
Table 9: Impact on governance
agree know disagree
Evaluation becomes easy 18 41 11 6 0
Quality of work will improve 17 53 3 3 0
Supervision becomes easy 18 49 6 3 0
23.25 62.72 8.77 5.26 0
The first question is relating to evaluation procedures whether “Supervision
becomes easy” with a current move. Respondents gave his opinion as Strongly
agree 18, Agree 41, Not know 11, Disagree 6 and Strongly disagree are 0
response. Collective values of Strongly agree and Agree is 59 whereas all other
categories are 17. The huge difference shows positive indicator in respect of
asked question or scenario. Respondents are agreed that evaluation will become
easy with move on cloud applications.
In the second question, it was asked that “Quality of work will improve” with the
inception of cloud applications. Respondents replied as Strongly agree 17, Agree
53, Not know 3, Disagree 3 and Strongly agree 0. The collective responses of
Strongly agree and Agree are 70 and all others are 6. These results are highly
significant in respect of the situation. It is depicting that large portion of
respondents are agreed with the question and quality of work will improve or
speed up with the
move. This is
presenting with bar
chart also for quick
understanding.
High bars of Strongly
55
agree and Agree as compared with other bars are showing positive results in
favour of asked question.
4.4.6. Impact on procedures
This is the sixth and last sub-variable of positive impact. It was also a necessary
element to evaluate the positive impact of the move. Universities are functioning
under rules and procedures Which are operating manually at the moment. Some
questions are asked related to rules and procedure. Their response is:
Table 10: Impact on procedures

agree know disagree
Business processes will streamline 15 45 11 5 0
Collaboration among departments 20 50 3 3 0
becomes easy
Business process or file handling is 16 43 13 4 0
properly monitoring so to hold a file
for a long time or delay tactics will not
be easy to use now
22.37 60.53 11.84 5.26 0
As a first question, it was asked “Business processes will streamline” with a
move to cloud applications from tradition environment. The responses were
Strongly agree 15, Agree 45, Not know 11, Disagree 5 and Strongly disagree 0.
The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree is 60 whereas others are
16. The big difference among both values and categories show positive results in
favour of the question. People agreed that business process will certainly
streamline with cloud application move. The second question was asked that
“Collaboration among departments becomes easy” due to centralised hosting.
The responses were Strongly agree 20, Agree 50, Not know 3, Disagree 3 and
Strongly disagree 0. The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree is 70
56
whereas others are 6. There is a huge gap between both values. The results are
clearly indicating that respondents are in favour of the question. They are
agreed that collaboration will increase among departments and staff with move
on cloud applications. This scenario is presenting with bar chart for a quick view.
The high bars of
Strongly agree and
Agree is showing
positive results as
compared with other
bars which are very
low.
4.4.7. Analysis of positive affects
This variable is divided into six sub-variables for wider coverage of the subject.
Earlier each sub-variable is evaluated comprehensively which shows positive
response relating to a subject.
Now all sub-variables are being evaluated to get the wider picture of the scene.
The following table has the designed to show response values of sub-variables.
Table 11: Analysis of positive affects

Sub variables Strongly agree Agree Not know Disagre Strongly Total
e disagree
Economics impact 86 188 16 16 2
Technological impact 74 116 17 19 2
Environmental impact 58 138 20 10 1
Impact on human resources 61 121 25 19 0
Impact on governance 53 143 20 12 0
Impact on procedure 51 138 27 12 0
Total 383 844 125 88 5 1445
26.51 58.41 8.65 6.09 0.35
57
Sub-variables table shows that there are 383 responses on Strongly
agree, 844 on Agree, 125 on Not know, 88 on Disagree and only 5 on
Strongly disagree received. The percentage of all these sub-variables is
26.51%, 58.41%, 8.65%, 6.09 and 0.35% against Strongly agree, Agree,
Not know, Disagree and Strongly disagree respectively. Strongly agree
and Agree responses are considered favoured variables whereas Disagree
and Strongly disagree responses presented negative behaviour. To extract
results, Strongly agree and Agree responses calculated under one tab and
other responses add under another tab. There are 1227 responses
collectively received under Strongly agree and Agree heading whereas 218
responses received under all other headings. Positive responses or
favoured responses are highly greater than negative responses. It means
that current move on cloud applications from the traditional environment
is highly favoured and will create positive effects on higher education in
Pakistan. This trend is highlighted with bar chart for quick understanding:
This bar chart also
shows that Strongly
agree and Agree bars
are significantly high
as compared to other
bars which are much
lower. The high rate
of Strongly agree and Agree values are depicting positive behaviour which
is indicating that current move will through positive effects on higher
education in Pakistan.
58
4.4.8. Descriptive statistics of positive effects responses
Here is the table of all sub-variables which has mean, median, standard
deviation, minimum, maximum and N values.
Table 12: Descriptive statistics of positive effects responses

Factors Mean Median S.D Min Max N
Economic Impact Q1 4.11 4.00 0.62 2 5 76
Q2 4.07 4.00 0.70 2 5 76
Q3 4.09 4.00 0.85 2 5 76
Q4 4.29 4.00 0.63 2 5 76
Overall 4.14 4.00 0.70 2 5 76
Technological Impact Q1 3.99 4.00 0.95 2 5 76

Q2 4.34 4.00 0.62 2 5 76
Q3 3.84 4.00 1.02 1 5 76
Overall 4.06 4.00 0.86 2 5 76
Environmental Impact Q1 3.95 4.00 0.78 2 5 76

Q2 4.08 4.00 0.74 2 5 76
Q3 4.17 4.00 0.70 1 5 76
Overall 4.07 4.00 0.74 2 5 76
Impact on HR Q1 3.93 4.00 0.81 2 5 76

Q2 4.08 4.00 0.74 2 5 76
Q3 3.93 4.00 0.98 2 5 76
Overall 3.98 4.00 0.84 2 5 76
Impact on Governance Q1 3.93 4.00 0.84 2 5 76

Q2 4.11 4.00 0.64 2 5 76
Q3 4.08 4.00 0.69 2 5 76
Overall 4.04 4.00 0.72 2 5 76
Impact on Procedures Q1 3.92 4.00 0.78 2 5 76

