Analyzing Cloud Computing Benefits in Business Operations: Home Care

This dissertation examines the advantages of cloud computing and its integration into business operations, specifically within the home care sector. The study investigates how cloud computing enhances care services and data management within healthcare organizations. Data was gathered from primary sources through questionnaires and interviews with 20 care home managers, and secondary data from academic literature. The research employs a qualitative method with thematic analysis to identify cloud computing's impact. Findings indicate that cloud computing significantly improves efficiency, expands service areas, and streamlines data management in care homes. The report includes a detailed introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and reflective evaluation, concluding with recommendations for effective cloud computing implementation in care organizations. The research underscores the importance of cloud computing in improving the quality of care and optimizing business operations.

How Cloud Computing
Benefits Business?

ABSTRACT
Present dissertation will describe about the concept of cloud computing and its
integration in business operations. Also, it will show the benefits of using cloud computing in
care homes, the way it help in providing high quality care services to people as well as how data
and information is stored and maintained by health care organisations. For the present study, data
has been collected from primary and secondary sources both. For the primary information, tools
like questionnaire and interviews have been chosen while, for secondary data, books, journals
and online articles based on topic have been referred. Further, qualitative method of data analysis
has been used under which thematic analysis is done to gain accuracy in the results. For the
same, sample size of 20 managers from care home industry has been selected with the use of
stratified random sampling technique. It has been found that maximum respondents believe that
efficiency of care home has enhanced due to implementation of cloud computing. Furthermore, it
has increased the range of area of providing services in the UK.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Title.......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Introduction...........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Background of research.........................................................................................................2
1.4 Rationale of Study.................................................................................................................2
1.5 Problem Statement................................................................................................................3
1.6 Aim and Objectives...............................................................................................................3
1.7 Research Questions...............................................................................................................3
1.8 Structure of dissertation........................................................................................................4
1.9 Framework of study..............................................................................................................4
1.10 Significance of research......................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................6
2.2 Cloud computing...................................................................................................................6
2.3 Types of cloud computing models........................................................................................7
2.4 Importance of cloud computing in business..........................................................................8
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................15
Introduction...............................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................19
4.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................19
4.2 Primary data analysis..........................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 4: REFLECTIVE EVALUATION.............................................................................44
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................49
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................51

