Page 53 - IJSA, Vol. 7, No 1, 2024

International Journal of Science Annals, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2024
рrint ISSN: 2617-2682; online ISSN: 2707-3637; DOI:10.26697/ijsa

SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. Health Care Sciences

ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Conceptualizing a Model for the Use of
Software as a Service to Improve the Dynamic
Capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises
in Healthcare Sector

Authors’ Contribution: 1 ABCDEFG 2 ABCDEFG
A – Study design; Makelana P. , Kekwaletswe R. ,
B – Data collection; Segooa M. A. 1 ABCDEFG
C – Statistical analysis; 1 Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
D – Data interpretation; 2 University of Johannesburg, South Africa
E – Manuscript preparation;
F – Literature search; Received: 31.05.2024; Accepted: 22.06.2024; Published: 30.06.2024
G – Funds collection
Abstract
Background and To remain competitive in today’s digital society, Small and Medium Enterprises
Aim of Study: (SMEs) in the healthcare sector need to consider effective ways to improve their
dynamic capabilities (DCs) using Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS and DCs
are current key issues in both academia and practice.
The aim of the study: to develop the conceptual model for the use of SaaS to
improve the DCs of healthcare SMEs in South Africa.
Material and Methods: The study employed Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and Fit Viability Model (FVM)
as a lens to develop a model for the use of SaaS to improve the DCs of healthcare
SMEs. To achieve the aim of the study, a deductive approach was followed. The
study population was healthcare SMEs, in South Africa. The sampling frame was
384 randomly selected SMEs, in a self-administered survey.
Results: The study results show that customer service (β=0.125, p<0.05), sharing
information (β=0.132, p<0.05), internet access (β=0.057, p<0.05), data security
(β=0.022, p<0.05), top management support (β=0.427, p<0.05), competitive
pressure (β=0.178, p<0.05), viability (β=0.325, p<0.05) and task-technology fit
(β=0.032, p<0.05) are highly significant on the use of SaaS to improve the DCs
of healthcare SMEs. While finance (β=0.235, p>0.05) and infrastructure
(β=0.052, p>0.05) were found to be less significant.
Conclusions: The conceptual model was developed to identify and explain the factors
influencing the use of SaaS to improve the DCs of healthcare enterprises. This
model is based on TTF, FVM and external constructs (organisational and
environmental characteristics) that are key to improving the DC of South African
healthcare SMEs.
Keywords: dynamic capabilities, fit viability model, software as a service, small and medium
enterprises, healthcare sector, South Africa
Copyright: © 2024 Makelana P., Kekwaletswe R., Segooa M. A. Published by Archives of
International Journal of Science Annals
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26697/ijsa.2024.1.5
Conflict of interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Peer review: Double-blind review
Source of support: This research did not receive any outside funding or support
Information about Makelana Penuel (Corresponding Author) – https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0986-
the authors: 1117; [email protected]; Doctor of Computing, Lecturer, Department of
Informatics, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa.
Kekwaletswe Ray – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3455-3127; Professor, School of
Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Segooa Mmmatshuene Anna – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4190-8256; Doctor
of Computing, Lecturer, Department of Informatics, Tshwane University of
Technology, Pretoria, South Africa.

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