Q2 4.14 4.00 0.67 2 5 76
Q3 3.93 4.00 0.77 2 5 76
Overall 4.00 4.00 0.74 2 5 76
Positive effects have an economic impact, technological impact, environmental
impact, impact on the Human resource, impact on governance and impact on
procedures as sub-variables. These are described individually through frequency
59
distribution earlier. Now these sub-variables are analysing one by one with
descriptive statistical techniques.
4.4.8.1. Economic impact
The overall average value is 4.14 that means most of the respondents are
agreed that move on cloud applications will through an economics impact as well
in Pakistan. The standard deviation value is 0.70 that means volatility among
respondents thinking is very low.
4.4.8.2. Technological impact
The overall average value of technological impact is 4.06, means most
respondents gave their response in favour of Agree. They are expecting good
technological impact due to the cloud application. The standard deviation is 0.86
that means volatility in responses is very low. Most of the respondents like Agree
and Strongly agree options.
4.4.8.3. Environmental impact
The average value of environmental impact is 4.07, means highest responses
are received as “Agree”. Respondents know that good environmental impact will
come with the move. A lot of fuel and energy will be saved. Pollution will
decrease. The standard deviation is 0.74 that means there is very low volatility
among responses.
4.4.8.4. Impact on human resources
Average value is 3.98 which is close to 4. It means most of the respondents
gave their opinion in favour and they are expecting betterment in human
resources with the move on cloud applications. The standard deviation value is
0.84 which means that there is low volatility among responses.
60
4.4.8.5. Impact on governance
The average value is 4.04 which means that most of the respondent’s reply as
Agree. As per their opinion, governance issues will settle most probability on
moving on cloud applications. The standard deviation is 0.72 which shows very
low volatility among choices.
4.4.8.6. Impact on procedure
The average value is 4.00 which is referring to Agree category. It means that
most of the respondents are considering that move on cloud applications will
modify procedures in universities as well. The standard deviation is 0.74, means
very low volatility among responses.
4.5. Challenges addressed by cloud computing
Pakistan as a country has started realising that ICT is the mainstay for its
survival as a country and it has confirmed its backwardness in the field of
higher education. As a result, HEC has initiated MS Office 365 at the nominal
price for all public sector universities. In this section, it is investigating that
which issues are uncovered with the adoption of MS Office 365.
Following questions were asked to Head of IT of sample public sector
universities to investigate the IT issues resolved by ICT services offered by
HEC.
Table 13: Challenges addressed by cloud computing

Questions Strongly agree Agree Not know Disagree Strongly Total
disagree
Now universities will invest 17 50 4 3 1
less amount on software/
hardware purchase as
compared to earlier
Due to the diversification of 11 52 9 2 1
software and hardware,
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integration and collaboration
among various academic
institutions were very
difficult. This problem is also
settled with the inception of
MS Office 365 and other
allied applications.
In traditional settings, IT 18 49 2 5 1
network building was quite
expensive in sub campuses.
Now in cloud computing,
remote campus of any size,
located anywhere on the
globe can facilitate easily
Earlier users were computer- 18 51 5 0 0
centric but with the
inception of MS Office 365
package, they are network-
centric now. Now users can
access stored files from any
location through internet
Each department was 19 52 3 1 0
producing contents
separately. There were no
integration among
departments in contents
producing or dissemination.
MS Office 365 provides a
mechanism to manage and
share contents
Configuration of new 17 42 10 5 1
hardware/ software,
especially in server room
scenario, was a big problem.
MS Office 365 package
resolved this issue
It was much difficult to run 16 52 5 2 1
servers 24/7 due to
continual electric shutdown
in Pakistan. This issue is
settled in MS Office 365
package
Total 116 348 38 18 5 525
Percentage (116/525*100) 66.29 7.24 3.43 0.95
22.10
In this section, the first question was asked about expenses on acquiring new
technological instruments and computing application packages will reduce
62
with the adoption of ICT services offered by HEC. Results revealed that 17
respondents answer strongly agree on this census, 50 respondents answer
agree, 4 respondents answer no major difference will provoke with this new
fiction, 3 respondents answer against of positive perception to address higher
education technological issues and 1 respondent answer strongly disagree in
the new innovation of cloud computing. The second question was about
compatibility issues of existing various vendors of hardware and computing
applications can be resolved by MS Office 365 (share-point solution) or
related applications. Results revealed that 11 respondents answer strongly
agree on this census means above mentioned issues can uncover by adoption
of these applications, 52 respondents answer agree, 9 respondents answer
no major difference will provoke with this new fiction, 2 respondents answer
disagree against of compatibility issues address through higher education
technological revolution and 1 respondent answer strongly disagree in new
innovation of cloud computing. The third question was regarding existing
traditional ICT environment of universities having various sub campuses can
be integrated through cloud computing applications or can reduce ICT
environment development cost through a share point adoption. Results
revealed that 18 respondents answer strongly agree on this survey, 49
respondents answer agree, 2 respondents answer no major difference in
expenses will provoke with this new invention, 5 respondents answer against
of positive perception to address higher education technological integration
issues and 1 respondent answer strongly disagree in the new innovation of
cloud computing. The fourth question was online access to their data or
sources with the adoption of cloud computing application. Results revealed
that 18 respondents answer strongly agree on this poll for acquiring ICT
63
services offered by HEC, 51 respondents answer agree, 5 respondents
answer no major difference will provoke by the adoption of new settings, and
no single response is received in disagreeing and strongly disagree cases.
In this section, the fifth question was contents produced by various
departments are not integrated but cloud computing application such as MS
Office 365 integrate contents produced by different departments and
disseminate among other wings. Results revealed that 19 respondents
answer strongly agree on this census that cloud computing applications are
more efficient rather develop your own ICT traditional environment, 52
respondents answer agree, 3 respondents answer no major difference will
provoke in the usage of resources either in tradition settings or through cloud
computing applications, 1 respondent answer neutral effect of positive
perception to address above issue through new ICT environment and no
respondent answer strongly disagree. The sixth and Seventh questions were
about configuration and maintenance issues of tradition ICT environment can
be resolved through centrally controlled ICT environment. We got more than
90% respondents are agreed to move on new ICT environment because this
helps the institution to downsize their operating expenses. The results can be
concluded through figure, 116 respondents (22.10%) answer to strongly
agree with the narrative of cloud computing applications increase efficiency of
ICT environment in higher education institutions, 348 respondents (66.29%)
answer to agree that operating efficiency can be improved with the ICT
services offered by HEC, 38 respondents (7.24%) are not convinced of
effectiveness of current ongoing cloud computing applications and 23
respondents (5%) are not agreed that cloud computing applications cannot
64
meet the customized ICT requirements offered by MS Office 365. The overall
results are presenting with bar chart for better understandings.
The high peaks of Agree and Strongly agree bars are showing that
respondents pay
confidence and
agreed that cloud
applications are
certainly addressing
challenges which
they were facing in
the traditional environment.
4.5.1. Descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud
computing applications
Table 14: Descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud computing applications