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Title
“To evaluate how cloud computing systems and applications have benefited business
operations - A case study in home care sector
1.2 Introduction
In today’s technological world, businesses are using different types of software and
applications in their operations. This has changed the way of doing business and performing
operations. Also, it has provided a platform for companies to grow and expand in different
markets. Besides this, it has enabled in enhancing their productivity as well as performance (Ali,
Khan and Vasilakos, 2015). The technological advancements have made it possible to integrate
operations of different departments. Now a days, the most common technology that is been used
by business is cloud computing. It is a paradigm that enables business to share their resources
over internet. This means a process through which services are delivered on demand by using the
internet. Cloud computing consists of database, networking, software, etc. that helps in
increasing the efficiency of business. Cloud migration is a network of servers that stores,
manages and processes data and thus provides services.
The world of health care is very much inefficient and incurring a lot of cost making it
difficult to acclimate it. With new technologies emerging such as big data, artificial intelligence,
etc., it has transformed the health care industry. With this, their efficiency has increased enabling
them to improve the service quality. The cloud computing has made a real difference in
innovation. It has helped in maintaining electronic records and saving data on cloud. Another
advantage of cloud computing to health care is that it has provided speed to things in streamlined
process by accessing the high powered analytics and providing more personalised care to people.
It is highly used in health care sector so that care services are delivered on time to the people.
This has also enhanced the efficiency of care home organisations. By analysing the records of
people, problems are identified and services are delivered (Rittinghouse and Ransome, 2016).
This system effectively helps in sharing of information on internet. The information once
inserted is automatically updated. Along with this, applications and software's are included in
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cloud computing that enables in quick sharing of information. Cloud computing has not only
helped in maintaining and storing of data but also in reducing the expenses of companies. It
means that business only have to pay for the services that they are using. The applications of
cloud computing only needs to be installed and log in to use. Furthermore, they can also be
customised with new technology.
In early times companies and individuals were using computers. So when they ran out of
storage then it would be difficult to maintain data of customers. They would have to buy hard
disk and take back up of data in order to free up the space. It is expected that cloud computing
market in the UK in home care industry will rise up to 21% till 2022 this is because many large
companies will use this service (Botta and et.al., 2016). Also, they will rely on this due to its
security and efficiency. In addition to this only the main thing that is required is infrastructure.
Apart from this, the integration of artificial intelligence with cloud computing is taking home
care to the next level. It is making significant progress in health care industry in UK. It is said by
Rittinghouse and Ransome, (2016) that as long as the security and integrity of data is maintained,
it will help in further development of business in care home.
1.3 Background of research
Cloud computing plays a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of business and
providing services in many sectors such as retail, hospitality, etc. It has benefited companies in
these sectors to a great extent. Due to this they are able to provide effective services to
customers. Apart from this the applications and software in cloud computing has made it easy for
people to use them. Also, it has benefited in storing and sharing of data quickly between business
and people.
1.4 Rationale of Study
There are many reasons due to which the present research is been conducted. The first is
cloud computing is being used in many industries that has benefited business. It has transformed
the way of providing products and services to customers. Another reason is home care sector is
being adversely affected. People are not getting high quality services in proper time and it has
also increased the cost due to manual work (Avram, 2014). The third reason is to find out how
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implementing cloud computing in home care will benefit business. Therefore, it is necessary to
evaluate the impact of using cloud computing in home care.
1.5 Problem Statement
It is essential for organisations engaged in home care to provide timely and high quality
services to people. This will help in reducing time and cost. But due to a lot of manual work and
ineffective sharing of data companies are not able to provide timely care services. This has
reduced the quality of life of people (Almorsy, Grundy and Müller, 2016). Therefore,
implementing cloud computing in home care will help in integrating overall efforts so that
services can be provided on demand. Cloud will create a network of servers in a particular
location. This will also help organisations in many other ways. So in order to identify how cloud
computing will benefit home care, research is being conducted.
1.6 Aim and Objectives
Aim - “To analyse how cloud computing systems and applications have benefited business
operations. A case study in home care sector
Objectives:
The objectives of present study which will be accomplished in dissertation are listed
below:
 To understand the concept of cloud computing
 To analyse the importance of cloud computing in business
 To identify the relationship between cloud computing and business operations in home
care
 To recommend ways on how cloud computing systems and applications should be
maintained in care organisations.
1.7 Research Questions
Apart from aims and objectives, there are certain questions that has to be determined. It
will help in giving answer to the questions. These questions determined are as follows:-
 What are cloud computing systems and applications?
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 What is the importance of cloud computing in business?
 How it will benefit business operations?
 What strategies should be developed to implement cloud computing effectively?
1.8 Structure of dissertation
In this part the entire structure of dissertation is shown. This means how research will be
conducted by researcher. Developing a structure becomes easy for user to understand
dissertation. Also, it helps in moving forward in step by step manner so that research is
conducted effectively. The structure of present dissertation are as follows: -
Chapter 1 Introduction: In this chapter the brief introduction about topic or subject is specified.
It shows what overall research is all about. Besides this, it shows aims, objectives, background,
and significance of research. With this it is easy to gain knowledge of subject.
Chapter 2 Literature Review: In this the researcher thoroughly analyses data of previous
research so that results are described. It gives users information about, what previous research
describe about the topic (Sanaei and et.al., 2014). What are their views and observations?
Moreover, theories and models applied by authors are also described. Furthermore, relevant
sources are included in this chapter.
Chapter 3 Research Methodology: This chapter is the most significant because it shows
methods that is applied by researcher. This gives an insight to the user on how research was
conducted. The methods are selected on basis of nature, aims and objectives of research.
Chapter 4 Data Analysis and Findings: It is also an important chapter because in this data and
results of research is presented by researcher. It gives a clear view whether aims and objectives
are achieved or not. The data is presented in form of graphs, tables, charts, etc.
Chapter 5 Conclusion and Recommendations: It is the last chapter where conclusion is done. It
describes what has been concluded by conducting the research. In addition to this,
recommendations are also given by researcher that can be followed or implemented.
1.9 Framework of study
This section describes the brief introduction of research methodology. This is beneficial
for conducting research in a systematic manner. The framework of present study are as follows:
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Research Philosophy: This states that how the collection, analysis and interpretation of data will
be done in research. Generally, there are various types of philosophies. In context to the present
research, researcher will use interpretivisim philosophy.
Research Design: This states that how researcher will analyse the data so that effective results
can be obtained. In this only guidelines are included that is followed by researcher. For present
study researcher will use the descriptive design.
Research Strategy: As name suggest it is the overall plan of research. It shows how entire
research has been conducted. Basically, there are two common methods that are qualitative and
quantitative. The researcher will use both methods in present study.
Data Collection: It states that how data will be collected. There are two common data collection
methods that is primary and secondary (Oliveira, Thomas and Espadanal, 2014). For present
study researcher will use both methods to collect data. Questionnaire will be used to collect
primary data, journals and articles will be analysed to collect secondary one.
Sampling: It shows that how data sampling from population was done by researcher. There are
many methods that can be used in this. In this dissertation researcher will collect sample of 20
managers of home care company.
Data Analysis: It refers to the technique or tool through which data is analysed to get specific
outcomes. In this research, thematic analysis will be used by researcher.
1.10 Significance of research
In this section the significance of research is described. It is conducted to identify how
home care companies has been benefited by using cloud computing systems. Also, it will show
how quality of service as well as communication has increased among patients and care workers
in home care. It is essential to provide high quality services to people so that quality of life
increases in society. So it is important that home care should work properly and effectively. So
by implementing cloud computing systems, efficiency of organisation has increased.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This is the second chapter in which secondary data related to research is described. This
will help the user in analysing theoretical framework to study. It is an essential chapter that helps
in identifying the views of different scholars and authors. For this researcher will analyse
secondary data by analysing research papers, journals, articles, etc. written by other researchers.
In context to this, the literature review of dissertation is as follows:
2.2 Cloud computing
In recent times there has been a significant change that has occurred in technology. It has
changed the life of people as well as way of doing business. Technology has made it performing
operations. It has enabled business to enhance their efficiency so that it can grow in different
markets (Botta and et.al., 2016). The invention of artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud
computing, etc. has entirely transformed companies. In general terms cloud computing means
taking services and providing them outside the organisation. A cloud is a network in which all
servers are connected to each other. They share, manages and process information with each
other. Then, processed information is given to the user. There are different models in cloud
computing that can be used by business. These models depend on the physical resources and its
access. Public cloud is a model that offers services to people.
They are having a large database, hardware and software. Also, they manage data and
gives access to people. Generally, a public cloud is developed by state or central government. On
the other hand, private cloud is developed by organisation for their personal use. They are used
by large organisations who operates at global level. In this cloud, companies stores and manages
their private data. It is kept due to some security reasons. Also, private cloud complies with some
regulations. There are two ways through which private clouds can be located by organisation.
The first one is they can locate in their premises or host a third party private cloud. The last type
of cloud is hybrid in which both public and private clouds are integrated into one. For example –
cloud bursting in which an organisation may run web server on private cloud for their own use
and public cloud during high peak time.
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2.3 Types of cloud computing models
As said by Rittinghouse and Ransome, (2016) there are commonly three types of cloud
computing models that are used by business. The implementation of model depends upon the
nature and size of business. Also, there are other factors that are considered while selecting the
appropriate model such as requirements, financial situation, range of operations, etc. These are as
follows:-
Software as a service (SaaS) – It is a model in which software and its functions are delivered
through a web based service. In this the business does not pay fees to purchase license or
software instead they pay monthly or annual fees for using that service. It is a very flexible
model as it can be used anytime, anywhere (3 Types of Cloud Computing Services, 2017). There
are many examples of SaaS model such as Microsoft office, Dropbox. Sometimes, it is called as
on demand software. SaaS is the most widely used models by companies.
Platform as a service (PaaS) - It is a model in which a platform is made to deliver service. In
this company manages and purchase their own hardware and software. Mostly the PaaS are
designed to create and deploy software. There are some example of PaaS like IBM, Google
cloud platform, etc. In this an operating system is installed that acts as base for developing
applications. Sometimes, PaaS acts as mediator between SaaS and IaaS.
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) - As the name suggests it is a computer infrastructure that
consists of servers, storage and networking as service. In this there is a cloud vendor that
manages IT infrastructure (Almorsy, Grundy and Müller, 2016). For example – IBM, Microsoft
Azure, Amazon web services, etc. it is very low level model as resources are provided via virtual
interface. Likewise, PaaS and SaaS, this model do not include applications or operating systems.
It simply requires infrastructure to support this software. It also provides extra storage and back
up in storing data.
These three are the most common cloud computing models but they offer service as well.
For example – database as a service, mobile back end and functions as a service. According to
Manivannan and Zeadally, (2016) there are many benefits of using cloud computing models. It
helps in providing easy access to data 24*7 anytime, anywhere. Besides this, it benefits business
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in providing scalability to store and manage data at large scale. By this they have the
accessibility in using cloud computing services to deliver service. It has revolutionised the way
of providing services in to old age people in home care. Moreover, it has enhanced the quality of
care. With this people in home care are getting effective services in proper time. Due to
implementation of cloud computing paper work has been reduced. It is provided advantage to
home care industry to a great extent.
2.4 Importance of cloud computing in business
In the view of Oliveira, Thomas and Espadanal, 2014 cloud computing has emerged as a
new trend in business. The main purpose of implementation of this in business is it has made
operations easy by integrating them. Along with this, it has provided a platform through which
services can be delivered quickly and effectively. Another benefit it has given is cost saving. Due
to automation, paper work has reduced. This has enabled business to manage operations and
provide solutions. Moreover, most of IT services are being outsourced. Due to this business has
saved time and focus on improving other technological services. Furthermore, developing clouds
has enabled them to share IT resources with third party (Importance of cloud computing, 2017).
Apart from this, it has provided a data back-up storage service and layer of security. It has also
benefited in providing services in large area. It can be accessed anytime, anywhere. By using this
business has started a new concept of n demand service. In this user can get data and information
in real time.
As said by Díaz, Martín and Rubio, (2016) in dynamic environment, it is important for
business to meet customer demand in right time so that it can be retained. Thus, hardware and
software can be developed as per the requirements of business. This has provided scalability to
organisation. Other than this, the integration of process and methods has benefited in developing
a user friendly application or software. The main advantage cloud computing has given to
business is storage of large volume of data. Not only it stores and manage data but also take back
and recover it in case of lost. This has made it easy for business in storing of data as separate
infrastructure is not required.
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Generally, in large organisation data centres requires a high cooling system so that server
can run smoothly. These systems can add to cost of electricity bills. Therefore, third party is used
by organisation for cloud computing. This saves cost as separate data centre are not required. As
elucidated by Chouvarda and et.al., (2015) using of cloud computing has allowed business to
