Factors Affecting the Usage of Cloud-Based Project Management Software in Software Development Industry of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Recent advancements in cloud computing have brought a novel approach to Project Management (PM) software by offering them as a cloud-based solution. Previous studies highlight that usage of such software is still in its infancy stage mainly due to attitudinal barriers of individuals. Therefore this study aimed to identify the factors affecting the usage of cloud-based PM software in the software development industry of Sri Lanka using a model based on core variables of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model (i.e. Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Behavioral Intention and Use Behavior) along with Trust. A Quantitative survey study was conducted, where the data from 111 members in software development firms operating in Colombo and registered in Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLAASCOM) were collected using an online questionnaire. Effort Expectancy and Social Influence were identified as significant factors that affect the Behavioral Intention to use cloud-based PM software and Facilitating Conditions and Behavioral Intention as factors that significantly affect the actual usage of cloud-based PM software. The findings of the research will add value to the theory area of cloud-based PM software usage while supporting software development firms in identifying the factors affecting the usage of cloud-based PM software to successfully promote the usage of such software.