Equation Modeling Research Articles

Technology Adoption Intention and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ability of Rural Women in Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThe expansion of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh is essential for economic development, primarily driven by the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This expansion is more noticeable in urban areas, generating a research gap to find out the adoption of ICT among rural women entrepreneurs. Our present study seeks to identify the factors influencing ICT adoption intentions among women entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh. Data from 315 respondents were collected and analyzed utilizing partial least squares‐structural equation modeling through Smart PLS 3.3v software. Our results reveal that women's utilization of ICT is positively associated with their access to material, mental, skill, usage, and ICT in microfinance. This adoption significantly upgrades the business skills of rural Bangladeshi women, offering essential insights for future entrepreneurs. Our study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing ICT adoption access points and offers policymakers' practical implications for empowering women by expanding ICT access to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Unravelling the Effects of Perceived Severity of Penalties on Income Tax Compliance for Tanzanian Small and Medium Enterprises

Enhancing tax compliance behaviour among SMEs will improve revenue collection, thus enable government to finance social-economic welfare of its citizens. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of perceived severity of penalties on individual income tax compliance among Tanzanian Small and Medium Enterprises. A cross-sectional survey of 382 SMEs was conducted in six tax regions of Tanzania – Kinondoni, Kariakoo, Temeke, Mtwara, Singida and Tabora, selected using simple random technique. Descriptive and Partial Least Square Equation Modelling were used for data analysis. The findings of the study show that perceived severity of penalties has positive and significant effects on the decision of the individual to register with the tax system and make correct declaration of income. On the other hand, it has a positive, but insignificant effect on the decision of the taxpayer to pay taxes within due dates. The findings imply that penalties are more effective in enhancing compliance behaviour at the registration and declaration than on payment stage. Thus, government through the Tanzania Revenue Authority should continue to use penalties and other administrative measures including inter alia, taxpayer education, good customer care and services, to enhance tax compliance behaviour among SMEs.

Factors Affecting the Wellness Tourism Intention of Chinese Older Adults Tourists: Hainan Island as a Tourism Destination

This research aims to 1) examine how perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, and cues to action influence the wellness tourism intention of Chinese older adults, specifically focusing on Hainan Island as a tourism destination; 2) explore the mediating roles of cognitive destination image and self-efficacy in the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, cues to action, and wellness tourism intention; and 3) analyze the moderating effect of social influence on the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, cues to action, and wellness tourism intention. Using a purposive sampling method, through online and onsite survey, we collect 551 valid questionnaires from older adults tourists aged 60 and above from major provinces in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan.Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the data. the results show that perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, and cues to action significantly influence wellness tourism intentions, with cognitive destination image and self-efficacy playing important mediating roles. Additionally, social influence, such as peer recommendations and family support, moderates these relationships, particularly enhancing the effects of perceived benefits and cues to action on wellness tourism intentions. These findings offer valuable insights for tourism stakeholders in Hainan, suggesting the importance of tailored marketing strategies that highlight both the health benefits and social influence, while promoting Hainan as an ideal wellness destination for older adults.

High-performance work systems and employee voice behavior: a sequential mediation analysis

PurposeBased on ability-motivation-opportunity, social exchange, and job demands-resources theories, this research aims to investigate how high-performance work systems (HPWS) are linked to voice behavior through sequential mediating effects of psychological meaningfulness and work engagement in a Middle Eastern context.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was employed to analyze data obtained from a sample of 538 nurses working in various hospitals located in Palestine.FindingsThe findings show a positive association between HPWS and voice behavior. In addition, the study findings support the sequential mediation of psychological meaningfulness and work engagement on the association between HPWS and voice behavior.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few examining the effect of HPWS on individual-level outcomes in the context of the Middle East. More specifically, our study is the first to test the association between HPWS and voice behavior, especially in this under-researched context. It is also the first to explore the influence of HPWS on voice behavior through sequential mediating pathways of psychological meaningfulness and work engagement.

