Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Hotel booking intentions in the TikTok era: the role of online celebrity brand equity

Purpose This study aims to explore the pathway of increasing hotel booking intentions by mapping the linkage mechanism between the antecedents and components of brand equity to ultimately drive followers’ hotel booking intention. In addition, the role of over-endorsement as a moderating variable is also evaluated. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual model and research hypotheses were each assessed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Paper-based and online surveys were used to collect data from 443 respondents who are TikTok users and follow at least one TikTok online celebrity, while that online celebrity must have reviewed at least one type of accommodation. Findings Except for the relationship between virtual interactivity and online celebrity brand image, the results confirmed the relationships between research concepts. Research limitations/implications Further studies are needed to validate the results in other cultural contexts, generalize findings and broaden the range of target respondents. Originality/value This study contributes to the hotel literature by illustrating how online celebrity brand equity (OCBE) drives hotel booking intentions. The study highlights the importance of antecedent factors – follower-centered drivers (e.g. lifestyle congruence, friendship) and online celebrity-led drivers (e.g. virtual interactivity, expertise) – to achieve a hierarchical relationship between OCBE components and followers’ booking intentions.

Rich dad poor dad revisited: a study of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial propensity among school students in Jordan

PurposeDelving into the captivating landscape of entrepreneurship education, digital literacy and digital transformation, this study aims to investigate their interplay with entrepreneurial propensity and the moderating effect of school support among Jordanian school students aged 15–17. Anchored in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the human capital theory (HCT), this work illuminates the intricate web of influences that shape students’ entrepreneurial mindset.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a quantitative approach and uses a “paper-and-pencil" translated questionnaire to collect data from a convenience sample of (n = 650) school students in Jordan. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) v28 was utilized to scrutinize the variables' direct, mediating and moderated mediated impact.FindingsThe three structural models revealed that (1) entrepreneurship education has a positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial propensity; (2) digital literacy and digital transformation mediate the interaction between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial propensity; (3) school support moderates the mediating effect of digital literacy, and digital transformation, on the link between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial propensity.Practical implicationsThe results offer actionable enlightenments for educators and policymakers in Jordan to tailor entrepreneurship education, digital literacy and support frameworks, effectively nurturing students' entrepreneurial mindset and aspirations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics between education, technology and entrepreneurship. Our modest contribution links the findings to a real-world case of two 15-year-old students in Jordan who were inspired by the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” to start their own business.

Technology Adoption in Material Procurement: An Empirical Study Applying the UTAUT Model Among Construction Companies in India

The Indian construction industry faces many challenges, such as low productivity, project delays and a lack of professionalism. To remain competitive, construction companies must adopt innovative technologies to make their operations more efficient. In this context, the management of companies needs to understand employee attitudes and perceptions of technology adoption to make investment decisions for adopting new technologies. This study aims to assess the employees’ perceptions of e-procurement as part of technology adoption in the construction sector. The popular Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework was adapted to develop a study model with employee attitude added as a mediating variable. Data collected from 305 employees working in the materials departments of different private construction companies are analyzed using SPSS Amos, a covariance-based structural equation modelling (CBSEM) tool. The study results revealed the strength of the predictor variables in determining the predicted variable and the significant role of the mediating variable in shaping employee perceptions. The results can provide valuable information to the management of the construction companies about which factors promote the adoption and acceptance of digital technologies. This awareness is greatly helpful in changing or adjusting the situation to improve employee perceptions of accepting new technologies.

From personal to corporate social responsibility: (de)individuation in luxury retailing