Q1 4.04 4.00 0.76 1 5 76
Q2 3.91 4.00 0.73 1 5 76
Q3 4.03 4.00 0.82 1 5 76
Challenges Q4 4.17 4.00 0.53 3 5 76
Q5 4.18 4.00 0.56 2 5 76
Q6 3.92 4.00 0.86 1 5 76
overall 4.05 4.00 0.71 1 5 76
The results from descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud
computing application responses indicate that the average value of overall
responses is 4.05 means most respondents answer to agree and convinced with
the effectiveness of cloud computing applications to increase the efficiency of
higher education institutions. The standard deviation of overall responses is 0.71
means mostly respondent agrees to reduce traditional IT issues and enhance
65
efficiency through cloud computing applications with very low volatility in their
contrary response.
4.6. Technology integration
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan realised that importance of
Technology Integration to promote efficiency and standard in the field of
higher education. As a result, HEC has initiated various positive steps to get
an advantage of technological integration. This section will investigate the
importance of technological integration.
Following questions were asked to Record Manager and Head of Information
Management System from sample public sector universities to investigate the
impact of technological integration by ICT services offered by HEC.
Table 15: Technology integration

Questions Strongly agree Agree Not Disagree Strongly Total
know disagree
Existing modules of institutes/ 14 45 8 4 1
universities like email service,
exam portal, student portal etc.
can integrate or transfer their
data easily on MS Office 365
package
Microsoft Pakistan, HEC 12 42 6 12 0
Pakistan or their nominated
firm is properly guiding IT
professionals in universities
through instructional material
Queries of IT departments are 12 42 8 10 0
timely addressed by concern
authority or firm appointed at
central data center
New hardware or supporting 10 51 8 3 0
software are not required to
run cloud applications (MS
Office 365 and allied tools) in
universities
Total 48 180 30 29 19 288
16.67 62.50 10.42 10.07 0.35
66
In this section, the first question was asked about traditional ICT
environment to manage email service, examination portal, student portal, audit
& account module, and planning & Development department etc can be a shift
on cloud computing applications to enhance operational efficiencies. Results
revealed that 14 respondents answer strongly agree on this census, 45
respondents answer agree on the benefit of cloud computing applications, 8
respondents answer are neutral to understand the impact of technological
integration will provoke with this new fiction, 4 respondents answer against of
positive perception about cloud computing through higher education offered
services at lower price and 1 respondent answer strongly disagree in new
innovation of cloud computing about technological integration. The second
question was about Guidance Instruction Material & Services provided by the
third party assigned by Microsoft Pakistan and HEC Pakistan to promote
technological integration. Results revealed that 12 respondents answer strongly
agree on this census mean above-mentioned facilities are sufficient to develop
and promote cloud computing ICT environment in higher education Pakistan, 42
respondents answer agree on the importance of installation and compatibility of
cloud computing services, 6 respondents answer no major difference will
provoke with this new ICT revolution, 12 respondents answer disagree against of
compatibility issues address through higher education technological revolution
and no single respondent answer strongly disagree against the technical
integration by using new innovation of cloud computing applications. The third
question was about Queries raised by IT administrator of universities to address
routine issues timely and data security issues in cloud computing applications.
Results revealed that 12 respondents answer strongly agree on this opinion poll
mean above mentioned facilities are sufficient to address routine issues in cloud
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computing ICT environment offered by Higher Education Commission of
Pakistan, 42 respondents answer agree on the importance of time address
routine issues in cloud computation applications to hire consultant, 8
respondents answer are no convinced by the mechanism designed to address
routine IT issues timely, 10 respondents answer disagree against the after
development and installation of cloud computing environment and services
provided mechanism by third party consultant but no single respondent answer
to strongly disagree against the after installation mechanism to address routine
IT issues. The fourth question was about Need of supporting application and
hardware to run Cloud Computing applications are no more required. Results
revealed that 10 respondents answer strongly agree on this poll means that no
more technological resources in form of supporting applications and hardware to
run cloud application smoothly, 51 respondents answer agree on the importance
of cloud computing applications and no more resources required to smoothly run
cloud computation, 8 respondents answer are no convinced by the no sources
required to run cloud computing applications smoothly, 3 respondents answer
disagree against the view of no more supporting application and hardware
instrument tools required to run cloud computing application smoothly but no
single respondent answer to strongly disagree on the above-mentioned issue.
The results can be concluded to highlight the technological integration process
effects through figure, 48 respondents (16.67%) answer to strongly agree with
the narrative of cloud computing applications can increase efficiency of ICT
environment in higher education institutions through technological integration,
180 respondents (62.50%) answer to agree with the technological integration
process mechanism designed by Microsoft Pakistan and HEC Pakistan, 30
respondents (10.42%) are not convinced of effectiveness of current
68
technological integration of cloud computing applications to run smoothly and
address their routine issues timely and 30 respondents (10.42%) are not agreed
that cloud computing applications cannot meet the customized ICT requirements
offered by MS Office 365. Above bar chart also replicating the situation.
High peaks of bars are showing that most respondents give their opinion in
favour of Agree and
Strongly Agree. Few
responses received in
respect of Not Know,
Disagree and Strongly
Agree.
4.6.1. Descriptive statistics of technological integration responses
Table 16: Descriptive statistics of technological integration responses

Q1 3.93 4.00 0.79 1 5 76
Q2 3.76 4.00 0.91 2 5 76
Technological Integration Q3 3.79 4.00 0.87 2 5 76
Q4 3.95 4.00 0.63 2 5 76
Overall 3.86 4.00 0.80 2 5 76
The results from descriptive statistics of technological integration responses
indicate that average value of overall responses is 3.86 means most respondents
agree with the effectiveness of technological integration of cloud computing
applications to address routine issues timely and run cloud computing application
smoothly. The standard deviation of overall responses is 0.80 means mostly
respondent agrees to reduce traditional operating ICT setting expenses through
cloud computing and run operations smoothly with very low volatility in contrary
response.
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4.7. Incentives for IT professionals
ICT impact assessment model presented by Nafisat Afolake Adedokun-Shittu
and Abdul Jaleel Kehinde Shittu has an important area “incentives for
professionals” which is necessary to study at the time of impact assessment.
In this area, it is studied that which benefits professional IT staff will get due
to moving on cloud applications from the traditional system. Three relevant
questions covering the area are asked from selected population. Their
responses are given in the following table.
Table 17: Incentives for professionals