Maternal BMI During Lactation Is Associated with Major Protein Compositions in Early Mature Milk.

The present study identified multiple proteins in early mature milk and explored the correlation between protein compositions in HM and maternal BMI during lactation. A total of 70 mothers giving birth to single-term infants from four representative cites were enrolled in this research. Milk samples were collected between 9 and 11 a.m. to avoid the influence of circadian rhythms. The concentration of total protein in the milk samples was determined using the Bradford method, and the concentrations of α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, osteopontin, αs-1 casein, β-casein, and κ-casein, butyrophilin, periodic acid Schiff 6/7, fatty acid-binding protein, and xanthine oxidoreductase in the milk samples were measured through a previously published method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A semi-structured questionnaire investigation and body measurements were carried out by trained investigators to collect the information of subjects. In the univariate models, the concentrations of TP (r = 0.306), α-La (r = 0.260), LF (r = 0.371), OPN (r = 0.286), and αS1-CN (r = 0.324) were all positively and significantly correlated with maternal BMI. In the models' adjusted covariates, the concentrations of TP (Lg β = 7.4 × 10-3), LF (Lg β = 19.2 × 10-3), αS1-CN (Lg β = 8.2 × 10-3) and the proportion of LF (β = 0.20%) were positively correlated with continuous maternal BMI changes. TP concentrations in the HM of obese mothers were higher than in the other three groups (Lg β: 66.7 × 10-3~140.5 × 10-3), α-La concentrations were higher than in the underweight and normal groups (Lg β: 94.4 × 10-3~145.7 × 10-3), and OPN concentrations were higher than in the overweight groups (Lg β = 103.6 × 10-3). The concentrations of LF (Lg β: -298.2 × 10-3~-191.0 × 10-3), OPN (Lg β: -248.9 × 10-3~-145.3 × 10-3), and αS1-CN (Lg β: -160.7 × 10-3~-108.3 × 10-3) in the HM of underweight mothers were lower than those in the other three groups. β-CN concentrations were lower than normal (Lg β = -125.1 × 10-3) and obese groups (Lg β = -165.7 × 10-3), κ-CN concentrations were lower than the overweight (Lg β = -132.5 × 10-3) and obese groups (Lg β = -147.9 × 10-3), and the proportion of LF was lower than that of the overweight (β = -2.80%) and obese groups (β = -2.52%). The proportion of LF in normal mothers was lower than that in the overweight group (β = -1.15%). No statistically significant associations between four MFGM proteins and maternal BMI were determined as the equation models could not be fitted (p for F-test < 0.05). Obese mothers had higher concentrations of multiple protein components than other groups, while underweight mothers had lower concentrations. The association between BMI and protein compositions may be more pronounced for certain protein types.

How to establish customers’ green brand relationships and behaviors: from green consumption consciousness perspectives

PurposeThis study aimed to understand how the consumer–green brand relationship affects the behavior of consumers of e-commerce platforms for smallholder farmers; it did so by formulating and testing a framework based on social identity perspective.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was applied to data from 532 questionnaire responses.FindingsAll hypotheses were supported. Customers’ environmental consciousness, green brand consciousness and green brand self-expression strongly affect green consumption consciousness. The effect of environmental consciousness on green brand identification is stronger than that of environmental consciousness on green brand consciousness and that of green brand self-expression on green brand identification.Practical implicationsSuggestions for managing green brands on e-commerce platforms for smallholder farmers and references for strategizing are also provided.Originality/valueThis study accounts for a wide range of antecedents of green consumption consciousness based on a social identity perspective. This study is the first to elucidate how green consumption affects the e-commerce branding of green smallholder farmers.

Artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chain: Analyzing the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation in retailing firms

AbstractAcademics and practitioners are increasingly interested in the role of the circular supply chains in maximizing resource use and improving sustainable performance. However, the shift from linear to circular supply chains is still at an early stage and still needs more research. The current study seeks to test the direct effects of artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities on frugal innovation and circular supply chains in a group of retail firms operating in Jordan. The current paper also aims to test the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation. To achieve these objectives, a research framework was developed that explains hypothesized relationships between the previous constructs and was tested empirically through a sample of 212 respondents from the top administrative level in these firms. The casual and quantitative approach was employed to test the hypothetical relationships, and the partial least squares‐structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) approach was employed as a tool to analyze the data. The empirical results reported through data analysis showed acceptance of all hypothesized relationships that were hypothesized in this study, as there was a positive effect of both artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and frugal innovation on circular supply chains. In addition, the mediation was statistically significant, as frugal innovation mediated the relationship between artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chains. This study had a set of interesting contributions at the theoretical and the managerial contributions, as this paper is the first work in the body of the literature that explores these innovative relationships. The current paper also contributed to developing recommendations that would improve sustainable performance in the retail sector by enhancing its dynamic capabilities based on artificial intelligence tools, which leads to strengthening circular supply chains.

Psychological Ownership of Avatars in the Metaverse: Its Key Antecedents and Outcomes

ABSTRACTThis study developed and tested a model exploring the antecedents and outcomes of psychological ownership of avatars in the metaverse, considering the moderating role of virtual currency acquisition methods. Using data from 252 ZEPETO users and Partial Least Square‐Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), the study found that the ability to control, intimate knowledge, and invest in self significantly enhances psychological ownership of avatars, which extends to virtual products. Notably, the reward system (versus direct purchase) for acquiring virtual currency amplified this ownership extension, and the transference of psychological ownership from avatars to virtual products significantly influenced the intention to purchase corresponding real‐world products. The study underscores the interplay between virtual and real‐world dynamics, highlighting the impact of digital activities on real‐world consumer behavior.

An Equation Model on the Professional Knowledge and Confidence for Future Employment of Students in Programs Supported With Emerging Technologies

Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs supported with modern information technologies may face more challenges in learning, because they must learn from at least two curricula, including courses of big data, new media technologies and intelligent platform use, etc. Taking students in these programs as an example, this study aims to investigate relationships among eight variables related to student career development. The research employed the quantitative method of Pearson bivariate analysis, ANOVA and Hayes (2017) regression procedure to test the direct and indirect relationship among variables. The researcher developed a moderated mediation model visualizing the relationship between professional knowledge and confidence for successful employment. Recommendations of early intervention targeting first-year students and different curriculum designing were proposed to facilitate planning in the acquisition of professional knowledge and the establishment of career goals, aiming to enhance the career development and success of tertiary vocational college students.

Relationship between body involvement and post-trip behavioral intention in sports tourism: an embodied cognition perspective

PurposeBased on the theory of embodied cognition, this study uses the Mehrabian–Rusell model to explore the influence of tourists’ body involvement during sports vacations on their post-trip behavioral intention, as well as the regulatory role of tourism involvement in this process.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses, mediating effects and moderating effects. The data were collected through an online survey of 631 visitors to sports tourism destinations in China.FindingsProprioception and kinesthesia in sports tourism activities can affect post-trip behavioral intention through body arousal and tourism satisfaction. Tourism involvement positively regulates the influence of body embeddedness and body arousal on tourism satisfaction. Furthermore, a “threshold effect” exists in the emotional effect of tourists’ body involvement.Practical implicationsTo develop sports tourism, it is important to take the following steps: create multi-sensory stimulation to improve the physical participation of tourists in sports tourism activities, design sports resorts that cater to people of different age groups, evaluate tourists’ satisfaction and use their feedback to make continuous improvements, improve the basic convenience services offered at sports resorts, use social media to display the unique physical environment and others characteristics of sports destinations to expand popularity.Originality/valueThis study constructs a conceptual model of the influence mechanism of tourists’ body involvement on post-trip behavioral intention to present valuable insights that could help promote the sustainable development of sports tourism.