PurposeThe New York Times has suggested replacing sustainable fashion with responsible fashion, emphasizing the need for joint efforts by both individual consumers and retailers to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. This study seeks to investigate the mechanism that activates individuals' personal social responsibility (PSR) and its association with their perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a responsible luxury fashion retailer.Design/methodology/approachAn online experiment was conducted with a nationwide US sample of luxury consumers who were randomly assigned to either individuation or deindividuation groups. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and multi-group SEM were employed to test the hypotheses.FindingsIndividuals' universalism positively affected PSR, which then enhanced their recognition of a responsible luxury retailer’s CSR and led to a greater willingness to pay a premium. More importantly, the positive effect of universalism on PSR was strengthened when consumers’ unique individuality, rather than their deindividuated state, was emphasized. Moreover, the moderating effect of individuation was indirectly transmitted through PSR to perceived CSR, hence reinforcing the relationship between PSR and CSR.Originality/valueThis study significantly advances existing scholarship on sustainable luxury retailing and adds rigor to deindividuation theory by demonstrating the central role of PSR and the moderating effect of individuation in enhancing recognition of a luxury fashion retailer’s CSR commitments. The findings provide luxury fashion retailers with communication and marketing strategies that highlight consumers' unique individuality to more effectively activate their sense of personal responsibility and thereby increase their recognition of the retailer’s CSR.

The relationship between fatigue, pruritus, and thirst distress with quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis: a mediator model to test concept of treatment adherence.

Hemodialysis is a conservative treatment for end-stage renal disease. It has various complications which negatively affect quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to examine the relationship between fatigue, pruritus, and thirst distress (TD) with QOL of patients receiving hemodialysis, while also considering the mediating role of treatment adherence (TA). This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2023 on 411 patients receiving hemodialysis. Participants were consecutively recruited from several dialysis centers in Iran. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the Thirst Distress Scale, the Pruritus Severity Scale, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and the modified version of the Greek Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire for Hemodialysis Patients. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The structural model and hypothesis testing results showed that all hypotheses were supported in this study. QOL had a significant inverse association with fatigue, pruritus, and TD and a significant positive association with TA. TA partially mediated the association of QOL with fatigue, pruritus, and TD, denoting that it helped counteract the negative association of these complications on QOL. This model explained 68.5% of the total variance of QOL. Fatigue, pruritus, and TD have a negative association with QOL among patients receiving hemodialysis, while TA reduces these negative associations. Therefore, TA is greatly important to manage the associations of these complications and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers need to assign high priority to TA improvement among these patients to reduce their fatigue, pruritus, and TD and improve their QOL. Further studies are necessary to determine the most effective strategies for improving TA and reducing the burden of complications in this patient population.

Quality management practices enhance the legitimacy of organizations through improved performance: a perspective from oil processing industries

PurposeQuality management practices (QMP) have stood as one of the critical strategic differentiators for enhancing firm performance. The production and manufacturing industry is the main driving force of economic growth and social development for any developed or developing country. This study aims to focus on two primary dimensions of QMP: soft quality management practices (SQMP) and hard quality management practices (HQMP) from the socio-technical system perspectives. Based on institutional theory perspectives, the study explores the impact of SQMP and HQMP on quality performance (QP), innovation performance (IVP) and financial performance (FP) in Indian oil processing organizations.Design/methodology/approachA proposed research model is validated using 289 cross-sectional survey data collected from the senior officials of oil processing firms in India. Covariance-based structural equation modeling is used to verify the proposed theoretical model.FindingsSQMP, directly and indirectly, influenced QP and IVP while only indirectly to FP mediated through QP. HQMP directly impacted only QP while indirectly to IVP and FP mediated through QP.Research limitations/implicationsImpact of organizational legitimacy in proper utilization or application of QMP in achieving the firm sustainable growth. The future study may address the following Research Question (RQ) also: How do QMP enhance the legitimacy of organizations operating in the oil processing industries? Are there specific mechanisms or pathways through which improved performance contributes to enhanced organizational legitimacy? How does legitimacy impact the success and sustainability of organizations, particularly, within the context of the oil processing industries? Are there regulatory requirements or industry certifications that organizations must adhere to in order to maintain legitimacy?Practical implicationsSimilarly, manufacturing firms establish QMP of interaction and maintaining relationships with all the stakeholders, total employee empowerment and involvement, workforce commitment and workforce management, helping to control their reputations and maintain legitimacy (Li et al., 2023). Similarly, in the health industry, the health management information system (HMIS), which uses the DHIS2 platform, establishes that isomorphism legitimizes data QMP among health practitioners and, subsequently, data quality. Further, it was concluded that mimetic isomorphism led to moral and pragmatic legitimacy. In contrast, normative isomorphism led to cognitive legitimacy within the HMIS structure and helped to attain the correctness and timeliness of the data and reports, respectively (Msendema et al., 2023). Quality, flexibility and efficiency of Big Data Analytics through better storage, speed and significance can optimize the operational performance of a manufacturing firm (Verma et al., 2023).Social implicationsThe study provides the academician with the different dimensions of QMP. The study demonstrates how a firm develops multiple performance capabilities through proper QMP. Also, it shows how vital behavioral and managerial perspectives are to QMP and statistically solid tools and techniques. The study draws their importance to risk factors involved in the firms. Since the SQMP play a vital role, thus, emphasis on the behavioral dimension of quality requires more investigation and is in line with hard technological advancements in the quality field.Originality/valueThe study of the impact of HQMP and SQMP on performance is still not established. There are inconsistencies in the findings. The study of the impact of HQMP and SQMP in oil processing industries has not dealt with before. The effects of HQMP and SQMP on the firm’s FP have least been dealt. In context to the intended influence of QM implementation, QP has not been examined as a potential mediator between FP. Research carried out in the past is limited to American and European countries. However, a limited study was done in Asia, and no study has been conducted in the Indian context.