know disagree
This move will create new 19 43 4 6 3
opportunities and promotion
chances for existing IT
employees
IT department is reshaped or 12 52 5 4 2
going to reshape due to
current move on MS Office
365
Academicians will get better 12 56 3 2 1
communication source to
collaborate with other
colleagues in country
MS Office 365 package will 15 44 9 5 2
reduce IT workload
Total 58 195 21 17 8 299
19.40 65.22 7.02 5.69 2.68
The first question was asked “This move will create new opportunities and
promotion chances for existing IT employees” or not. The response was as
Strongly agree 19, Agree 43, Not know 4, Disagree 6 and Strongly disagree
3. The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree is 62 whereas all
other heads are 13 only. There is a significant gap in positive and negative
70
sides. Respondents gave the opinion in favour of new opportunities and
promotion chances.
The second question was asked, “IT department is reshaped or going to
reshape due to current move on MS Office 365”. The respondents gave an
opinion as Strongly agree 12, Agree 52, Not know 5, Disagree 4 and Strongly
disagree 2. The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree is 64
whereas all others are 11. There is a huge gap between positive and negative
sides. Collective response rate shows that IT departments have reshaped and
they are willing to accept new phenomena.
It was asked “Academicians will get better communication source to
collaborate with other colleagues in country” with the move to cloud
applications. The collaboration will become easy. They will be able to
disseminate information and communicate with colleagues easily and quickly.
The response was as Strongly agree 12, Agree 56, Not know 3, Disagree 2
and Strongly disagree 1. The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree
is 68 whereas all other responses are 6. Collective results show that a good
number of respondents are in favour of the question. They know that move
on cloud applications will speed up collaboration work and they will equip with
better communication sources.
The fourth question was related to professional’s workload. It was asked, “MS
Office 365 package will reduce IT workload” or not. Their response is as
Strongly agree 15, Agree 44, Not know 9, Disagree 5 and Strongly disagree
2. The collective response of Strongly agree and Agree is 59 whereas all
other categories are 16. Respondents are fully agreed that MS Office 365
package will reduce IT workload.
71
In above section, individual questions are analysed in detail. Now the whole
section is analysed in the following paragraphs.
Four questions were asked from IT professionals to know incentives for them
in cloud applications. Collective responses to the section are Strongly agree
58, Agree 195, Not know 21, Disagree 17 and Strongly disagree 8. Overall
indicators are showing that there are handsome incentives for IT
professionals in current move. They are happy with the change and looking
better future in the cloud environment. Respondents overall behaviour is
presented through bar chart for quick understanding.
Bars of Strongly agree
and Agree values are
significantly high as
compared to other
bars. It is showing that
IT professionals are
happy with the current
move. They feel that new opportunities will create in the new cloud
environment and they can progress in higher scales. Further, this move will
facilitate them. Their workload will reduce.
72
4.7.1. Descriptive statistics of incentives for IT professional’s
responses
Table 18: Descriptive statistics of incentives for IT professional’s responses

Q1 3.89 4.00 1.01 1 5 76
Q2 3.87 4.00 0.88 1 5 76
Incentives for IT
Q3 3.96 4.00 0.77 1 5 76
professionals
Q4 3.87 4.00 0.90 1 5 76
Overall 3.90 4.00 0.89 1 5 76
Above results of descriptive statistics are indicating that average value of overall
responses is 3.90 which is near to 4. It means, most respondents are agreed
that current move has attractive incentives for IT professionals. They are
expecting incentives like new job opportunities, promotion chances due to the
move to cloud applications. The standard deviation of overall responses is 0.89
which means that volatility among choices is very low.
4.8. Traditional IT environment
To evaluate impact of move on cloud computing, it was necessary to collect
information about traditional IT environment. So Traditional IT environment
portion added as a dependent variable along with independent variables and
get repondents view which are given in the following table:
Table 19: Traditions IT Environment

know disagree
Universities were investing 19 47 3 5 0
good amount of money to
establish server rooms in
campuses
Universities were purchasing 21 45 2 6 0
expensive hardware/
software to run IT services
on campus
Universities were/ are 20 44 6 4 0
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investing money in
purchasing heavy duty UPS
as power backup and
affording fuel expenses as
well on regular bases
Universities have to invest 15 49 6 3 1
good amount to establish IT
services in small size remote
campus as well
Total 75 185 17 18 1 296
25.34 62.50 5.74 6.08 0.34
It was asked from respondents that universities were investing good amount on
server rooms in past. Their replies are highly encouraging, 19 response received
in favour of Strongly Agree and 47 in favour of Agree. All others are 8.
The second question was, universities were purchasing expensive hardware/
software to run IT services. Responses are 21 Strongly Agree, 45 Agree, 2 Not
know, 6 Disagree and 0 Strongly Disagree. Collectively respondents reply that
yes universities were investing heavy expenses on hardware/ software in past.
As a third question, it was asked that universities were investing on UPS and
generators. Their replies are 20 Strongly Agree, 44 Agree, 6 Not know, 4
Disagree and 0 Strongly Disagree. The fourth question was asked about same
expense are required to manage a network in sub-campus. The replies are 15
Strongly Agree, 49 Agree, 6 Not know, 3 Disagree and 1 Strongly Disagree.
The collective analysis of the Traditional IT environment also received 75
Strongly agree, 185 Agree, 17 Not know, 18 Disagree and 1 Strongly Disagree.
It shows that 260 respondents are Agreed and Strongly Agreed whereas only 36
respondents are opposing the situation.
74
The high peaks of bars are showing
that universities were investing huge
money to purchase hardware/
software, UPS/ generators etc.
4.9. Correlation analysis
This section will analyze the association between dependent and independent
variables to understand the trend of proposed factors such as traditional IT
environment, positive effect, challenges addressed by cloud applications,
technological integration, and incentives of professional.
Table 20: Pearson Correlation between dependent and independent variables
Variables Traditional IT Environment Positive Effect
1.000 0.978
Traditional IT Environment
*** 39.148
0.978 1.000
Positive Effect
*** 39.148
Variables Traditional IT Environment Challenges
1.000 0.975
*** 36.673
0.975 1.000
Challenges
*** 36.673
Variables Traditional IT Environment Technological Integration
1.000 0.907
*** 38.914
0.907 1.000
Technological Integration
*** 38.914
Variables Traditional IT Environment Incentives to Professional
1.000 0.960
*** 46.121
0.960 1.000
Incentives to Professional
*** 46.121
*Significant at 10% level, **Significant at 5% level and ***Significant at 1% level
75
The result from correlation matrix reveals that there is a positive relationship
between Traditional IT Environment and Positive Effects of cloud computing
applications, the value of Pearson correlation is 0.98 and this relationship is
statistically significant at a level of 1%. Results also confirmed the
constructive association between operational efficiency in traditional IT and
cloud computing resources. Results from the second section reveal that there
is a high positive association between Traditional IT Environment and
Challenges addressed by cloud computing applications, the value of Pearson
correlation is 0.97 and this relationship is also statistically significant at a
level of 1%. Results established the constructive association between
operational efficiency in traditional IT and operational issues addressed
through cloud computing applications. Results from the third section reveal
that there is a high direct relationship between Traditional IT Environment
and Technological Integration of computing applications, the value of Pearson
correlation is 0.91 and this relationship is also statistically significant at a
level of 1%. Results recognised the productive connection between
operational efficiency in traditional IT and routine IT issues addressed timely
to run cloud computing applications smoothly. Results from the last section
reveal that there is a high positive association between Traditional IT
Environment and Incentives to professional, value of Pearson correlation is
0.96 and this relationship is also statistically significant at a level of 1%.
Results established the constructive association between operational
efficiency in traditional IT and incentives to professional gauge in routine
operations.
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4.10. Multivariate analysis (Regression analysis)
In this section, researcher presents the multivariate ordinary least square
regression results to estimate the impact of various independent variables
such as positive effect, challenges addressed by cloud computing application,
technological integration, and incentives to professional on traditional IT
environment variable.
Table 21: Multivariate Regression

