Let $\cal A$ be a $C^*$-algebra and $E$ be a Banach space with the Radon-Nikodym property. We prove that if $j$ is an embedding of $E$ into an injective Banach space then for every absolutely summing operator $T:\mathcal{A}\longrightarrow E$, the composition $j \circ T$ factors through a diagonal operator from $l^{2}$ into $l^{1}$. In particular, $T$ factors through a Banach space with the Schur property. Similarly, we prove that for $2
Keywords:$C^*$-algebras, summing operators, diagonal operators,, Radon-Nikodym property
Categories:46L50, 47D15