Interconnectedness between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, attitude, and business creation: A serial mediation of entrepreneurial intention and environmental factor

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy has been widely recognized as prominent in entrepreneurship, which can promote entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial attitude, and business creation. This paper aims at investigating the extent and relationship of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial attitude, and business creation among graduates in Malaysia, as well as examine the serial mediators of entrepreneurial intention and environmental factors in linking this relationship. This present study used a quantitative approach with a self-administered survey directed at university students in Malaysia. A total of 282 public university graduates in the Klang Valley completed this survey, and we further analysed the data undergoing covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings indicate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy has a robust effect on entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial attitude, and business creation among university graduates in Malaysia. In addition, results indicated that entrepreneurial intention and environmental factors completely mediate the serial mediation of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and business creation, while these two mediators partially mediate the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude among graduates in Malaysia.

The role of employee ambidexterity on employee agility: a moderation analysis with employee organizational tenure

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate how employee ambidexterity (studied as passive and active ambidexterity; EPA and EAA) impacts employee agility (in terms of proactivity, resilience and adaptability) along with the moderating influences of employee organizational tenure (EOT).Design/methodology/approachA simple random sampling technique is used to collect primary responses from bank managers working in various public, private and regional rural banks in India. The analysis is performed using AMOS (Version-25), a covariance-based structural equation modeling approach.FindingsThe two-folded findings include first, the EAA–agility relationship is stronger than the EPA–agility linkage. Second, EOT negatively influences the EAA–EPA–agility relationships.Originality/valueAlthough the performance impact of ambidexterity is well documented in the literature there is a dearth of empirical investigation on its agility impact. Since most of the extant researchers have studied ambidexterity and agility from an organizational context, this research highlights the less-studied ambidexterity-agility connection from an employee perspective. Further, EOT is mostly studied as a control variable, while this research investigates as a moderator influencing the ambidexterity–agility linkage in the context of emerging economies such as India.

Effects of stress and self-efficacy on quality of life of mothers with autistic children: Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) approach.

Mothers who have children with autism encounter significant difficulties in caring for their autistic youngsters, leading to higher stress levels and a reduced overall quality of life. External or internal factors can cause and respond to stress, affecting an individual's physical, psychological, and emotional health. Thus, it is crucial to examine the quality of life of mothers with autistic children. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between stress, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QoL) in mothers of children with autism. A cross-sectional study design was used. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed from October to November 2019 to mothers with autistic children using cluster sampling techniques to capture their demographics and perceptions of stress, self-efficacy, and QoL. The data analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). Of the 290 questionnaires distributed, 238 (response rate of 82%) sets were returned, but only 181 questionnaires were usable for further analysis. The findings demonstrated a notable impact of stress and self-efficacy on quality of life and an adverse effect of stress on self-efficacy. Self-efficacy serves as an intermediary in the relationship between stress and quality of life. In general, mothers of autistic children typically face moderate stress levels, but they have low levels of self-efficacy and quality of life. Mothers of children with autism need assistance and support from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists, so that they can bear the challenges of raising children with special needs and enjoy a higher standard of living with less emotional and physical strain.