expand in different and wide areas. With this services are provided to more customers. It has
resulted in generating more sales and profits. Also, by this business has been able to gain
competitive advantage in industry. The evolution of cloud computing has provided flexibility to
employees in working. This has enhanced their productivity and motivated them. They are able
to maintain balance between personal and professional life.
According to Stantchev and et.al., (2015) cloud computing is important for business
because third party is responsible for managing this model. So if there comes any update it will
be done by third party. This results in less cost of maintenance. If there occurs any technical
problem in data centre of organisation it will affect the overall operations. So if third maintain
and regulates those data centre then it will be easy for company to retrieve data. Moreover,
business do not have to replace cloud computing continuously. It is because it can be updated
with new features with technological advancements. In this way organisation can become a
technology leader in the industry. In the view of Rittinghouse and Ransome, (2016) for security
of data and information an agreement is signed between third party and organisation.
It states that data will be kept secured and confidential and will not be shared. So it also
provides this feature to business. The implementation of cloud computing has increased
collaboration between employees. It provides a platform through operations can be performed
together. As said by Islam, Manivannan and Zeadally, (2016) cloud computing has played a vital
role for small and medium size enterprise. It has increased their ability to compete with big
players in the market. By using it they deliver service in wide areas. It has led to develop a large
customer base and generating more sales and revenues. It has helped them to enhance their
competitiveness in the industry. With this they are also able to compete with them.
Thus, it has been said by Gorgoglione, Dekorsy and Fettweis, (2014) that cloud
computing has played a crucial role for small and medium enterprise. It has made it possible for
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them to expand their range of products and services. Furthermore, there has been significant
change in quality of services. Now, customers are getting on demand services in quick time. This
has enforced many enterprises to implement cloud computing services. It has made easy in
exchanging data and information. Apart from this, different care homes are also connected to
each other. In this way data is shared among them. Alongside this, organisation has installed data
security devices to ensure that information is protected and is not misused.
Challenges of implementing cloud computing
There are various challenges that is faced by business in implementing cloud computing.
Therefore, to overcome those various strategies are developed and implemented. In the opinion
of Rahmani and et.al., (2018) the challenges faced by business restricts them to install cloud
computing. First is in initial stage business requires large fund for this. Thus, it is critical for
them to acquire such large funds. Also, funds is required for maintenance of cloud. Second is in
many companies uses third party for cloud computing. So these parties may not be reliable at
times. Also, they must be available when business needs them. So delivering of service is
dependent on third party. In recent time, another challenge has emerged that is known as
downtime that is cyber-attacks. It has created a feeling of fear among companies to use cloud
computing. In this there is high risk of getting data loss. Cyber-attack can be in form of malware,
Trojan, etc. If any cyber occurs it can highly affect the confidential data of company. This data
can be used illegally by any other person or business. There is risk of decline in service quality.
If business shift towards cloud then it might happen that they are not able to maintain level of
service quality. These challenges have enforced business to restrict the use of cloud computing.
Therefore, in order to overcome it necessary changes are been made in process and technology
so that operations are not hampered.
It means companies having untrustworthy internet connections may restrict to implement
it. Small companies has to think twice before taking final decision. As elucidated by Hartmann
and et.al., (2017) password security is also a concern in this. If more people can access data then
password may get leaked. This gives chance to unauthorised people to steal confidential data and
information. This has led to great loss in sales. Due to this business market image has spoiled.
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Also, strict rules are developed that has restricted flexible way of working for employees. It is
essential for business to protect their data. But sometimes third party share data with other
companies in order to earn more profits. Thus, it is making it difficult for organisation to install
cloud computing. As said by Chang and Ramachandran, (2016) usually vendors provide various
types of IT services. For this a contract is made between company and vendor. Furthermore,
business have to work with same IT infrastructure. This may hinder employee as well as business
performance. Due to this they are not able to develop products and services. Also, creative and
motivating environment is not been developed by organisation.
Home care industry
This industry refers to providing home care services to old age people at homes or in care
institutions. In these different types of services are provided to people that includes medical,
health, etc. Generally, care services are provided by health care professional, social workers, etc.
who are having license. They ensure that people get the best quality of services in efficiently and
in quick time. Basically, care includes activities of daily living that fulfil needs of people. Home
care may be given to people who are recovering from any surgery or illness. According to Díaz,
Martín and Rubio, (2016) the major segment of home care consists of care assistance. They help
the old age people in many activities such as bathing, eating and many more. These services are
provided at home. It helps old people to live. Home care also include non-medical services. In
this some fee is charged from the customers. The major non-medical services are privately
funded.
Due to delivering effective home care services, the average age of old people has raised.
The services are provided to those individuals that highly remain independent. It helps them to
maintain their living standard. In this industry a major step is taken by government. They provide
funds to care homes. As elucidated by Chouvarda and et.al., (2015) in order to provide care
services to people, there are various laws and regulations that is followed. These laws are
developed and imposed by government. They vary from state to state. Therefore, laws must be
followed to ensure that people get services without any discrimination. Apart from this, policies
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and procedures helps in measuring the service quality. For this some standards are set. With this
weak areas are identified and measures are taken to improve them.
Integration of cloud computing and business operations
In a research done by Stantchev and et.al., (2015) it is analysed that in many areas
business has successfully integrated operations with cloud computing. This has enabled in
increasing efficiency of operations as well as organisation. Moreover, it has provided a platform
through which activities are outsourced. Many organisation uses SaaS cloud model. For example
in retail store business can access up to date information of customer in quick time. It will help in
providing solution in real time. It has helped in increasing their satisfaction and retaining them.
There are several procedures and methods through which operations can be integrated with cloud
computing.
Cloud computing in home care
In present times the use of cloud computing in health care has increase a lot. This is due
to advancement in technology. Also, it has benefited home care to improve their service quality
so that lifestyle of old people is maintained. Home care industry is small but is growing rapidly
in UK. This is because many old people are living independently. Moreover, due to expansion of
services in wide area, companies are able to provide effective care services to people. As
elucidated by Rittinghouse and Ransome, (2016) cloud computing has benefited home care to
great extent. The operations are performed in smooth way. It has enabled social workers to
communicate with each other so that service can be deliver on time. Services are offered to
people anytime, anywhere. Also, the records of customers are kept up to date so that particular
service is provided to them. This has resulted in reduction of time as well as cost. Moreover, old
people can easily access service with the help of smart phones. The records of patients are stored
and updated automatically when it is accessed. So there is no need to again and again update
information. Computers are installed to manage records of data, this has led to reduction in paper
work. Furthermore, it has helped in developing strategies and health care charts.
With this services are delivered in systematic way. Advance care plan has been
developed and decision are taken quickly. Other than this, cloud computing has also helped in
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developing risk assessment. With this risk is identified and measures are developed to minimise
its impact. This has led to enhance in living standard of people. According to Islam, Manivannan
and Zeadally, (2016) cloud computing has changed the way of delivering home care services.
Everything is now connected with each other. The reports of patients are uploaded on systems. It
has made it easy to access them at time of need. Furthermore, a centralised server has connected
patients with care homes. This has benefited home care to attract more people and provide
services. According to Gorgoglione, Dekorsy and Fettweis, (2014) integration of cloud
computing in home care has given advantage in developing food chart. With this monitoring and
quality of food is checked. The monitoring has enabled in identifying issue and problems in
patients. Apart from this, behaviour of patients is monitored and reviews are taken.
Maintaining efficiency of cloud computing systems
It is said by Rahmani and et.al., (2018) that it is very essential to maintain the efficiency
of cloud computing systems so that operations can be performed in smooth way. Also,
maintaining ensures that quality of service is not affected. Besides this, there occurs many
advancements in technology, so it becomes essential to cope up with that otherwise it will lead to
failure of system. A system includes hardware, software and many other things. This forms a
complete IT infrastructure. There are many ways that can be implemented by business to
maintain efficiency of systems. It will support them in gaining competitive advantage in the
market. Also, with this range of providing service will increase. There are many ways through
which efficiency can be maintained. As elucidated by Hartmann and et.al., (2017) first is to
monitor the entire system. It will benefit in determining what changes are required to improve its
efficiency. Monitoring is the best way or method maintaining efficiency. Besides this, the end
user interface can be improved so that service can be delivered in more efficient way. By this
system can be made more user friendly. The main thing that business can focus on is making the
system more secure. This can be done by implementing more security measures. They provide
care to people by accessing information on cloud computing. So, it has reduced the time of
providing care. Now, on real time basis, services are delivered. This has reduced the risk of
occurring of critical consequences.
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Moreover, system must be tested frequently so that loopholes are identified and
corrected. If system will be secured and protected then it will lead to better and effective
performance. Business must update their security measures as per change in technology. A
secured system will give more productivity and performance. Alongside this, system should be
made more flexible so that changes can be done whenever required. This will help in adapting to
change in external situations easily. For example – if user demand increased, then modifications
can be made in cloud services to fulfil their demand. Thus, it will help in eliminating the problem
of overloading IT system. As said by Chang and Ramachandran, (2016) organisation can also
implement method of making cloud system as disaster resistance. In this, a backup plan must be
always developed in case of data loss or fire. It is because it will affect the business premises.
Having a back-up plan will be beneficial in retrieving data. With this, cloud system can be made
more disaster resistance (Benefits of cloud computing, 2018). For this, virtualisation technology
method can be used. It enables in recovery of data models so that data is kept ready if there is
some technical problem in data centre. More options of data back-up results in effective working
and managing cloud computing systems.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Every research requires certain methods that are applied in conducting study. It helps
researcher in giving an insight on how research will be conducted. Research methodology is a
framework in which several elements are taken into consideration. They are data collection,
strategy, approach, etc. For present dissertation, methods are described as below:
Research philosophy- In this, the researcher provides a brief overview of subject on
which research is based. The main emphasis of identifying research philosophy is that it provides
a brief framework about design of research. There are several types of philosophies that are used.
These are positivism, interpretivism, realism, etc. (Díaz, Martín and Rubio, 2016).They are
applied on the basis of nature of research. The philosophy that is applied by collecting facts and
figures and then observing is known as positivism. On the other hand, interpretivism is used so
that each element can be investigated in more depth. Whereas, in realism, assumptions are made
on the basis of scientific approach. Further, it can be classified into two categories, that is, direct
and critical. In present dissertation, interpretivism approach will be used by the researcher. With
this, each element can be investigated effectively. Also, researcher will gain some knowledge
related to the subject.
Research approach- It is related to the hypothesis of research. Determining research
approach is crucial as it helps in describing that how hypothesis will be done on data and
information so that specific results will be generated. Generally, there are three types of research
approaches, that is, deductive, inductive and abductive. Deductive is applied to generate results
based on the aim and objectives (Chouvarda and et.al., 2015). Inductive is applied so that
theories can be generated. Also, in this, focus is on research questions rather than aim. The third
approach is complex to use and difficult to understand as it is applied to overcome the
weaknesses of both. Moreover, it is less used while conducting research. In this, deductive
approach will be used by the researcher. With this, researcher will be able to analyse how cloud
computing is beneficial for business. It will help in proper findings and gaining more accurate
results.
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Research strategy- It is an element in which overall research plan is described. In plan,
it is shown that how methods are applied. With this, it becomes easy to accomplish the aim and
objectives. Qualitative and quantitative are two research strategies that are used. Qualitative is
used only to collect non numerical data so that research subject can be investigated more deeply.
Basically, it is a theoretical framework that only generates knowledge. The data collected is more
qualitative. On the contrary, in quantitative, more specific results are obtained by collecting
relevant data. It is done so that the latest data and information can be analysed to get relevant
results. In quantitative research, aim and objectives are easily attained. Applying both the
strategies are helpful in research. It is because; it will describe in which area cloud computing
has improved the performance of business (Stantchev and et.al., 2015). For present research,
quantitative method will be used. It will make it easy for researcher to evaluate the data and
information.
Research design- It is determined when strategy is identified. Research design and
strategy are interdependent on each other. Research design helps in combining different elements
of research. This makes it easy to conduct research in a logical and effective manner. There are
three research designs, that is, conclusive, exploratory and descriptive. Conclusive is applied to
obtain final conclusion and reasons behind it. In descriptive, focus is made on existing issues.
Exploratory refers to gain more knowledge and information from a large area. In context of
present dissertation, researcher will use exploratory design. It will help him or her in analysing
areas in which efficiency of business has enhanced. On the basis of information, aims and
objectives can be ascertained effectively. It also helps to attain work performances that help to
make conclusion in a systematic manner.
Data collection – Collection of data refers to gathering data and information from
various sources. This is the most important part of research because results are based on this
(Rittinghouse and Ransome, 2016). It should be collected in a proper way so that aim and
objectives will be effectually attained. The selection of method depends on willingness of
researcher. The most common data collection methods are primary and secondary. For collecting
fresh data, primary sources are used. In this, several tools are used such as questionnaire,
16