Interplay of multiple labels and willingness to pay

PurposeThere are calls for irradiated food labelling due to a significant need for food safety and extensive procedures to safeguard consumer health. Additionally, there is a strong push from producers for mandatory Country of Origin (COO) labelling. The study examines how the COO and Radura labels influence consumer behaviour and shows the interplay between these influences. Using Attitude-Behavior-Context theory, a conceptual model is proposed and tested to evaluate these factors. The use of multiple labels allows for more choices. How the information presented on labels corresponds to consumers' pre-purchase information search is tested on regular label users.Design/methodology/approachStructural Equation Modelling (SEM), Generalised Linear Modelling and Cluster Analysis were used to analyse the data on a sample of 322 Australian respondents.FindingsThe study revealed that COO labelling had a significant positive relationship with attitudes but a negative relationship with WTP, acting as a suppressed mediator between attitudes and WTP. Interestingly, while knowledge was not found significant, label confidence emerged as a significant factor. Furthermore, the research suggests that regular users may prioritize COO labels over Radura labels.Originality/valueThis research contributes novelty by being the first to address the interplay between COO and irradiated labels, complementing the growing body of literature on irradiation labelling. It also offers valuable insights for retail practitioners, providing an understanding that can facilitate the delivery of high-value multiple labels at the point of purchase.

What are the Impacts of Food Losses on the Nutrition?

Reducing food loss and waste is enshrined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and specifically in target 12.3, which seeks, by 2030, to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. Food loss is for any food removed from the supply chain between maturity and sale, including inedible parts as these are integral to the marketed product. The main hypothesis is that the greater the loss of food, the less the supply of food per capita will be, from where the possibilities for feeding the population decrease. Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a mediation analysis will be performed with food losses as independent variables, with dependent variables measuring population nutrition and mediator variables measuring per capita food supply. Various survey methods have been applied, secondary data analysis, сimultaneous equations model(SEM), mediation analysis, as well as desktop research. The results of the study showed that the relationships between Losses Animal Products and the mediator variables are positive – greater losses lead to greater per capita supply. The relationships between per capita supply and prevalence of undernourishment are negative – larger per capita supply leads to a smaller prevalence of undernourishment.

Factors Affecting Granulated Sugar Demand in Indonesia

Sugar is one of the staple food commodities that has a strategic position toward the basic needs of the community. The high dependence on granulated sugar consumption is due to the small tendency of the public to substitute granulated sugar with other sweeteners. The high demand for granulated sugar is not accompanied by an increase in cane sugar production. The imbalance between the production and consumption of granulated sugar requires Indonesia to take action to fulfill instant needs by importing sugar. This study aims to (1) determine the development of consumption of granulated sugar in Indonesia during 2011-2020. (2) Analyze the factors that influence the demand for sugar in Indonesia. The data used in this study is secondary data and processed using descriptive statistical analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study are: (1) the development of sugar demand in Indonesia during the period 2011-2020 has a pattern that tends to increase. (2) The population has a partial and significant effect on the demand for granulated sugar, while the price of granulated sugar, tea, and coffee prices had no partial effect on sugar demand. The coefficient of determination (Adjusted R-Square) shows that 93.5% of the variation in the variable demand for granulated sugar can be explained by independent variables, namely the population, the price of sugar, the price of tea, and the price of coffee. While, the remaining 6.5% is explained by other variables outside the equation model. Keywords: sugar, demand, population, prices

Exploring the acceptance of generative artificial intelligence for language learning among EFL postgraduate students: An extended TAM approach

AbstractThis study delves into the acceptance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for English language learning among Chinese postgraduate students, examining how individual, social, and technological factors influence this process. Utilizing an extended technology acceptance model, the research collected data from 497 students via a survey, analyzed through partial least square‐structural equation modeling. Key findings underscore personal innovativeness, subjective norms, and trust as significant predictors of GenAI adoption, with an intricate interplay between perceived ease of use and usefulness affecting behavioral intentions. The insights offer theoretical and practical implications for enhancing GenAI's educational integration, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation, peer influence, trust, and support infrastructure. This contribution enriches the understanding of GenAI's educational potential, particularly in non‐native English contexts, paving the way for further exploration in this evolving domain.

