Perception of Business Educators on Cloud Computing Integration in Office Management in a Fuel Influenced Inflationary Economy

Abstract

This study examined the perception of business educators on cloud computing integration in office management within a fuel-influenced inflationary economy in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the potentials, challenges, and strategies for effective adoption of cloud computing in tertiary institutions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with the entire population of 126 business educators in federal and state colleges of education in South-West Nigeria studied using a census sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured, validated, and reliable questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test tested the two null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that cloud computing integration offers significant benefits, including improved accessibility to records, enhanced collaboration, reduced reliance on physical storage, and greater operational flexibility. Challenges identified included poor internet connectivity, inadequate technical skills, security concerns, and limited infrastructural support. The hypotheses testing indicated no significant differences in perceptions based on gender or institution type. The study concluded that cloud computing can greatly improve office management, but its full benefits depend on deliberate planning, institutional support, and capacity building. It recommended that institutions encourage the use of cloud technologies, provide staff training, improve infrastructure, implement clear policies, and strengthen data security measures to facilitate effective adoption.