The Effect of Perceived Quality, Student Life Social Identification on Student Satisfaction with Moderator Role of Organizational Identification

Universities worldwide have a difficult time keeping students enrolled, so it is essential to identify the factors that could potentially improve retention rates. Several important factors that affect student satisfaction, as well as students' intentions to remain and support the institution, are investigated in this research. The extent to which student satisfaction and behaviors are influenced by organizational identification and the institution's reputation is a topic that interests researchers in particular. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was utilized to develop and test a conceptual model. The information was gathered by surveying undergraduate students in Libya. According to the study's findings, although the perceived quality of teaching does affect student satisfaction, the influences of organizational identification and the institution's reputation are significantly more significant. Based on the findings, it is recommended that educational institutions engage in activities that enhance student-university identification and institution reputation. This is because these factors can significantly impact students' attitudes and behaviors. This paper discusses various strategies educational institutions can implement to cultivate and sustain organizational identification among students.

How willing are residents to accept sustainable energy from food waste generated by anaerobic digestion projects?

The increasing demand for local anaerobic waste-to-energy projects triggered by citizens' environmental consciousness has forced communities, practitioners, and academicians worldwide to prioritize this subject. This research extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model with egoistic value. This study assessed residents' willingness to accept energy from food waste via anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. This study compares the new research framework with the original TPB framework. Using 408 questionnaires from Chinese residents in Jiangsu Province, hypothetical statements were assessed using a covariance-based structural equation model (CB-SEM). Egoistic values influenced all TPB constructs. The study found that TPB constructs mediated the association between egoistic value and residents' willingness to accept energy from food waste through AD projects. The findings suggest that the actual research framework can better explain outcomes than the original TPB model. This shows that the actual framework is more effective in understanding residents’ willingness to accept energy from food waste through AD projects. Policymakers and investors should communicate the health benefits of energy from food waste via anaerobic digestion schemes to citizens. Also, the policymakers or experts should focus on egoistic values or the health benefits of the citizens before they hurry to uptake the projects.

The Influence of Transformative Learning, Affective Commitment, Digital Transformation, Capability Dynamic, Ambidexterity, and Education Policy Toward Educational Leadership: A Case from Indonesia

Purpose: The implications of external environment changes and the presence of a new generation of students in the school to the school leadership are often overlooked. Very few studies elaborate on the need to shape educational leadership concepts and practices to deal with the changes. The study intention is to identify the influences of transformative learning, affective commitment, digital transformation, capability dynamic, and the ambidexterity to educational leadership, and to craft the educational leadership based on Indonesia context.     Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is using Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM), the data is collected through a Likert based questionnaire from 271 respondents and it is processed by SPSS and AMOS.   Findings: Transformative Ethics Agile (TEA) Leadership as educational leadership is influenced by Ambidexterity, transformative learning, affective commitment, and educational policy. Digital transformation and capability dynamic have insignificant influences, however ambidexterity mediating the influence of dynamic capability to TEA Leadership.   Research Implications: The research contributes to renewing educational leadership concepts by putting emphasis on transformative, ethics, and agile elements. The variables that must be put into attention for leading school during changing time, specifically ambidexterity, transformative learning, affective commitment, and educational policy. The research highlights the importance of context on educational leadership.   Originality/Values: The research contributes to the identification of variables that influence the effectiveness of school leadership and by doing that able to facilitate the strategy of leadership development for school management. The values of the research are on the mapping of factors contribute to educational leadership and lead the practical aspects of managing school in the changing time.