Dependent Variable: Traditional IT Environment
Variable Coefficient Std. Error t-Statistic p-value
Constant 0.095 0.125 0.761 0.449
Positive Effect *** 0.587 0.107 5.494 0.000
Challenges ** 0.291 0.115 2.536 0.013
Technological Integration ** -0.248 0.078 -3.188 0.002
Incentives ** 0.349 0.098 3.558 0.001
R-squared 0.971 F-statistic 588.838
Adjusted R-squared 0.969 Prob (F-statistic) 0.000
N 76
*Significant at 10% level, **Significant at 5% level and ***Significant at 1% level
The table shows the information of determinants of Traditional IT
Environment by using multivariate regression model. Results show that there
is a positively and significant relationship between traditional IT environment
and positive effects at the level of 1%. The results depict that positive effect
is a most important factor that develops positive Image of cloud computing
applications because we estimated this factor through economic impact,
technological impact, environmental impact, impact on human resource,
impact on governance, and impact on procedures responses. Results also
show that there is a positively and significant relationship between traditional
IT environment and challenges addressed by cloud computing applications at
the level of 5%. The results depict that challenges addressed by cloud
77
computing are a key factor in this study. Because Pakistan as a country has
started realising that ICT is the mainstay for its survival as a country and it
has confirmed its backwardness in the field of higher education. Public sector
institutions can downsize their operating expenses to establish and
maintenance ICT environment, and improve their efficiencies in the
information management system. Pakistan as a country has started realising
that ICT is the mainstay for its survival as a country and it has confirmed its
backwardness in the field of higher education. Results also show that there is
a negative and significant relationship between traditional IT environment
and Technological integration with cloud computing applications at the level
of 5%. The results depict that Technological integration with cloud computing
is a key factor in this study. Our results are not consistent with existing
literature on the relation between move on ICT environment and
technological integration. Results also highlight that there is a positively and
significant relationship between traditional IT environment and incentives to
professional at a level of 5%. The results depict that challenges and
implementation of cloud computing environment are key factors in the
convergence process.
The value of R-square is very high and statistically significant, indicating the
97% change in the dependent variable is due to independent variables. The
value of F-statistic is also statistically significant indicating the good fitness of
regression model.
78
4.11. Qualitative data analysis
In the second phase of the study, qualitative data analysis is performed. It
was purposed in methodology that interviews will be conducted with six IT
administrators of sampled universities. The selection criteria of universities
are defined to use HEC ranking score. HEC issues ranking in various
programmes as well as in general category. The ranking list of general
category will be used for selection of a university.
4.11.1. Selection criteria
Universities are selected according to the following criteria.
Table 1: University selection criterion
Categories HEC ranking score
4.11.2. Selected universities
Following universities are selected which were falling in the criteria.
Table 2: Selected universities
Universities Rank score Rank
Quaid e Azam University Islamabad, 100 1

Pakistan
University of the Punjab, Lahore, 85.014 2

Pakistan
PMAS Arid Agriculture university 63.539 5

Rawalpindi, Punjab
Government college university Faisal 60.348 7
Abad, Punjab
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The above four universities were falling in pre-defined criteria. Interestingly no
university from the sample was falling in the lower rank category. So it is
decided to conduct interviews in four selected universities.
4.11.3. Interview sessions
Interview meetings are fixed earlier with IT managers of the above
universities. A copy of interview questions is also sent them so that he/ she
can prepare to answer. On appointment, visit one of interviewee and record
interview through mobile as video.
4.11.4. Data transcription
All recorded interviews are transcribed on the page according to questions
and implement data analysis techniques to get results.
4.11.5. Data analysis technique
There are lots of qualitative data analysis techniques. In methodology, it
is suggested to use recursive abstraction technique which has some steps
to perform an analysis.
4.11.6. Data analysis with recursive abstraction
Recursive abstraction technique has six steps which are given in the
following:
4.11.6.1. Highlight interesting points
All interesting or relevant points are highlighted in each interview
which is presenting in a purifying form in the second step.
4.11.6.2. Transfer highlighted points in a table
Following are highlighted points in a table
A= Responses of Quaid e Azam University
80
B= Responses of Punjab University
C= Responses of Arid Agricultural University Rawalpindi
D= Responses of Govt. College Faisal Abad
Table 22: Transfer highlighted points in a table
A B C D
Positive Is this move draw positive economic impact in HEI’s of Pakistan in shape
to reduce or illuminate software licensing cost, hardware cost and
effects maintenance cost etc.
Yes, reduce Certainly Software Yes both
hardware reduce licensing cost will reduce
cost hardware reduce
cost and
licencing cost
What you think, this move will reduce IT complexity and IT support calls.
Secondly, data recovery becomes easy in case of disaster in local server
room.
IT complexity Yes, support IT support IT support
will reduce. calls will calls will calls and
IT support reduce. reduce. Complexity
calls will Data Data reduced
reduce. recovery will recovery
Data reduce easy
recovery is
easy
Is this move through impact on environment, like reduce heat emission,

decrease electric energy consumption and reduce noise or smoke
pollution of generators?
Yes, reduce Energy will Reduce heat Reduce heat
heat and saved and emission and energy
emission saved
81
What you think, this move will expand horizon and IT centers will be able
to get help from qualified and experienced professionals at National and
International level?
It will expend Collaboration Expend Expend
boundaries will increase horizon horizon
Will this move improve quality of work in universities? Further evaluation

and supervision becomes easy due to inter connectivity of all
departments as well as all universities?
May be It should Certainly It should
improve improve improve improve
What you think, this move will streamline university processes and
collaboration among university faculty, students become easy now?
Yes Collaboration Collaboration Yes
collaboration will increase will increase streamline
will increase process
Challenges Universities are facing lot of challenges like budget shortage, diverse
software deployment in one university, heavy expenses to provide
address by services at remote campuses, configuration of new hardware etc. What
you think, newly deployed cloud applications will address above
cloud mentioned challenges?
It will It will Address all Address all
applications
overcome on facilitate challenges challenges
challenges remote
campuses
Technology Is integration of cloud apps with existing modules like LMS, email server,
staff portal etc. is easy?
integration Not so easy Easy Easy Easy
but good
facilty
Is concern staff at HEC guide properly and give active response on your
queries?
No guidance, No guidance No active Conduct few
not active No proper response workshop.
resonses answer of No guidance
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our queries
Is Additional hardware/ software required to run these cloud

