How cloud computing influences business strategy within South African enterprises
Declan Cowen, Kevin Allan Johnston, Khangelani Vuke · 2016
It has been shown that current organisations have begun transitioning to more digitally focused business strategies. It has also been shown that business strategies are currently being reshaped by cloud computing which is a key factor in digital business strategies. It is unclear if South African organisations know what digital business strategies are if they are currently implementing them, and how cloud computing affects such business strategies. This paper used the strategy map of Kaplan and Norton to give insight into digital business strategies within South African organisations, to find if South African organisations implement digital business strategies, and to find how cloud computing affects business strategy within those organisations that use cloud computing. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were held with respondents. The results showed that cloud computing was most viable to increase return on capital, improve operating quality and efficiency, as well as assist in creating high-valued customer relationships. The study supported literature gathered, as analysis suggested that South African organisations either have a combination of traditional and digital business strategy or are fully invested in digital business strategy and are currently transitioning to or improving their digital business strategy. The analysis also suggested that cloud computing can improve business strategy objectives.