The Mediating Effects of Financial Service Usage on the Relationship between Financial Literacy and Retirement Preparedness in the Cameroon Informal Sector

The last decade has witnessed significant research interest in the area of financial literacy with specific attention on poverty. However, based on evidence of over 80 papers published since 2014 by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, it was revealed that there is no significant comprehensive explanation of how the usage of financial services improves people’s financial satisfaction at retirement. To this effect, this study sought to examine the extent to which the usage of both formal and informal financial services affects the retirement preparedness of people engaged in the informal sector of Cameroon. In light of this, the study aimed at justifying the continuous utilization of informal financial services at the expense of formal financial services even when financial service users have access to formal financial services. The study examined individual levels of investment literacy, cash-flow management literacy, credit management literacy, and the usage of formal and informal financial services. The study used the geographical clusters to proportionately select 400 economically active users of financial services from the seven sub-divisions of Yaoundé. Survey data were quantitatively analyzed to test the statistical relationships using the Covariance-Based Structural Equation Model [CB-SEM] with the aid of SPSS and AMOS 24 statistical packages. Findings indicated that the usage of formal financial services and informal financial services hace positive significant statistical effects on retirement preparedness. Also, the study finds that the usage of formal financial services and informal financial services has positive significant mediating effects on financial literacy and retirement preparedness. The study thus proposes the implementation of a dualistiec financial inclusion model that recognizes that both the formal and informal financial services are beneficial in the improvement of individual’s retirement preparedness in the informal sector of Cameroon and as well as in the context of developing countries.

Effect of smartphone addiction on compulsive app downloading tendency: protective factors for generation Z consumers

Purpose This study aims to focus on how smartphone addiction impacts young consumer behavior related to mobile technology (i.e. the compulsive app downloading tendency). After a thorough literature review and following the risk and protective factors framework, this study explores factors that could mitigate its effects (resilience, family harmony, perceived social support and social capital). Design/methodology/approach The study used the covariance-based structural equation modeling approach to analyze data collected from 275 Generation Z (Gen Z) smartphone users in Spain. Findings Results suggest that resilience is a critical factor in preventing smartphone addiction, and smartphone addiction boosts the compulsive app downloading tendency, a relevant downside for younger Gen Z consumers. Originality/value Through the lens of the risk and protective factors framework, this study focuses on protective factors to prevent smartphone addiction and its negative side effects on app consumption. It also offers evidence of younger consumers’ vulnerability to smartphone addiction, not because of the device itself but because of app-consumption-related behaviors.

Agricultural Extension Model based on Local Wisdom in Creating Household Welfare in the Dayak Tunjung Tribe Community, West Kutai Regency

Agricultural extension is non-formal education for farmers which includes extension activities, knowledge and skills for farmers and their families which takes place through a teaching and learning process. Agricultural instructors must be able to guide farmers, instructors also provide motivation, provide information and increase farmers' awareness so that they can encourage their interest in learning in facing problems in the field. Local wisdom is a view of life and knowledge as well as various life strategies in the form of activities carried out by local communities in responding to various problems in meeting their needs. The traditional culture of the Dayak Tunjung Tribe in West Kutai is rich in various local wisdom and plays an active role in preserving the environment. Local wisdom is the noble values that apply in community life to, among other things, protect and manage the environment sustainably. Local wisdom not only understands the knowledge of indigenous/local communities between humans and how good relations between humans are, but also concerns knowledge, understanding and customs about humans, nature, and the relationship between all, where all knowledge is lived, practiced, taught and passed on from one generation to generation. The Dayak community as local farmers have local wisdom in farming and opening farms. The Dayak community does not burn forests except for farming, and this is also done through traditional calculations that have been taught from generation to generation. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence changes in farmer behavior towards household welfare in the local wisdom of shifting cultivation. This research approach uses a mixed method approach. In this research, it uses a sequential explanatory design where the first sequence uses quantitative methods, and the second sequence uses qualitative methods. The number of samples (n) in this study was 110 farmers. The data analysis used is GSCA, which is an analysis that combines the characteristics found in PLS-SEM with Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). Based on the research results, it was found that factors influence changes in farmer behavior in improving the welfare of farmer households, namely: (1) internal factors of farmers which have a significant influence on changes in farmer behavior in farming. Factors that do not influence changes in farmer behaviour are: (1) external factors of farmers and (2) the role of extension workers does not have a real influence on the farming activities of the local Dayak Tunjung Tribe community. Changes in farmer behaviour in the shifting agricultural activities of the Dayak Tunjung community, namely knowledge (Y1.1), attitudes (Y1.2), and skills (Y1.3), all of these indicators have a real and large influence on improving farmer welfare. farmer household. This means that in order to improve the welfare of farming households, farmers must change the behaviour of farmers in carrying out shifting cultivation activities in Barong Tongkok District

