The Costs of Information and Communication Technologies and Their Impact on Businesses: A Systematic Literature Review

This study investigates the costs associated with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), recognising their essential role in enhancing business competitiveness and success by improving operational efficiency, innovation, and adaptability. The primary objective is to review current methods for calculating ICT costs, identify their key elements, and analyse the models employed to measure investment, with the goal of developing a proprietary cost model. A systematic literature review was conducted, starting with 1,059 articles, from which 77 were selected after a rigorous evaluation process. Key findings show that only 10% of studies propose methodologies for calculating ICT costs, and just 30% specify their constituent elements. Additionally, 41% use the Real Options Model to evaluate Return on Investment (ROI). A significant gap in comprehensive studies on ICT investment performance was identified, mainly due to a lack of accurate data for precise cost measurement. Factors influencing ICT adoption are categorized under the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. To summarize the findings, matrices of Cost Elements (CE) and Cost Components (CC) were developed, requiring careful analysis due to the absence of predefined hierarchical structures. For instance, elements such as "CPU" and "RAM" for computers, or "CPU cores" and "network interfaces" for servers, were identified as part of broader components. The study concludes with the development of a matrix that serves as a practical tool for calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in ICT projects.