applications?
Mail server to No need No need No need
run mails
Incentives Do you think, current move will reduce IT workload, reshape IT

department and create new opportunities along with promotion chances
for IT for existing staff?
Reduce Workload will Yes workload Reduce
professionals
workload, reduce reduce. workload
create Opportunities Opportunities Promotion
promotion will come come chances
chances
Traditional What you think, huge budget was required to purchase hardware/
software, earlier, to establish IT network in universities?
IT Yes, heavy Huge budge Heavy High budget
environment expense was required budget was
required required
Are you agreeing with that same level of expenses were required to
establish IT networks in remote campuses also?
Yes Yes Yes yes
Due to electricity shortage in Pakistan, heavy duty generators were also

compulsory to run services? Further, good budget was consuming on
generator fuel on monthly bases?
Yes Yes Yes yes
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4.11.6.3. Paraphrase points to make concise and
manageable
Extracting comments or points are paraphrased in the following table.
Table 23: Paraphrase points to make concise and manageable
A B C D
Positive Is this move draw positive economic impact in HEI’s of Pakistan in

shape to reduce or illuminate software licensing cost, hardware cost
effects and maintenance cost etc.
reduce cost reduce cost cost reduce Reduce
cost
What you think, this move will reduce IT complexity and IT support
calls. Secondly, data recovery becomes easy in case of disaster in local
server room.
complexity support calls support calls support
reduce reduce. reduce. calls and
support calls Complexity recovery Complexity
reduce. reduce easy reduced
recovery
easy
Is this move through impact on environment, like reduce heat

emission, decrease electric energy consumption and reduce noise or
smoke pollution of generators?
reduce heat Energy Reduce heat Reduce
and saving and emission heat
emission energy
saving
What you think, this move will expand horizon and IT centers will be
able to get help from qualified and experienced professionals at
National and International level?
expend Collaboration Expend Expend
boundaries increase horizon horizon
Will this move improve quality of work in universities? Further
84
evaluation and supervision becomes easy due to inter connectivity of
all departments as well as all universities?
May be It should Certainly It should
improve improve improve improve
What you think, this move will streamline university processes and
collaboration among university faculty, students become easy now?
collaboration Collaboration Collaboration streamline
increase increase increase process
Challenges Universities are facing lot of challenges like budget shortage, diverse
software deployment in one university, heavy expenses to provide
address by services at remote campuses, configuration of new hardware etc.
What you think, newly deployed cloud applications will address above
cloud mentioned challenges?
overcome facilitate Address Address
applications
challenges remote challenges challenges
campuses
Technology Is integration of cloud apps with existing modules like LMS, email
server, staff portal etc. is easy?
integration Not so easy Easy Easy Easy
good facility
Is concern staff at HEC guide properly and give active response on your
queries?
No No guidance No response Conduct
guidance, No answer few
not workshop.
responses No
guidance
Is Additional hardware/ software required to run these cloud

applications?
Mail server No need No need No need
to run mails
Incentives Do you think, current move will reduce IT workload, reshape IT

department and create new opportunities along with promotion
chances for existing staff?
85
for IT Reduce Workload workload Reduce
professionals workload, reduce reduce. workload
promotion Opportunities Opportunities Promotion
chances chances
Traditional What you think, huge budget was required to purchase hardware/
software, earlier, to establish IT network in universities?
IT expensive Huge budget Heavy High
environment budget budget
Are you agreeing with that same level of expenses were required to
establish IT networks in remote campuses also?
Same Same Same Same
expense expense expense expense
Due to electricity shortage in Pakistan, heavy duty generators were

also compulsory to run services? Further, good budget was consuming
on generator fuel on monthly bases?
Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavy
4.11.6.4. Combine answers and create themes
In this step, common answers are gathered as combine answer and
define uniform themes.
Table 24: Combine answers and create themes
Themes A B C D
economic Reduce cost Reduce cost Reduce cost Reduce cost
impact
Improve Reduce Reduce Reduce Reduce
86
Efficiency complexity support calls support calls support calls
Reduce Reduce Easy Reduce
support calls complexity recovery complexity
Easy
recovery
Environmenta Reduce heat Energy Reduce heat Reduce heat
l Reduce saving Reduce Energy
improvement emission emission saving
Improved Expend Collaboration Expend Expend
collaboration boundaries increase horizon horizon
Improvement May be Should Improve Should
in quality of improve improve improve
work
Collaboration Increase Increase Increase Increase
collaboratio collaboration collaboration collaboratio
n n
Challenges Overcome Facilitate Address Address
challenge challenges challenges
Integration Not easy Easy Easy Easy
Good facility
Support No guidance No guidance No response Few
No response No anser workshops
No guidance
Additional Mail server No need No need No need
hardware/
87
software
Incentives Reduce Reduce Reduce Reduce
workload workload workload workload
Promotion Opportunitie Opportunitie Promossions
chances s s
IT network Expensive Huge budget Heavy High budget
budget
Remote Same Same Same Same
campus expense expense expense expense
Run services Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavy
4.11.7. Concise analysis of responses
Interviewee responses are concise under uniform themes. These can be
elaborated easily.
All universities IT heads are agreed that current move will reduce the cost of
equipment and services. The move on cloud applications will emerge good
economic impact. It will improve the efficiency of IT departments due to a
reduction in IT complexity and support calls. Heat and emission will reduce
which will impact positively on the environment. IT staff’s horizon will expand
and collaboration will increase. A question was asked about improvement in the
quality of work due to the move. Answers were very diverse. Three interviewees
were not assuring about improvement in quality. They replay in probability. This
move will increase collaboration and address challenges which are facing IT
professionals in a traditional environment. A question was asked about
88
integration with existing equipment, most of the interviewee declare it easy.
They were not happy with HEC concern staff. All interviewees unanimously
agreed on that there is no guidance, nor proper response from HEC to settle
queries. In a cloud environment, a university needs not to deploy servers locally
however one response that mail server will be required even after cloud
applications. The new move will create opportunities, promotion chances for IT
professionals. In a traditional environment, deployment of IT network is much
expensive. It requires a heavy budget. Suppose a university want to run IT
services in remote campus they must afford heavy expenses.
The conclusion of the qualitative analysis is that most of interviewee looking
cloud move positively. They give different response only on two questions. When
it was asked whether the quality of work will improve with the move to cloud
applications and HEC guidance. Their opinion was negative. They were not happy
with HEC representatives.
89
Chapter 5
Summery and conclusion
The Higher education sector in Pakistan is functioning on traditional
grounds. Office management, procedures and file handling are observing
manual even in the period of most advanced information technology.
Lectures mode of delivery, examination system, labs, libraries are serving
on old patterns. Few prominent universities adopted information
technology to improve learning culture in their premises but a large
number of universities are not utilising the basic type of information
technology resources. The reasons are financial constraints, ignored
sector by government, various binding on purchase IT material, expensive
IT resources, extensive variation in hardware/ software versions, lack of
skilled manpower etc.
Recently Higher Education Commission Pakistan sign a memorandum with
Microsoft Corporation and introduce MS Office 365 which is a package of
various software apps. Higher education Commission established a data
centre in his premises and offer private cloud facility to all public sector
universities. Universities are moving on cloud applications gradually.
This study is conducted to know the impact of the move on cloud
computing applications from the traditional environment in higher
education institutions of Pakistan. Although this move is in the initial
stage, however, it is highly encouraged and welcomed by respondents.
Pakistan higher education sector starts moving on fast track.
90
An extensive literature is explored to find a study about the move to cloud
computing in the higher education sector but no study could available. An
ICT impact assessment framework model presented by Nafisat Afolake
Adedokun-Shittu and Abdul Jaleel Kehinde Shittu found. This model was
mostly covering all major areas which were required in the evaluation of
move. One area, traditional IT environment was not part of it which is
added as a dependent variable in the study. On the basis of ICT impact
assessment model a questionnaire prepared and circulate among IT
authorities. Response gathering was a much tedious step. Lots of time
contact with respondents to get a response. However, with great effort
and time spending, response gathering process completed. This data
compiled with the help of SPSS software to get descriptive statistic
results, correlation, regression analysis etc. Results are compiled with
different techniques like frequency distribution, descriptive analysis and
advance statistic analysis.
Descriptive statics analysis results mostly fall in fourth category “Agree”
which means that respondents pay confidence on new cloud environment
and encourage current move. Secondly, correlation matrix reveals that
there is a positive relationship between traditional IT environment and all
other independent variables. Another statistical technique “Regression
analysis” also revealed that there is positively and a significant
relationship between Traditional IT environment and all other variables. It
means that all research questions are significantly addressed. Statistical
indicators are also highlighting the current move have a significant impact
on traditional IT environment.
91
Qualitative data is also gathered to assure integrity and accuracy of
output. IT administrators from four selected universities are interviewed
and analysed transcription with recursive abstraction techniques. Results
were in favour of a move to the cloud. There were some reservations
about HEC response. Respondents opinion was that HEC did not reply
their queries, nor arrange workshops to teach new technology.
92
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Appendix A: Survey questionnaire
Impact of move on cloud computing applications in Higher Education Institutions of