interview, etc. to collect data. But in secondary sources, previous articles and newspapers are
analysed to collect data. It becomes easy for researcher to conduct the further research. It gives
him or her an insight about the facts and figures. After that, further actions can be taken. The
researcher will use primary method. It will help in collecting data for the first time and
evaluating how business operations are benefited by implementation of cloud computing.
Data Sampling – The data collected depends on how population was divided into groups
and sample size was determined. Researcher needs to identify the sample size so that it will be
easy to gather data. Sampling techniques are of different types such as stratified, cluster, etc. In
random sampling, respondents are chosen randomly (Islam, Manivannan and Zeadally, 2016).
Stratified and cluster sampling are similar to each other but vary at a point. In these, strata are
developed on the basis of taste, age, gender, etc. Also, in stratified sampling, strata are developed
and equal number of samples are selected from each one but in cluster, respondents are selected
randomly. In the present research, stratified random sampling has been used by which researcher
has selected sample size of 20 managers in care home industry. With this, researcher easily got
data regarding the way by which quality of services has been improved.
Data analysis – It is done after selecting sampling technique. In order to analyse data, it
is necessary to select proper data analysis technique. Analysing data means to interpret it to
obtain meaningful information. The researcher should identify appropriate method to evaluate
and analyse data. For the present study, qualitative analysis of data has been done. In context to
this research, thematic analysis method will be used. With this, data will be interpreted and
outcomes will be presented with the help of graphs, charts, etc. on the basis of different themes
framed. This will also make it simple for the user to understand.
Ethical considerations – This element has to be followed by every researcher while
conducting research (Gorgoglione, Dekorsy and Fettweis, 2014). It is because; it reflects the
ethics that will be implemented. It contains some rules and regulations that are followed so that
results are not affected. Besides this, it ensures that research is conducted in an ethical manner.
The researcher will also follow some rules. First is that he or she will keep the confidential
information of business and will not disclose or share it. Secondly, privacy and dignity of
17

