A Strategic Cloud Adoption Readiness Index (SCARI) Framework: Empirical Development and Validation in the Ghanaian Context

Cloud computing is known to be a major catalyst in facilitating a digital transformation in emerging economies. Currently, the process of transforming into a cloud computing indigenous nation, such as Ghana, faces a series of hitherto confronting challenges, including infrastructure challenges and resistance. This study, therefore, proposes a newly developed framework known as the Strategic Cloud Adoption Readiness Index (SCARI). By synthesizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework with the Human-Organization-Technology Fit (HOT-fit) theory, this study provides a multidimensional evaluation of readiness across the agriculture, health, and education sectors. To validate this instrument, a mixed method that used bibliometric analysis coupled with a pilot study, “where N = 30 participants were involved”. According to the analysis, a cumulative Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.80 validated the consistency of all SCARI pillars. From the pilot findings, it is evident that despite advancements in technological complexity, human capital remains another impediment. This index provides a score that allows organizations to measure their cloud readiness while providing a forward-strategic platform to bridge the digital divide. The SCARI framework contributes a standardized benchmarking tool for assessing organizational cloud maturity and provides a strategic decision-support mechanism for managers and policymakers.

@article{Percy2026,
  title     = {A Strategic Cloud Adoption Readiness Index (SCARI) Framework: Empirical Development and Validation in the Ghanaian Context},
  journal   = {International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications},
  volume    = {17},
  number    = {5},
  year      = {2026},
  publisher = {The Science and Information Organization},
  author    = {Adade Sedom Percy and Emmanuel Ofotsu Kwesi Bannor and S. Sarah Maidin and Vinayakumar Ravi and Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy and Nghiem Thi-Lich},
  doi       = {10.14569/IJACSA.2026.0170507},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2026.0170507}
}