Financial Inclusion and Technological Influence on SDG 4 - Quality Education Attainment in Africa: A Case Study of Gombe State

The pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) - Quality Education, remains a critical imperative for African nations, particularly in the context of fostering inclusive and equitable education systems. This study aims to address the gaps in understanding the relationship between financial inclusion, technological advancements, and the achievement of SDG 4 in Africa, focusing specifically on Gombe State. Questionnaires were distributed to 700 respondents, with 580 valid responses collected. Data was collected on access to financial services, awareness and usage of educational technology, financial behavior, and attitudes towards education financing. Data analysis was conducted using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) with AMOS. The study found a significant positive relationship between access to financial services and attitudes towards education financing. Additionally, awareness and usage of educational technology were found to positively influence attitudes towards education financing. Finally, positive financial behaviors, such as savings and prudent financial management, were associated with supportive attitudes towards education financing. The study suggests integrating financial inclusion, educational technology, and promoting positive financial behaviors, in order to advance inclusive and equitable quality education in Gombe State, thereby fostering sustainable development in the region.

Closing the loop: does corporate sustainability capability matter for improving energy efficiency? Evidence from Pakistan

Purpose This study aims to examine whether and how corporate sustainability capability influences energy efficiency through competitive intensity and slack resource availability. Design/methodology/approach The authors applied a two-wave research design and administered a survey questionnaire to senior-level managers of 78 ISO-14001 and ISO-50001 certified manufacturing companies. The authors use a multi-method approach for data analysis. AMOS 23 software was applied for covariance-based structural equation modeling. In addition, SPSS 25 software was applied for hierarchical regression analysis to examine the causal relationships in the model. Findings The finding reveals that corporate sustainability capabilities, which include energy-saving opportunities, seizing energy-saving opportunities and resource reconfiguration, significantly improve firms’ energy efficiency. In addition, competitive intensity and slack resource availability positively moderated the relationship between corporate sustainability capability and energy efficiency. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the link between corporate sustainability capability and energy efficiency in developing countries such as Pakistan. Although the influence of various corporate sustainability capabilities on sustainable performance has been widely examined in the literature, the role of corporate sustainability capability has been limitedly explored with energy efficiency. This study extends the literature by adding to the knowledge of corporate sustainability capability that enhances boundary conditions in developing countries.

Factors affecting the adoption of mobile-based electronic payment apps in China: an application of the extended technology acceptance model

PurposeWith the increasing use of Internet and mobile handsets, mobile-based electronic payment apps (MEPAs) are becoming very popular around the world due to having various advantages. The intention of this exploratory study is to investigate the role/impact of selected factors in adopting three MEPAs of China: Wechat, Alipay and UnionPay based on the extended technology acceptance model (ETAM). After conducting a thorough and careful literature review, this study identified and divided seven such factors into three broad categories: (1) technological factors: perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU); (2) personal factors: perceived trust (PT), perceived privacy (PP) and perceived risk (PR); and (3) social factors: social influence (SI) and peer influence (PI) that were assumed to affect the intention to adopt MEPAs (IAMEPAs).Design/methodology/approach1,597 Chinese individuals were selected through purposive sampling technique who regularly used MEPAs at the time of collecting data. For collecting primary data from the selected respondents, a cross-sectional survey instrument was used. The study utilized IBM SPSS 25 for descriptive statistics and a second generation covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) technique through AMOS 25 for testing the hypothesized relationships.FindingsFrom statistical analysis, it was identified that five factors: PEU, PU, PT, SI and PI have significant positive impact on the dependent variable, IAMEPAs while PR and PP have insignificant influence on IAMEPAs.Originality/valueThis is one of the studies ever conducted to discover the factors that can have impact on the adoption of MEPAs using ETAM. It is strongly expected that this exploratory study can motivate the scholars to commence additional investigations regarding this increasingly popular financial technology (Fin-Tech). In addition, it can be anticipated that the MEPA service providers can widen their service effectiveness according to the users’ opinion reflected in this study. Furthermore, policymakers involved with Fin-Tech can also formulate and implement effective policies and guidelines based on the empirical outcomes.