business will be maintained. It will ensure that data and information of business are kept
confidential. It will be assured by the researcher. Thus, by this, overall research will be
conducted.
Research limitations - They are the barriers that can affect the results of research.
Therefore, it is important for researcher to identify those barriers so that strategies can be
developed to overcome them. They are as follows:-
Time – This issue can affect the research. It can occur due to any reason. This may
enforce researcher to require some extra time for completing the research.
Cost – It is the most common issue that can occur with increase in time. It means that
research may require some extra funds. This might restrict researcher to analyse the data
effectively and obtaining results.
Sample size – The researcher must select appropriate sample size. Otherwise, it will
affect the results. Selection of inappropriate sample will lead to inaccurate data (Rahmani and
et.al., 2018). So, it will affect the research outcomes.
 What are the concepts of globalisation and localisation?
 What are the strategies that are followed by business to expand in different markets?
 What challenges are faced by business while expansion?
 How impact of globalisation can be minimised on the business operations?
18

CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
This is the most important chapter in research because in this, data is interpreted and
analysed. In this, researcher uses various tools and techniques to evaluate data so that results can
be generated. The data must be effectively and efficiently analysed by researcher so that aim and
objectives can be effectually achieved. Also, it must be represented in such a manner that it can
be easily understood. The analysis of present dissertation is as follows:
4.2 Primary data analysis
As discussed in the introduction chapter of dissertation, primary analysis in present
research has been done by using thematic analysis. Questionnaire has been provided to the
managers of care homes in UK and their responses have been collected by researcher personally.
The primary data analysis is provided as below:
Theme 1: Maximum respondents have high level of knowledge about cloud computing.
Q-1 What is your level of knowledge about cloud computing? Frequency
 I know what it is 12
 I have some knowledge about it 5
 I do not know what it is 3
Total 20
19

Interpretation- A research was conducted by researcher in care homes to analyse the
benefit of using cloud computing in providing care services. For this, he or she selected 20
managers by using the simple random method. The data was collected by using questionnaire. In
this, a question was asked to them that regarding whether they are having knowledge about cloud
computing or not. By collecting the data, it was identified that out of 20 managers, 12 said they
what cloud computing is, 5 responded that they have some knowledge about it and 3 replied they
do not know what it is. From this, it can be concluded that many managers of care homes knew
about the concept of cloud computing, its functions and how it is used. They also know different
models as well as their pros and cons.
Theme 2: Care home uses cloud computing in providing care services to people.
Q-2 Does your care home use cloud computing in providing care
services to people or not?
Frequency
Yes 15
20
I know what it is
I have some knowledge about it
I do not know what it is
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Frequency

No 3
Not sure 2
Total 20
Interpretation- In order to achieve the aim and objectives, researcher investigated care
homes to evaluate how cloud computing has benefited in providing services. For this,
questionnaire was distributed to collect the data. The researcher selected 20 respondents by
applying random sample method. They were asked whether cloud computing is used to provide
care services. By analysing data, it was identified that 15 managers said yes, 3 said no and 2
were not sure about it. Thus, it can be concluded that many care homes have implemented cloud
computing. It has enabled them to provide the services to people in an effective way.
Theme 3: For internal needs, cloud computing is being used in care homes.
Q-3 For what purpose cloud computing is being used in your care
homes?
Frequency
21
Yes No Not sure
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

For internal needs 10
For third parties 4
For both 6
Total 20
Interpretation- The researcher conducted research in care homes to evaluate benefit of
cloud computing. For this, he or she selected 20 respondents randomly. For gathering primary
data, questionnaire was distributed to them. They were asked with question about the purpose of
using cloud computing. By collecting data, it was identified that out of 20 managers, 10 said that
it is used for fulfilling internal needs. 4 replied that they use to act as third party and 6 responded
that it is been used for both the purposes. Therefore, it can be said that most of the care homes
are using cloud computing for their internal needs. Due to this, their efficiency has increased.
They are able to grow and expand in different areas.
Theme 4: Using cloud computing has made it easy in providing care services to people.
Q-4 Do you think that using cloud computing has made it easy in Frequency
22
For internal needs
For third parties
For both
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Frequency

providing care services to people?
Strongly agree 5
Agree 8
Neutral 4
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 1
Total 20
Interpretation- In the questionnaire survey conducted in care homes, many questions
have been asked by researcher to managers of various care homes in order to gather information
about benefits of using cloud computing and providing care services to people. After analysing
23
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

the sample of 20 managers, it was identified that 5 strongly agreed and 8 were agree that cloud
computing has made it easy in providing services. On the other hand, 4 were neutral, 2 disagreed
and 1 strongly disagreed with this statement. Hence, it can be said that due to cloud computing,
services are provided quickly and effectively. The request of patient is processed quickly as data
is already stored. Care homes are able to manage more people in less time.
Theme 5: Cloud computing helped in fulfilling the internal needs of care homes.
Q- 5 Do you think that cloud computing has helped in fulfilling internal
needs of care homes?
Frequency
Strongly agree 3
Agree 7
Neutral 4
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 2
Total 20
24

Interpretation- In care homes, researcher conducted questionnaire survey in order to gather
information about the benefits of cloud computing. In this questionnaire, a question has been
asked to the managers whether internal needs of care homes are fulfilled by using cloud
computing or not. After analysing the sample of 20 respondents, 3 managers strongly agreed and
7 agreed with the statement who said that their needs are fulfilled. On the contrary, 4 managers
did not agree and 2 strongly disagreed with this statement. 4 were unsure whether needs are
fulfilled or not. From this, it can be evaluated that needs of care homes are being fulfilled by
implementing cloud computing. This has been considered as an important resource for care
homes.
Theme 6: Care home is able to maintain efficiency of cloud computing by implementing
various application or software.
Q-6 Is your care home -able to maintain efficiency of cloud computing
by implementing various application or software?
Frequency
Strongly agree 3
25
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Agree 6
Neutral 4
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 3
Total 20
Interpretation- The researcher investigated research in care homes in UK to evaluate
advantages of cloud computing. In this, he or she selected 20 respondents in order to gather data
from them. For this, questionnaire method was used. By analysing the data, it was identified that
out of 20 managers, 3 strongly agreed as well as 6 agreed that care home has implemented
various software and applications to maintain efficiency of cloud computing. Whereas, 4
disagreed and 3 strongly disagreed with this. They said that care home is not able to maintain
efficiency. 4 managers did not give their response. From this, it is stated that care homes are
26
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frequency

effectively maintaining cloud systems. This has enhanced their performance in providing
services.
Theme 7: Implementation of cloud computing helped in improving the management of
activities
Q-7 Does implementation of cloud computing helped in improving the
management of activities?
Frequency
Strongly agree 4
Agree 5
Neutral 5
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 4
Total 20
27

