Unraveling digital supply chain adoption's mechanisms through a moderated mediation model of resource mobilisation, quality management commitment, and digital maturity

Aims: This study aims to examine the impact of lean management practices on organizational competitiveness, with operational performance positioned as a mediating mechanism. Specifically, the study seeks to analyse how lean management practices influence operational performance and how these operational improvements subsequently contribute to enhancing the competitive position of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Study Design: This study employs a quantitative explanatory research design using a cross-sectional survey approach. The relationships among lean management practices, operational performance, and organizational competitiveness are examined through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among small and medium-sized enterprises located in the Greater Bandung area, Indonesia. Data collection took place between 15 November to 5 December 2025. Methodology: Data were collected from 186 SME owner–managers in Bandung, Indonesia, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement items were adapted from established literature on lean management, operational performance, and competitiveness. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model and to test the proposed structural relationships, including the mediating role of operational performance. Results: The results indicate that lean management practices have a significant positive effect on operational performance. Operational performance, in turn, significantly enhances organizational competitiveness. In addition, lean management practices also exert a direct positive effect on organizational competitiveness. Mediation analysis reveals that operational performance partially mediates the relationship between lean management practices and organizational competitiveness, indicating that the competitive benefits of lean management are achieved primarily through improvements in operational performance. Conclusion: The study concludes that lean management serves as an effective strategic approach for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs when it is implemented in a manner that strengthens operational performance. The findings underscore the importance of focusing on operational improvements as a key mechanism through which lean management translates into sustainable competitive advantages.

The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of reflecting on the essential resources and capabilities that enable companies to react to disruptions. In this regard, studies have shown that social sustainability is a crucial resource for the operational performance of supply chains in emerging contexts. Although the literature has responded to the call for research on the social dimension of sustainability in emerging economies, most research has focused on emerging Asia, leaving a void in Latin America. Two socially focused frameworks are used to address the ontological challenge of defining sustainable human well-being around the firm. Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach and the theoretical extension of the Social-Resource-Based View (SRBV) are appropriate to address social sustainability under two essential aspects: (1) the firm as a generator of social performance and (2) social sustainability as a generator of firm performance. This paper aims to analyze the predictive capacity of Social Sustainability Orientation on social performance and supply chain operational performance in the context of emerging Latin America, with representative cases from Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. The methodology was empirical–statistical and based on a structured questionnaire applied to 217 purchasing managers of large multisector companies (Mx n = 64, Co n = 100, and Cl n = 53). Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show the intrasample and extrasample predictive ability of Social Sustainability Orientation on social and Supply Chain Performance. It is concluded that socially sustainable culture and investment orientation is a valuable resource that provides the capability for Latin supply chain welfare and operational performance. A call is made to procurement and public policy managers to disseminate and care for the social aspects of sustainability as a resource that enhances business competitiveness and social justice in the Latin American region.

The research paper examines the effects of digital supply chain integration on the efficiency of cycle times with the need to focus on the impact of eco-efficiency as a mediating factor in learning institutions. With the continuous transformations of organizational activities tSCough digital technologies, the study explores the potential of digitalized processes in the supply chain to reduce operation delays, workflow execution, and environmentally friendly operations. The research hypothesizes that automation, analytics, and shared information of digital supply chain systems improve responsiveness, resource usage, and energy use, which all lead to a more efficient cycle-time.A cross-sectional survey will be utilized in the study; it will involve academic and administrative staffs in the institutions of higher learning. The relationships between the digital supply chain practices, eco-efficiency and cycle-time performance will be determined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The hypothesis is that digital supply chain practices have a positive effect on both direct and indirect impact on cycle-time efficiency via eco-efficiency. The institutions are predicted to attain quicker cycle times and sustainable operational excellence by incorporating environmental performance metrics into the digital operations.The work can add to the existing knowledge on digital transformation and sustainability by providing the concept of eco-efficiency as a mediating factor between digital supply chain systems and operational performance. Although the cross-sectional nature of the research can restrain causal inference, the study can provide useful information on how eco-efficient digital supply chains can enhance time-based competitiveness and sustainability in the education industry. Further studies can take a longitudinal or multi-level design midpoint to contrast efficiency performance between government and privated schools.

