Suggested reporting guidelines for structural equation modeling in supply chain management research

Abstract

Purpose – Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a data analysis method of choice for many empirical supply chain management (SCM) researchers. As the statistical technique has evolved, so have its applications and reporting guidelines. Consequently, there has been a lack of standardized reporting across the SCM literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for standardizing reporting conventions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a review of recent SEM methods literature. In addition, the authors content analyze articles from International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, and Journal of Business Logistics that contained either covariance-based or partial least square structural equation models. Using the aforementioned literature review and content analysis, the authors compare and contrast what is currently reported in extant supply chain literature with suggested reporting protocols in the methods literature. Findings – Based on the review and analysis, the authors suggest standardized reporting conventions for the use of SEM in SCM research. In addition, the findings suggest that much more could and should be reported with respect to the decision as to which SEM technique to employ. Originality/value – This paper can serve as a useful checklist and set of references for scholars publishing SEM research in supply chain journals.