Interpretation- In questionnaire survey conducted in care homes, questions have been
asked by researcher to the managers of various care homes in order to gather information about
benefits of using cloud computing and gaining improvement in management of activities. For
this, sample size of 20 respondents was taken and questionnaire was distributed. After analysing
the sample of 20 managers, it was identified that 4 strongly agreed as well as 5 agreed that
activities are easily managed. This has improved the productivity of care workers. But 2
managers did not agree and 4 strongly disagreed with this. They said that activities have become
more complex. Therefore, most of the managers are in favour that due to cloud computing,
services are provided by professionals in right time.
Theme 8: Integration of cloud computing with government has benefited care home in
expanding range of their services.
Q-8 Integration of cloud computing with government has benefited care
home in expanding range of their services?
Frequency
Strongly agree 6
28
Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Frequency

Agree 7
Neutral 2
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 1
Total 20
Interpretation- In the questionnaire survey conducted in care homes, question has been
asked by researcher to managers of various organisations in order to gather information about
benefits of using cloud computing. A question was asked that integration with government has
enabled them to provide services in wide area. After analysing the sample of 20 managers, it was
identified that 6 strongly agreed and 7 agreed that they are able to reach at more people. But 4
did not agree and 1 strongly disagreed that competition has increased due to cloud computing.
29
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Hence, it can be said that government has played a vital role in this. They have allowed care
homes to provide care in large area.
Theme 9: Patients have given positive feedback regarding the implementation of cloud
computing.
Q-9 Have patients given positive feedback regarding the
implementation of cloud computing?
Frequency
Strongly agree 5
Agree 8
Neutral 1
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 2
Total 20
30

Interpretation- In order to attain the aim and objectives, researcher investigated care
homes in UK to identify the benefits of cloud computing. In this, researcher used questionnaire
method and gather data of 20 managers. A question was asked to that regarding whether patients
are giving positive feedback on implementation of cloud computing or not. After analysing
sample of 20, it was found that 5 strongly agreed and 8 agreed that positive feedback are
received from patients. However, 1 manager was not sure about this. On the contrary, 4 did not
agree and 2 strongly disagreed with it. They said that no positive feedbacks are received from the
patients. Thus, it can be understood that due to timely providing services, patients’ needs are
effectually fulfilled. There has been rise in the positive feedback from them.
Theme 10: Cloud computing has resulted in reducing time and cost of providing care services
to people.
Q-10 Cloud computing has resulted in reducing time and cost of
providing care services to people?
Frequency
31
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frequency

Strongly agree 2
Agree 9
Neutral 3
Disagree 5
Strongly disagree 1
Total 20
Interpretation- An investigation was done by researcher in different care homes in UK to
evaluate the benefits of cloud computing. In this, he or she has selected 20 respondents by
random sampling method. The data was collected by questionnaire. After evaluating sample of
20, it was identified by researcher that 11 managers said that use of cloud computing has resulted
in decrease in time and cost. But 6 did not agree with this. They said that there is no decrease in
32
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

the cost and time. While, 3 were unsure about it. From the above analysis, it can be understood
that decline in cost as well as time has enhanced growth of care home. With this, people who
were not getting services are provided with quality home care in the UK.
Theme 11: Cloud computing provides accurate and effective information of people to care
professionals.
Q-11 Does cloud computing provide accurate and effective information
of people to care professionals?
Frequency
Strongly agree 4
Agree 10
Neutral 1
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 3
Total 20
33

Interpretation- The researcher conducted questionnaire survey in care homes in UK in
order to gather responses of managers about their reviews on implementation of cloud computing
in providing services. Main motive of asking this question was to gather the precise data about
providing accurate information to professionals by cloud systems. After analysing the sample of
15 respondents, it was identified that 10 managers agree that right and accurate information in
being provided as well as 4 strongly agreed. But 2 did not agree and 3 strongly opposed this
statement. Therefore, from this, it can be identified that professionals are providing services by
analysing the past health information of patients.
Theme 12: Care homes are completely reliable on using cloud computing systems.
Q-12 Do you think that care homes are completely reliable on using
cloud computing systems?
Frequency
Strongly agree 3
Agree 7
34
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Neutral 4
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 5
Total 20
Interpretation- In care homes, researcher conducted questionnaire survey in order to
gather information about benefits of cloud computing. In questionnaire, several questions have
been asked to the managers that whether care homes are completely reliable on using cloud
computing systems or not. For this, 20 respondents were randomly selected. After analysing the
sample, it was identified that 3 managers strongly agreed and 7 agreed with this statement. On
the other hand, 1 did not agree and 5 managers strongly opposed that care homes are not reliable
on cloud systems. From this, it can be understood that many care centres are completely reliable
on cloud computing. It has enabled them to grow in different areas. Due to this, procedures and
methods have become automated.
35
Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Frequency

Theme 13: ISO standards are implemented by care home to protect the data of people.
Q-13 What methods are used by care home to protect the data of
people?
Frequency
ISO standards 11
Firewall 7
Others 2
Total 20
Interpretation- In the questionnaire survey conducted in care homes, question has been
asked by researcher to managers of various centres in order to gather information about benefits
of using cloud computing. A question was asked that what methods are being used to protect
data of people. After analysing the sample of 20 managers, it was identified that 11 said that ISO
standards are used for protecting data. 7 said that firewalls are installed in cloud systems and 2
36
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frequency

said that other software and applications are used by care centre. Thus, it can be concluded that
most of the care centres use ISO standards that are approved by government. It has enabled them
to protect data from theft. Moreover, data is being stored and managed in cloud systems.
Theme 14: Data stored in cloud computing is safe.
Q-14 Do you think data stored in cloud computing is safe or not? Frequency
Strongly agree 1
Agree 4
Neutral 6
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 5
Total 20
37

Interpretation- A research was conducted by researcher in care centres to analyse the
benefit of using cloud computing in providing care services. For this, he or she selected 20
managers by using the simple random method. The data was collected by using questionnaire. In
this, a question was asked to them that regarding the safety of data. By collecting the data, it was
identified that out of 20 managers, 1 strongly agreed and 4 agree that data stored in cloud
computing is safe. On the contrary, 4 did not agree and 5 strongly agreed with this statement.
Whereas, 6 managers remained neutral. Thus, it can be concluded that there is no clear view
point of managers on data protection. Information stored in cloud computing likes to be unsafe.
Some care centres are able to protect the data and while, others are not.
Theme 15: Maximum respondents are familiar with rules and regulations related to using
cloud computing in care home.
Q-15 Are you familiar with rules and regulations related to use of cloud
computing in care home?
Frequency
38
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frequency

Yes 13
No 4
Not sure 3
Total 20
Interpretation- The researcher conducted research in care homes to evaluate benefit of
cloud computing. For this, he or she selected 20 respondents randomly. For gathering primary
data, questionnaire was distributed to them. They were asked with question about if they are
familiar with rules and regulations related to cloud computing. By collecting data, it was
identified that out of 20 managers, 13 said yes as they know all rules and regulations. 4 replied
no and 3 were not sure about this. Thus, it can be understood that managers are well aware about
different rules that must be followed and implemented in cloud computing. It has helped in
working in an ethical manner.
39
Strongly agree Agree Neutral
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Frequency