PENGARUH KERAGAMAN PRODUK, KUALITAS LAYANAN DAN HARGA TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN DENGAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING PADA APOTEK ANGGREK KPRI RSUD SITUBONDO

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of product diversity, service quality and price on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as an intervening variable at Anggrek KPRI Pharmacy, Situbondo Regional Hospital. The sampling technique is determined by quota sampling. Data analysis and hypothesis testing in this study used the Structural-Partial Least Square Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results of the direct influence hypothesis test using the Smart PLS 3.0 application, show that Product diversity has a negative but insignificant effect on Customer Satisfaction, Service quality has a significant positive effect on Customer Satisfaction, Price has a significant positive effect on Customer Satisfaction, Product diversity has a positive but insignificant effect on Customer Loyalty, Service quality has a negative but insignificant effect on Customer Loyalty, Price has a positive but insignificant effect on Customer Loyalty, Customer satisfaction has a significant positive effect on Customer Loyalty, Product diversity has a negative but insignificant effect on Customer Loyalty through Customer Satisfaction, Service quality has a positive but insignificant effect on Customer Loyalty through Customer Satisfaction, Price has a significant positive effect on Customer Loyalty through Customer Satisfaction.

ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI MINAT BELI ULANG PADA SWALAYAN KOPERASI GUYUB RUKUN DI PANARUKAN DENGAN KEPUASAN KONSUMEN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING

In the current era of globalization, of course, there are many developments that are very rapid and increasingly sophisticated, one of which is the development of retail business businesses. The purpose of this study is to analyze the Role of Product Diversity, Service Quality, and Facilities in influencing Consumer Satisfaction and Repurchase Interest in Guyub Rukun Cooperative Supermarket in Panarukan. This research is an explanatory research. The population in this study is the consumers of the Guyub Rukun Cooperative Supermarket in Panarukan. The sampling technique was determined by simple random sampling. Data analysis and hypothesis testing in this study used the Structural-Partial Least Square Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results of the direct influence hypothesis test using the Smart PLS 3.0 application, showed that product diversity did not have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction, Service quality did not have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction, Facilities had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction, Product diversity had a significant effect on repurchase interest, Service quality did not have a significant effect on repurchase interest, Facilities do not have a significant effect on repurchase interest, Consumer satisfaction has a significant effect on repurchase interest. The results of the indirect influence hypothesis test showed that the variable of product diversity on repurchase interest through consumer satisfaction had a negative but insignificant effect, The quality of service for repurchase interest through consumer satisfaction has a negative but not significant effect, the facility for repurchase interest through consumer satisfaction has a positive but insignificant effect.

How foodstagramming posts influence restaurant visit intention: the mediating role of goal relevance and mimicking desire

PurposeThis study aims to explore the role of social media visual posts (known as foodstagramming) on restaurant visit intention. Drawing on the heuristic–systematic model and normative focus theory, this research introduces a framework that assesses the effects of key foodstagramming attributes – vicarious expression, aesthetic appeal and post popularity – and the mediating roles of goal relevance and mimicking desire, in the process.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling was performed to test the proposed model using a sample of tourists (n = 377) and residents (n = 341). Multi-group analysis was performed to compare the differences between these groups.FindingsResults reveal that mimicking desire and goal relevance influence restaurant visit intention; however, mimicking desire has a stronger influence than goal relevance. Little difference was found between the tourist and the resident groups in the proposed relationships, except that vicarious expression positively influences mimicking desire in the tourist group but not in the resident group.Practical implicationsThis study guides restauranteurs and social media influencers (foodstagrammers). It shows that consumers value the textual content and aesthetic appeal of photos over the popularity of a post. It also indicates that vicarious expression is more important for tourists than for residents.Originality/valueThis research advances social media marketing literature by proposing a new information processing framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to explore the impact of visual post attributes on individual decision-making behaviours through socially acceptable norms.