Pakistan
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan launched a program in collaboration with Microsoft
Pakistan with name "Education Alliance Program" in 2012. Recently They have introduced Microsoft
Office 365 in higher education sector of Pakistan. Office 365 is a package which has MS Office 2016,
SharePoint sites, One drive with 1 terabit space, Mail, Calendar, People, Task management, Delve,
Video management, One note online for collaboration and Sway.
In the earlier, education sector was using traditional software and each university/ institute have its
own server room to manage IT services. Now with the inception of Office 365 which is based on
cloud technology, working style will be changed. A centralized data centre is established in HEC
premises as private cloud and all public sector universities will utilize this data centre to access and
store academic/ scholarly material.
The said study will evaluate the impact of a move on cloud applications from traditional settings,
special focus on the higher education sector of Pakistan.
I am Tariq Mehmood Deputy Librarian COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad,

progressing MSC Information Management from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen (Scotland) UK.
This study is part of my dissertation.
Please fill the questionnaire and promote research culture in Pakistan. Thanks.
1: Positive effects
Positive effects section has been divided into six subcategories which are given in the following:
1.1 Economic impact

Please tick (√) on an option to give your response
Licensing cost of software (MS Office, Antivirus, Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
images & video editing) will reduce agree know disagree
Expenses on hardware purchase will eliminate or Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
reduce agree know disagree
Maintenance cost will be reduced Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly

agree know disagree
Universities were investing money to purchase Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
UPS as a backup in case of the electric shutdown agree know disagree
to run various services like official e-mail server,
domain servers etc. Now such expenses will also
reduce
104
1.2 Technological impact
IT complexity will reduce Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly

agree know disagree
In case of disaster, data is saved and can be Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
recovered quickly from central data centre agree know disagree
IT support calls will reduce Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly

agree know disagree
1.3 Environmental impact
Individual data centers were producing heat and Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
carbon. Now, due to centralizing data center, agree know disagree
heat emission will reduce
Server machines and cooling system in NOC Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
rooms of universities are consuming electric agree know disagree
energy. Now it will reduce
Due to continual electric shutdown, all IT Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
equipment has power backup of UPS or agree know disagree
generator in HEIs of Pakistan which is a badly
affecting environment. MS Office 365 along with
other software are managed from central
location so UPS/ generator use will reduce and
environment will be protected
1.4 Impact on human resources

Users horizon will expand and they will be able to Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
communicate with global workforce agree know disagree
Highly qualified staff support from centralized Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
data center will be available agree know disagree
Staff efficiency will improve Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
1.5 Impact on governance

105
Evaluation becomes easy Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
Quality of work will improve Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
Supervision becomes easy Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
1.6 Impact on procedures

Business processes will streamline Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly

agree know disagree
Collaboration among departments becomes easy Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
Business process or file handling is properly Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
monitoring so to hold a file for a long time or agree know disagree
delay tactics will not be easy to use now
2 Challenges Addressed by Cloud Applications

MS Office 365 is initiated by HEC Pakistan and offering at nominal charges to all public sector
universities. In this section, it is investigating, which issues/ challenges are resolved by MS
Office 365 package.
Now universities will invest less amount on Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
software/ hardware purchase as compared to agree know disagree
earlier
Due to the diversification of software and Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
hardware, integration and collaboration among agree know disagree
various academic institutions were very difficult.
This problem is also settled with the inception of
MS Office 365 and other allied applications.
In traditional settings, IT network building was Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
quite expensive in sub campuses. Now in cloud agree know disagree
computing, remote campus of any size, located
anywhere on the globe can facilitate easily
Earlier users were computer-centric but with the Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
inception of MS Office 365 package, they are agree know disagree
network-centric now. Now users can access
stored files from any location through internet
Each department was producing contents Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
separately. There were no integration among agree know disagree
departments in contents producing or
dissemination. MS Office 365 provides a
mechanism to manage and share contents
Configuration of new hardware/ software, Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
especially in server room scenario, was a big agree know disagree
problem. MS Office 365 package resolved this
issue
106
It was much difficult to run servers 24/7 due to Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
continual electric shutdown in Pakistan. This issue agree know disagree
is settled in MS Office 365 package
3 Technology integration
Existing modules of institutes/ universities like Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
email service, exam portal, student portal etc. agree know disagree
can integrate or transfer their data easily on MS
Office 365 package
Microsoft Pakistan, HEC Pakistan or their Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
nominated firm is properly guiding IT agree know disagree
professionals in universities through instructional
material
Queries of IT departments are timely addressed Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
by concern authority or firm appointed at central agree know disagree
data center
New hardware or supporting software are not Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
required to run cloud applications (MS Office 365 agree know disagree
and allied tools) in universities
4 Incentives for professionals