Theme 16: Efficiency of employees has been enhanced by the implementation of cloud
computing.
Q-16 Do you think that efficiency of employees has enhanced due to
implementation of cloud computing?
Frequency
Strongly agree 2
Agree 9
Neutral 2
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 3
Total 20
Interpretation- In order to achieve the aim and objectives, researcher investigated care
homes to evaluate how cloud computing has benefited in providing services. For this,
40
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

questionnaire was distributed to collect the data. The researcher selected 20 respondents by
applying random sampling method. They were asked if efficiency of employees has increased.
By analysing data, it was identified that 2 strongly agreed and 9 were agreed that efficiency of
employees has increased. On the other hand, 4 managers did not agree and 3 strongly opposed
this statement. From this, it is evaluated that efficiency of social care workers has enhanced.
They are working with each other by communicating effectively. It has resulted in their personal
growth.
Theme 17: Data stored in cloud computing will not be misused if applications are properly
installed.
Q-17 Do you think that data stored in cloud computing will not be
misused if applications are properly installed?
Frequency
Strongly agree 1
Agree 3
Neutral 4
Disagree 7
Strongly disagree 5
Total 20
41

Interpretation- In order to achieve the aim and objectives, researcher investigated care
homes to evaluate how cloud computing has benefited in providing services. For this,
questionnaire was distributed to collect data. The researcher selected 20 respondents by applying
random sampling method. They were asked about misuse of data that is stored in cloud
computing systems. By evaluating data, it was identified that 3 were agreed with this. Out of 20,
4 remained were not sure about this. But 7 managers disagreed and 5 strongly disagreed that data
is misused. Therefore, it is understood that in cloud computing, data can be misused. It can lead
to provide care that is not related to personal needs.
Theme 18: Lifestyle of society has been enhanced by providing quality care services.
Q-18 Has the lifestyle of society enhanced by providing quality care
services?
Frequency
Strongly agree 3
Agree 8
Neutral 1
42
Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Frequency

Disagree 3
Strongly disagree 3
Total 20
Interpretation- In a questionnaire survey conducted in care homes, question has been
asked by researcher to the managers of various care centres in order to gather information about
benefits of using cloud computing in operations. A question was asked that lifestyle of society
has enhanced. By evaluating the sample of 20 managers, it was identified that 3 strongly agreed
and 8 agreed that lifestyle of society has improved. There were 3 managers equally who
disagreed and strongly disagreed with this statement. It can be concluded from above that
providing high quality services has improved the living standard of society. It is due to
implementation of cloud computing in care homes.
43
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Total
0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency

CHAPTER 4: REFLECTIVE EVALUATION
By conducting research in care homes, I came to a conclusion that cloud computing is a
new emerging technology that has been implemented by care homes in the UK. This has
supported them in various business operations. Due to this, they have expanded their operations
in wide area. In order to identify the benefits of cloud computing, I investigated many care
homes. For this, I selected 20 managers randomly. I also evaluated the areas in which care homes
have made improvements and efficiency has enhanced. Moreover, I also investigated that how
cloud computing systems are maintained, the way rules and regulations are followed as well as
strategies which are developed to provide services. It was found that cloud computing is
providing benefits in various areas of business operations. I noticed that many managers in care
home know about what cloud computing is. They have implemented various systems of cloud
computing which have benefited in several functions such as storing data, delivering services,
communication, etc. During interview, I noticed that many managers said that cloud computing
has made operations easy. It was noticed by me that for regulating and monitoring of systems,
care homes have appointed experts. The suggestions provided by them have made it easy in
communication process.
From the above results, I analysed that integrating with government and different
agencies allowed care home to expand area of providing services. By taking support of these
agencies, they share and exchange data as well as information with each other. This has helped in
ensuring better and timely delivery of services to people. Moreover, due to this, quality of
services has improved. Patients are given with proper and effective services. There has been
improvement in lifestyle of people as well as society. Also, the resources provided by agencies
are effectively utilised by care homes. The major advantage that cloud computing has provided is
decrease in cost. Due to reduction in cost, even lower section of society is getting care. They are
charged with minimum price for this. Hence, it has improved their living standards and needs are
fulfilled as well. The food meals prepared are as per condition of patient. It has benefited them in
recovering from disease quickly. I also found that in many care homes, implementation of cloud
computing has completely changed the overall procedure. It has made it simple for workers to
44

gain knowledge on how care is given. I evaluated that poor condition of old age people has
improved. They now communicate with professionals in real time basis. In this, many cases have
occurred in which care is delivered on real time basis. Cloud computing monitors the travel time
of staff and time spent while delivering care. It is useful in storing information related to services
such as cleaning, bathing, etc. So, accordingly patients are handled and managed. Therefore, it
has resulted in consuming less time.
As per the results, I concluded that managers of many care homes said that they have
followed basic ISO standards in order to protect data. So, it has benefited in protecting
confidential data of people. Other than this, it was analysed by me that many care home
managers are having knowledge of rules and regulations followed in cloud computing. So, by
this, they made modifications in systems to ensure that data is protected. But they are facing
several challenges in it because of technological advancement. For this, managers have
developed plans and implemented them that have benefited the care centre. The high quality care
has changed behaviour of people. They are now demanding more effective services. Also, there
has been rise in their needs. With fulfilment of needs, life cycle of old people has increased in the
recent era.
There are many care homes in the UK that are implementing cloud computing due to its
benefits. Moreover, I analysed that they have also installed different software and application to
maintain efficiency. This has improved the performance of staff as well as care professionals
who are engaged in providing care services to people. Furthermore, I noticed that it has been
easy to access information of patients while providing services. Now, patients are given with
effective and high quality care. Once information is entered in cloud systems, it can be accessed
anytime when patient requires care. The professionals enter it on these systems and get entire
information of patients. With this, they have identified the needs of them and accordingly,
deliver services. By this working and communication between them is quick and effective.
Therefore, in this way, all operations are being performed.
From this, I came to the conclusion that almost all managers agreed that cloud computing
has benefited organisation to a great extent. Both professionals and staff coordination has
45

improved. Now, each patient’s records are kept safe. Their risk assessment is done and strategies
are developed for the future and problems are effectively tackled and handled. Also, food and
diet chart are prepared. Then they are evaluated with set goals to measure the performance. With
this, deficiencies in charts have been identified and improved. It has helped a lot of patients who
are suffering from diseases. Cloud computing has helped in monitoring the behaviour of people.
By this, it has become easy for professionals to take review of care services delivered. So, I
noticed that now, reviews are easily taken daily and next day plan is developed. Besides this,
staffs are taking their own decisions. They provide care to people by accessing information on
cloud computing. So, it has reduced the time of providing care. Now, on real time basis, services
are delivered. This has reduced the risk of occurring of critical consequences.
A question was asked by me that whether data stored in cloud computing systems is safe
or not. By getting reviews of managers, I understood that many of them agreed that data stored in
it is safe. These systems have provided a platform where data is kept safe. Care homes do not
have to install other infrastructure for storing information. Thus, by this, data integrity and
security is maintained. Along with this, cloud computing has provided opportunities to expand in
wide areas so that lifestyle of people and society can be enhanced. It has also been concluded by
me that cloud computing has benefited health care professionals and social workers of various
care homes to work together. They discuss and then provide care services to people. The major
issues that I found after conducting research was that managers said data stored in cloud systems
is misused. In several cases, it has happened that data of people has misused. For this, measures
are taken by the government as well as care homes. These measures are monitored by people
who are assigned with responsibility and implemented properly. This is the reason why today
there is reduction is data breach or misuse of data. Thus, it is the success factor given by cloud
systems. It has allowed care homes in growth and increasing quality of services.
I also used cloud computing to determine that what benefits patients have got from it.
With this, I concluded that system has provided log in access to patients. They log in through
web portal and request for services. Each patient has their own personal ID and password. In that
portal, they upload document, reports, etc. related to their health. After that, all these are
46