PurposeThis study has two main objectives. First, to examine the indirect effects of digital platform capability and digital resilience on digital transformation (DT) outcomes for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and second, to investigate how digital business model maturity influences these indirect effects.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a quantitative design and collects data through a self-reporting survey from individuals in the technological industries. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and PLS multi-group analysis examine the measurement and structural models and the significance of differences in indirect paths based on the digital business model maturity level, serving as a moderator.FindingsThe findings of this study provide valuable insights into the internationalisation of digital SMEs. They indicate that digital platform capability and resilience fully mediate, connecting digital resources to SME growth. The study also confirms the digital business model maturity’s positive and significant moderating effect on these indirect relationships.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the international outcomes of platform ecosystems in developing markets. It explores how digital platform capability and resilience support the digital transformation of SMEs, considering their vulnerability due to their small size. The study also fills a research gap by investigating the relationship between big data, digital leadership and the international growth of digital platforms. Lastly, it explores the role of digital maturity in the relationships between antecedents, determinants and outcomes of digitalisation.

Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example

The objective of this paper is to verify to what degree the internal and external barriers (I/EBs) to environmental management affect the adoption of green operational practices (GOPs) and to determine whether they influence the firms’ operational and green performance in a sample of Brazilian companies. A conceptual framework with 8 hypotheses is proposed and tested at 75 companies using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with WarpPLS 4.0. The main results show that (a) the proposed framework obtained an adequate statistical adjustment, (b) the internal barriers (IBs) are more significant than the EBs when adopting GOPs, (c) GOPs relate directly to the firms’ green and operational performance (OP), (d) the IBs also indirectly influence the firms’ green and OP and (e) the firm size does not significantly influence its green and OP. This work contributes to the literature by showing that companies which are looking for green competitive advantages should try to reduce their IBs. Also, policy-makers should pay attention not only to legislation that promotes ecological modernisation, but also to create a strong set of initiatives to overcome IBs, regardless of the size of the firms.

This study aims to examine the effect of digital supply chains on operational performance. The population used in this study is the food and beverage industry in the DKI Jakarta area. A total of 225 food and beverage industries were sampled. The research data was obtained using an online survey questionnaire via Google Forms. A quantitative approach was used in this study. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of SmartPLS 4 software. The results of this study prove that the digital supply chain has a significant and positive effect on the three dimensions of operational performance. The application of digital technology has been proven to improve product and service quality, accelerate production and distribution processes, and reduce overall operational costs. These findings reinforce the urgency of digital transformation in the industrial sector, particularly to enhance competitiveness and operational effectiveness. This study provides practical contributions for operational managers in designing integrated and sustainable digital technology-based supply chain management strategies.

Purpose This paper investigates how employee voice, well-being, and resistance to change influence the journey of digital maturity in smart factories. Whereas existing models have stressed infrastructure and a system-based approach, this research explores a socio-technical perspective in bringing forward human dynamics necessary toward Industry 4.0 transformation. Design/methodology/approach The Employee-Centric Digital Maturity Framework (EC-DMF) has been proposed and tested to integrate the voice of employees, their wellbeing, and resistance to digital maturity structures. Measurement items were adapted from prior studies. Data from 388 employees in 47 smart factories in Bangladesh were collected through a structured survey. The proposed model was tested through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. Findings The findings show that, in fact, employee voice, well-being, and resistance to change are significant drivers of a smart factory's digital maturity. The study confirms that employee voice enhances both well-being and digital maturity, while well-being positively drives digital maturity and mediates the effects of voice and resistance. In contrast, resistance to change negatively impacts both well-being and digital maturity. Such findings emphasise not only how these factors interplay to impact digital transformation but also leverage the socio-technical evolution of smart factories. Originality/value This research validates the EC-DMF as a socio-technical framework, extending digital maturity models through psychosocial dimensions. It advances theory by positioning employee voice as a structural enabler, highlighting well-being as both predictor and mediator, and reframing resistance as a barrier and diagnostic signal. Practically, it shows that inclusive communication, well-being support, and constructive management of resistance are essential for accelerating digital maturity in smart factories.

