Analyzing Cloud Services implementation in the Banking Sector of Azerbaijan

Aim of the ThesisDigital transformation When I began considering topics for my master’s thesis, I reflected on what led me to embark on the Information Systems Management program and the pivotal experiences that influenced my decision. During my tenure at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Republic (CBAR), I participated in early stages of data governance and cloud-services implementation. In my role as Learning and Development partner for the IT and Data division, I experienced first-hand the organizational transformation and change management processes associated with cloud adoption. As I am in my third semester of masters, I have gained a unique intellectual interest in cloud computing and cloud services deployment. My intellectual interest, along with my professional experience, is making me pursue the topic through research. Fortunately, I still maintain professional contacts not only within CBAR but also across several commercial banks in Azerbaijan. Given that cloud service adoption is currently a trending and evolving topic within the banking sector from initial implementation to optimization, this thesis provides a timely opportunity to merge my practical experience and academic interest. By doing so, I aim to contribute an insightful analysis of cloud implementation in Azerbaijani banks. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the implementation of cloud services in Azerbaijani banks through the lens of the COBIT framework, identifying strategic challenges and opportunities, and offering governance-aligned recommendations. The study will address the “what,” “how,” and “why” of the implementation process. Upon completion of data collection and analysis, the thesis will conclude with a comprehensive summary of findings, actionable recommendations for implementation, and suggestions for future research in this domain.