This move will create new opportunities and Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
promotion chances for existing IT employees agree know disagree
IT department is reshaped or going to reshape Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
due to current move on MS Office 365 agree know disagree
Academicians will get better communication Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
source to collaborate with other colleagues in agree know disagree
country
MS Office 365 package will reduce IT workload Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
agree know disagree
5 Traditional IT Environment
Before MS Office 365 package each university/ institute was establishing server room locally to
manage various services and websites in its premises whether it is main campus or small
remote campus but with the inception of MS Office 365 package, there is a change in the IT
environment. Now IT services of multiple institutes/ universities can be managed from central
data center under cloud environment.
So please answer the following questions to keep in mind the traditional IT environment.
Universities were investing good amount of Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
money to establish server rooms in campuses agree know disagree
Universities were purchasing expensive Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
hardware/ software to run IT services on campus agree know disagree
Universities were/ are investing money in Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
107
purchasing heavy duty UPS as power backup and agree know disagree
affording fuel expenses as well on regular bases
Universities have to invest good amount to Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly
establish IT services in small size remote campus agree know disagree
as well
108
Appendix B: Interview Semi-Structured Questionnaire
Impact of move on cloud computing applications in higher education

institutions of Pakistan
Semi-Structured Interview Questionnaire
Positive impact
Is this move draw positive economic impact in HEI’s of Pakistan in shape to reduce or
illuminate software licensing cost, hardware cost and maintenance cost etc.
What you think, this move will reduce IT complexity and IT support calls. Secondly, data
recovery becomes easy in case of disaster in local server room.
Is this move through impact on environment, like reduce heat emission, decrease electric
energy consumption and reduce noise or smoke pollution of generators?
What you think, this move will expand horizon and IT centers will be able to get help from
qualified and experienced professionals at National and International level?
Will this move improve quality of work in universities? Further evaluation and supervision
becomes easy due to inter connectivity of all departments as well as all universities?
What you think, this move will streamline university processes and collaboration among
university faculty, students become easy now?
Challenges
Universities are facing lot of challenges like budget shortage, diverse software deployment
in one university, heavy expenses to provide services at remote campuses, configuration of
new hardware etc. What you think, newly deployed cloud applications will address above
mentioned challenges?
Technology integration
Is integration of cloud apps with existing modules like LMS, email server, staff portal etc. is
easy?
Is concern staff at HEC guide properly and give active response on your queries?
Is Additional hardware/ software required to run these cloud applications?
Incentives for professionals
Do you think, current move will reduce IT workload, reshape IT department and create new
opportunities along with promotion chances for existing staff?
Traditional IT environment
What is your opinion regarding traditional IT environment in reference of budget,

hardware/ software purchase, heavy duty generator with fuel consumption and especially
IT setup in remote campus or office?
109
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Impact of move on cloud computing applications from traditional

Thesis · October 2016

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higher education institutions of Pakistan

A thesis submitted to the Robert Gordon University in partial fulfilment of

the requirements for the degree of MSC Information Management

Master in Library & Information Science,

University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

The Robert Gordon University

I would like to thanks, Dr Allan MacLennan supervisor, for his continuous

supervision and guidance during dissertation research. He did not guide me in

very much, Dr Allan MacLennan. I salute to YOU.

I would like to thanks, Dr Konstantina Martzoukou and all other respectable

Institute of Information Technology Islamabad, who care me and provide

assistance in the whole process of dissertation preparation.

in shape of tea serving, food arrangement etc.

MSC Information Management

Chapter 2 Research Methodology

Chapter 3 Background literature

Chapter 4 Results and analysis

Chapter 5 Summery and conclusion ……………………………………………….………90

Table 1: University selection criterion……………………………………………………………27,79

Table 2: Selected universities……………………………………………………………………….28,79

Table 3: Variables definition ………………………………………………………………………………41

Table 4: Economic impact ……………………………………………………………………………………42

Table 5: Combine analysis of economic impact …………………………………………………45

Table 6: Technological impact ……………………………………………………………………………47

Table 7: Environmental impact……………………………………………………………………………50

Table 8: impact on human resources ……………………………………………………………….53

Table 9: Impact on governance……………………………………………………………………………55

Table 10: Impact on procedures………………………………………………………………………….56

Table 11: Analysis of positive effects……………………………………………………………………57

Table 12: Descriptive statistics of positive effects responses ……………………………59

Table 13: Challenges addressed by cloud computing …………………………………………61

Table 14: Descriptive statistics of challenges addressed by cloud computing ….65

Table 15: Technology integration ……………………………………………………………………….66

Table 16: Descriptive statistics of technological integration responses……………69

Table 17: Incentives for IT professionals……………………………………………………………70

Table 18: Descriptive statistics of incentives for IT professional’s responses …73

Table 19: Traditional IT environment ………………………………………………………………..73

Table 20: Pearson Correlation between dependent and independent variables 75

Table 21: Multivariate Regression ………………………………………………………………………77

Table 22: Transfer highlighted points in a table …………………………………………………81

Table 23: Paraphrase points to make concise and manageable ………………………84

Table 24: Combine answers and create themes…………………………………………….86

Figure 1: Economic impact, Question No. 1…………………………………………………………43

Figure 2: Economic impact, Question No. 2…………………………………………………………44

Figure 3: Economic impact, Question No. 3………………………………………………………..44

Figure 4: Economic impact, Question No. 4…………………………………………………………45

Figure 5: Economic impact, Combine analysis ……………………………………………………47

Figure 6: Technological impact ……………………………………………………………………………50

Figure 7 Environmental impact ……………………………………………………………………………52

Figure 8: Impact on human resources……………………………………………………………….54

Figure 9: Impact on governance …………………………………………………………………………55

Figure 10: Impact on procedures ……………………………………………………………………….57

Figure 11: Analysis of positive affects ………………………………………………………………..58

Figure 12: Challenges addressed by cloud computing ……………………………………..65

Figure 13: Technological integration ………………………………………………………………..69

Figure 14: Incentives for IT professionals ……………………………………………..…………72

Figure 15: Traditional IT environment ………………………………………………………………75

Higher education institutions have great importance in the development of a