Measurement errors wield the potential to introduce uncertainties and inaccuracies, casting shadows on data quality and jeopardizing the integrity of structural relationships. Notably robust against measurement errors, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has historically maintained a reputation for resilience. However, recent insights have unveiled its susceptibility to these errors, instigating a revaluation of its standing in the Structural Equation Modelling landscape. Overlooking measurement errors in PLS-SEM carry consequential repercussions, notably tainting the accuracy of structural relationships and introducing bias. This effect becomes particularly pronounced when dealing with an insufficient understanding of the intricate structural dynamics. Unfortunately, PLS-SEM currently lacks an all-encompassing remedy to address this concern. Consequently, the quantification of measurement errors impact in PLS-SEM gains paramount importance, fostering a demand for innovative strategies to propel its effectiveness forward. Notably, contemporary investigations have unmasked PLS-SEM's vulnerability to non-orthogonal errors. This revelation challenges the notion of its imperviousness to the detrimental influence of measurement errors, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of its performance under such conditions. This study leveraged simulated data to extract empirical findings and employed parameters biasedness analysis. This analysis led to the determination that the stability of the PLS-SEM algorithm is compromised when exposed to diverse measurement error scenarios. Consequently, the outcomes generated exhibit both instability and bias. This bias becomes increasingly conspicuous as the magnitude of measurement errors intensifies. Thus, the study proposes avenues for elevating the robustness of PLS-SEM.

Background: Patient satisfaction is used as an important marker of the quality of medical services. This has an impact on patient loyalty and increases patient retention. Generally, perceptions of the quality of hospital services are based on patients' assessments of the services provided by the hospital, for example the relationship between patients and nurses, doctors and staff. Purpose: To determine factors related to general patient satisfaction. Method: Quantitative research with hypothesis testing without special treatment of subjects during the research period. Data was obtained through a survey of all patients who visited the emergency room at Budi Mulia Bitung Hospital in January 2024, totaling 170 respondents. The sample in this study was taken using a non-probability sampling method with the criteria, being more than 19 years old, cooperative, having a cell phone, and being able to be guided to fill out an online questionnaire. Results: All indicators in each dimension have an outer loading value of >0.7 and an AVE value for satisfaction with doctor services (0.703), emergency staff (0.860), emergency environment (0.656), general patient satisfaction (0.674). Cronbach's alpha and Composite Reliability values for all variables are above 0.7. The R-Square value for the general satisfaction variable is 0.948 and behavioral intention (0.944), so it can be said to be overfit. Based on the t-statistic value, p-value, and path coefficient, all variables in the research model tested are all significant. Conclusion: Satisfaction with physician services, emergency department staff, and emergency department environment are factors that are associated with general patient satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Keywords: Behavioral Intention; Patient Satisfaction; Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Pendahuluan: Kepuasan pasien digunakan sebagai penanda penting untuk kualitas layanan medis. Hal ini berdampak pada loyalitas pasien dan meningkatkan retensi pasien. Umumnya persepsi kualitas pelayanan rumah sakit didasarkan pada penilaian pasien terhadap pelayanan yang diberikan rumah sakit, misalnya hubungan antara pasien dan perawat, dokter dan staf. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan general satisfaction patient. Metode: Penelitian kuantitatif dengan pengujian hipotesis tanpa perlakuan khusus terhadap subjek selama periode penelitian. Data yang diperoleh melalui survei kepada seluruh pasien yang berkunjung ke IGD RS. Budi Mulia Bitung pada bulan Januari 2024 sebanyak 170 responden. Sampel dalam penelitian ini diambil menggunakan metode non-probability sampling dengan kriteria, sudah berusia lebih dari 19 tahun, kooperatif, memiliki handphone, dan dapat dipandu untuk mengisi kuesioner online. Hasil: Semua indikator pada setiap dimensi memiliki nilai outer loading >0.7 dan nilai AVE physician care satisfaction (0.703), emergency department staff (0.860), emergency department environment (0.656), general satisfaction patient (0.674). Nilai cronbach’s alpha dan composite reliability pada semua variabel telah berada di atas 0.7. Nilai R-Square pada variabel kepuasan umum sebesar 0.948 dan niat berperilaku (0.944), sehingga dapat dikatakan overfit. Berdasarkan nilai t-statistik, nilai-p, dan koefisien jalur seluruh variabel dalam model penelitian yang diuji semuanya signifikan. Simpulan: Physician care satisfaction, emergency department staff, dan emergency department environment merupakan faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan general satisfaction patient dan behaviour intention. Kata Kunci: Behavioral Intention; Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM); Patient Satisfaction.