Exploring blockchain technology acceptance among non-managerial construction practitioners in Shenzhen, China

PurposeProblems such as information asymmetry and a lack of trust among construction practitioners damage the quality and progress of construction projects. The decentralization, transparency, traceability and temper-proof nature of blockchain technology (BCT) can provide solutions and facilitate multiparty cooperation. However, BCT acceptance in the construction industry is relatively low, and there are few pilot projects adopting BCT. Most relevant literature focuses on BCT acceptance at the industry and organizational levels, but the impact of non-managerial practitioners executing BCT or the traditional approach in day-to-day work tends to be disregarded. This study aims to establish a theoretical model of BCT acceptance, identify key influencing factors and paths of behavioral intention to adopt BCT and promote strategies to enhance BCT adoption.Design/methodology/approachA new BCT acceptance model for construction practitioners was proposed. A survey was performed with 203 construction practitioners in Shenzhen, China and post-survey interviews were conducted with four BCT experts for validation. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to examine the influence paths and moderating effect analysis was performed to check practitioners’ differential perceptions.FindingsPerformance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and perceived behavioral control significantly and positively influence behavioral intention to accept BCT, while impacts from effort performance and risk are negative. Overcoming obstacles related to the effort required for BCT adoption and effective risk management will be essential to unlocking BCT’s transformative potential. Then, the moderating effects of respondents’ gender, degree and BCT knowledge as well as the project type involved were analyzed. Continued adoption of BCT in the construction industry has the potential to revolutionize project management, transparency and trust among stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research can help practitioners and government agencies understand crucial influencing factors and pathways of BCT acceptance. Targeted measures, such as increasing practitioners’ benefits and sense of BCT usefulness, conducting pilot projects and increasing publicity, were proposed for project leadership teams to enhance BCT adoption. This may lead to increased efficiency, reduced disputes and more streamlined and secure construction processes, ultimately enhancing the industry’s overall performance.Originality/valueFew studies have explored BCT acceptance from the perspective of non-managerial construction practitioners. The BCT acceptance model proposed in this study is a novel adaptation of previous technology acceptance models, with new factors (risk and perceived behavioral control) and moderating variables (degree, BCT knowledge and project type) added for better understanding of non-managerial practitioners’ perceptions and differences.

Investigating the impact of smart manufacturing on firms' operational and financial performance

PurposeSmart manufacturing (SM) lies at the core of Industry 4.0. Uniform adoption of SM across business partners is crucial to exploit its value creation potential. However, firms' willingness to invest in SM is limited by insufficient or inconclusive evidence on its performance-related benefits. To close this gap, this paper develops and tests a model linking SM adoption to firms' financial performance. Improvements along the four dimensions of operational performance (i.e. cost quality, delivery and flexibility) mediate this relation.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows an empirical research approach. In particular, survey data from 234 automotive component suppliers are analyzed via covariance-based structural equation modeling to explore the link between SM adoption and operational performance. Survey data are then matched with secondary data from balance sheets of 81 firms to investigate the impact of SM on financial performance via partial least square structural equation modeling.FindingsFindings highlight that adoption of SM results in improvements in cost, quality, delivery performance, thus suggesting that SM is a mean to overcome performance trade-offs. Improvements in operational performance enabled by SM do not give rise to superior financial performance, thus implying that SM might support firms in maintaining the competitive position in the market, but could be insufficient to generate higher margin.Originality/valueResults have implications for SM research and for manufacturing executives engaged in the adoption of SM, as they provide a detailed analysis of the impact of SM on operational performance and clarify the effect that SM adoption has on financial performance.