accessed by professionals and needs are identified as well. Furthermore, cloud computing has
allowed sharing of data with each other. So, if any professional is not able to provide particular
service then he or she shares the data on portal. This has allowed others to access that data and
give instructions on how care is given. Without permission of patient, data is not shared. In cloud
systems, reports and documents are scanned to ensure their reliability. Proof taken from health
professionals are kept secured. I also gained knowledge that care homes have kept the back up of
data effectively. It has helped them in retrieving it immediately in case of data loss. Moreover,
security devices installed in it protect the data. The real management time software gives proof
of attendance. With this, staff members are attending patients regularly.
The system that was installed in care centre is completely modified. Therefore, new
needs are generated and these have enforced managers to make changes in operations. These
needs are being satisfied by using cloud computing. It has also enhanced the efficiency of health
care organisation. Due to this they are generating more revenue and expanded services in wide
area. They have covered major part of UK. More and more people are getting care facilities. By
interpreting the results, I came to a conclusion that after the use of cloud computing, quality of
services has improved. Earlier, patients' health information was updated by writing it on the
forms. Also, reports were analysed so that mental and physical condition of patients can be
identified. Thus, after evaluating it, the healthcare was delivered. I also evaluated that cloud
computing has reduced the paperwork. It has automated the process of care home. I identified the
areas such as form filling, discharging, etc. that have been benefited. But after the
implementation of cloud systems in care homes, various operations are integrated. This has made
it easy in exchanging data and information. Apart from this, different care homes are also
connected with each other. In this way, data is shared among them. Along with this, organisation
has installed data security devices to ensure that information is protected and is not misused.
Cloud systems are used in measuring performance of staff. So, training is provided to
them to improve their efficiency. Manager assigns roles and responsibilities to them according to
their performance. It has motivated them to perform their roles well. Furthermore, they helped
each other in order to achieve team goals. The culture of care home has improved. Thus, I came
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to a conclusion that cloud computing has helped care organisation in several ways. It has made it
possible to engage more in care facilities. I would also like to give some recommendations to
managers so that it can be implemented in care homes. It will help in maintaining efficiency of
cloud systems. Moreover, they can develop plan on how monitoring will be done and who will
be responsible for this. Besides this, it will be easy for care home to measure performance of
staff. The manager can majorly focus on security issues. For this, they can take the help of
experts who are easily able to solve and ensure system’s safety. Moreover, centre can install their
virtual private network so that it will not be accessed by others. Firewall can also be used to
protect unauthorised access of external sources. It will also be useful in blocking irrelevant
traffic. Apart from this, it will lead to provide reliable data and information to managers and
agencies. With this, it will be easy in delivering services as per client’s needs. It will also lead to
maintain the efficiency of care home so that it can sustain for long term.
Other than this, it will enable them to work as per internal needs. I also recommend that
staff should be given with proper training on how to use cloud computing. This will be beneficial
in providing high quality services to people. Moreover, through this, care can be delivered to
more people. If staff will be properly trained, they can take decisions on their own. This will
benefit in working together so that team goals can be achieved. Other than this, working with
professionals will give them a basic idea of providing aid in case of emergency. I also
recommend that care home should develop proper and effective rules as well as regulations of
using cloud computing. This will help in ensuring the integrity of data. Moreover, it will provide
guidelines to staff and professionals to work in a systematic way. Also, in case of any data
breach, legal actions can be taken against that person or authority responsible for it. This will
lead to protect the data. Along with this, it is essential for care homes to integrate with
government so that any changes in laws and regulations can be followed.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ali, M., Khan, S.U. and Vasilakos, A.V., 2015. Security in cloud computing: Opportunities and
challenges. Information sciences. 305. pp.357-383.
Almorsy, M., Grundy, J. and Müller, I., 2016. An analysis of the cloud computing security
problem. arXiv preprint arXiv:1609.01107.
Avram, M.G., 2014. Advantages and challenges of adopting cloud computing from an enterprise
perspective. Procedia Technology. 12. pp.529-534.
Botta, A. and et.al., 2016. Integration of cloud computing and internet of things: a survey. Future
Generation Computer Systems. 56. pp.684-700.
Chang, V. and Ramachandran, M., 2016. Towards achieving data security with the cloud
computing adoption framework. IEEE Trans. Services Computing, 9(1), pp.138-151.
Chouvarda, I.G. and et.al., 2015. Connected health and integrated care: Toward new models for
chronic disease management. Maturitas, 82(1), pp.22-27.
Díaz, M., Martín, C. and Rubio, B., 2016. State-of-the-art, challenges, and open issues in the
integration of Internet of things and cloud computing. Journal of Network and Computer
Applications, 67, pp.99-117.
Gorgoglione, M., Dekorsy, A. and Fettweis, G., 2014. Benefits and impact of cloud computing
on 5G signal processing.
Hartmann, S.B. and et.al., 2017. The Potentials of Using Cloud Computing in Schools: A
Systematic Literature Review. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology-
TOJET, 16(1), pp.190-202.
Islam, T., Manivannan, D. and Zeadally, S., 2016. A classification and characterization of
security threats in cloud computing. Int. J. Next-Gener. Comput, 7(1).
Oliveira, T., Thomas, M. and Espadanal, M., 2014. Assessing the determinants of cloud
computing adoption: An analysis of the manufacturing and services sectors. Information
& Management. 51(5). pp.497-510.
Rahmani, A.M. and et.al., 2018. Exploiting smart e-Health gateways at the edge of healthcare
Internet-of-Things: A fog computing approach. Future Generation Computer
Systems, 78, pp.641-658.
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Rittinghouse, J.W. and Ransome, J.F., 2016. Cloud computing: implementation, management,
and security. CRC press.
Sanaei, Z. and et.al., 2014. Heterogeneity in mobile cloud computing: taxonomy and open
challenges. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials. 16(1). pp.369-392.
Stantchev, V. and et.al., 2015. Smart items, fog and cloud computing as enablers of servitization
in healthcare. Sensors & Transducers, 185(2), p.121.
Online
3 Types of Cloud Computing Services. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.monitis.com/blog/3-types-of-cloud-computing-services/>.
Benefits of cloud computing. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/benefits-of-cloud-computing>.
Importance of cloud computing. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.klientsolutech.com/importance-of-cloud-computing-worldwide/>.
50

APPENDIX
Questionnaire for managers
Name :
Designation:
E- mail id-
Q-1 What is your level of knowledge about cloud computing?
 I know what it is
 I have some knowledge about it
 I do not know what it is
Q-2 Does your home care use cloud computing in providing care services to people or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
Q-3 For what purpose, cloud computing is being used in your care homes?
 For internal needs
 For third parties
 For both
Q-4 Do you think that using cloud computing has made it easy in providing care services to
people?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
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 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q- 5 Do you think cloud computing has helped in fulfilling internal needs of care homes?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-6 Has your care home been able to maintain efficiency of cloud computing by
implementing various application or software?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q- 7 Does implementation of cloud computing helped in improving management activities?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-8 Integration of cloud computing with government has benefited care home in expanding
52

range of their services?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-9 Have patients given positive feedback regarding the implementation of cloud
computing?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-10 Cloud computing has resulted in reducing time and cost of providing care services to
people?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-11 Does cloud computing provide accurate and effective information of people to
professionals?
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 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-12 Do you think that care homes are completely reliable on using cloud computing
systems?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q-13 What methods are used by care home to protect the data?
 ISO standards
 Firewall
 Other
Q-14 Do you think data stored in cloud computing is safe?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
54