This study aims to analyze the effect of payment systems and innovation on the operational performance and competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Makassar City. The study found that an efficient payment system impacted competitiveness, although not directly through increased operational performance. This underscores the importance of a well-functioning payment system in SMEs' competitiveness. Data were collected from 156 SMEs in Makassar through questionnaires and analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results showed that payment systems did not have a significant effect on operational performance but had a significant impact on competitiveness. Conversely, innovation significantly affected operational performance but did not directly increase competitiveness. In addition, operational performance was shown to be an essential mediator in the relationship between innovation and competitiveness but not in the relationship between payment systems and competitiveness. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of innovation in improving the operational performance of SMEs, which ultimately contributes to increased competitiveness. The implications of this study provide recommendations for SMEs in Makassar to prioritize innovation in operations while improving payment systems to achieve better competitiveness in a competitive market.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in driving Indonesia’s economic growth, innovation, and job creation. However, the majority of MSMEs, particularly in the food and beverage sector, face significant challenges in quality control and operational efficiency due to limited internal resources. This study aims to investigate the effect of Soft Total Quality Management (Soft TQM) on Operational Performance and Business Performance, with Operational Performance examined as a mediating variable. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 185 student-owned food and beverage businesses at Ciputra University Surabaya. Respondents were selected from three cohorts (2021, 2022, 2023) using a purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS software. The results indicate that Soft TQM significantly affects Operational Performance, and that Operational Performance significantly affects Business Performance. However, the direct effect of Soft TQM on Business Performance, as well as its indirect effect through Operational Performance, is not statistically significant. These findings suggest that while Soft TQM can enhance internal operations, its impact on overall business performance is contingent upon the presence of structured systems and readiness of internal capabilities. Therefore, strengthening operational systems and aligning TQM practices with organizational strategy is crucial for MSMEs aiming for sustainable competitiveness.

In management accounting research, the capabilities of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) have only partially been utilized. These yet unexploited capabilities of PLS-SEM are a useful tool in the often explorative state of research in management accounting. After reviewing eleven top-ranked management accounting journals through the end of 2013, 37 articles in which PLS-SEM is used are identified. These articles are analysed based on multiple relevant criteria to determine the progress in this research area, including the reasons for using PLS-SEM, the characteristics of the data and the models, and model evaluation and reporting. A special focus is placed on the degree of importance of these analysed criteria for the future development of management accounting research. To ensure continued theoretical development in management accounting, this article also offers recommendations to avoid common pitfalls and provides guidance for the advanced use of PLS-SEM in management accounting research.

Researchers across a wide range of disciplines exploited the capabilities of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The rise in popularity of PLS-SEM is particularly noticeable 2013 onwards. The banking and finance discipline, however, hardly exploits the advantages of the PLS-SEM approach. PLS-SEM can be used for prediction and exploration in complex models with relaxed expectations on data. PLS-SEM is useful in identifying relationships between constructs. If the primary objective is theory development, PLS-SEM is appropriate.

This study investigates how Development and Operations (DevOps) practices impact Project Management Office (PMO) governance within the technology sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It addresses the need for agile-aligned governance frameworks by exploring how DevOps principles affect traditional PMO structures. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted, and data was collected from 321 DevOps and PMO professionals in UAE organizations. The analysis, using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), revealed a moderate positive correlation between specific DevOps practices—such as microservices, Minimum Viable Experience (MVE) culture, continuous value streams, automated configuration, and continuous delivery—and effective PMO governance. The study’s novel theoretical contribution is the integration of the Dynamic Capabilities Framework (DCF) with the Agile DevOps Reference Model (ADRM) to examine this alignment, bridging strategic agility and operational execution. This research offers actionable insights for UAE organizations and policymakers seeking to enhance governance and digital maturity.