Customer engagement, moral identity and oppositional brand loyalty in virtual communities

PurposeOppositional brand loyalty poses a challenge to the management of virtual communities. This study aims to categorize these loyalty behaviors into positive (willingness to pay a price premium and brand evangelism) and negative (schadenfreude and anti-brand actions) dimensions. It then explores how customer engagement and moral identity influence these dimensions in the context of brand competition.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the main and moderating effects, using survey data obtained from 498 valid responses out of a total of 636 responses from Xiaomi's virtual communities.FindingsThe results indicate that customer engagement significantly influences all four dimensions of oppositional brand loyalty. The relationship between customer engagement and brand evangelism is notably stronger among customers with a strong moral identity. Conversely, the effects of customer engagement on schadenfreude and anti-brand actions are attenuated for these customers.Originality/valueAnchored in theories of brand tribalism, social identity and brand polarization, this study bifurcates oppositional brand loyalty into directions of preference and antagonism, empirically showcasing moral identity's moderating effect. It contributes to the literature on antagonistic loyalty and moral identity, offering strategic insights for companies to navigate schadenfreude and anti-brand actions in online communities.

Digital leadership in the digital era of education: enhancing knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence

PurposeEstablishing an effective educational system is directly tied to academic leadership, a multifaceted concept that differs from one environment to another. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of digital leadership (DL) aspects in the enhancement of technical knowledge sharing (KS) and dealing with emotional intelligence (EI) among the teaching faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachFollowing a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, convenient sampling is employed for data collection via a self-administered questionnaire from 320 faculty members of private HEIs in Pakistan.FindingsStructural equation model (SEM) is used for path analysis. The results reveal a positive and significant effect of DL, aspects like visionary leadership (VL), digital citizenship (DC), systematic improvement (SI), on knowledge sharing (KS), and emotional intelligence (EI).Practical implicationsThis study has highlighted the significance of DL in private HEIs. The findings of the study imply that institutional heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) can successfully manage the knowledge assets that they have and those of their staff members, ensure the successful adoption of technology and foster product and process innovation that improves organizational performance and integrates successful strategies into the educational system by demonstrating DL aspects. The research also analyzes institutional heads' present leadership strategies to enhance response to technological change and innovations, which are considered fundamental pillars of organizational success. Ultimately, this will extend the literature on adopting DL techniques towards digital transformation in the education system.Originality/valueThis study empirically confirms the role of DL aspects such as VL, DC, and SI towards KS and EI. Most of the research demonstrates the direct impact of DL on EI, whereas the aspects of DL are not directly related to KS and EI. Studies have also shown how DL enhances its role in incorporating leadership in organizations, industries, and education, mainly in Western countries. This research addresses the gap in understanding the direct effects of DL aspects on KS and EI in non-Western countries, particularly within the education sector.

Financial Risk Determinants in Islamic Rural Banks: Static and Dynamic Models

This study aims to determine the effect of financial performance on the financial risk of the Islamic Rural Bank (IRB) in Indonesia. The data period used from 2012 to 2019 on 65 IRBs using static and dynamic panels. The static panel test uses the common, fixed, and random effects, while the static panel uses the SYS-GMM test. The test results of 8 models on the static panel show that the best model is to use the random effect. The dynamic panel test shows the results of the AB test, Sargan test, PLS test, and FE test; it can be seen that the equation model has a consistent estimator. The data processing results show that the activities of the IRB, profitability, and economic growth have a negative relationship to the financial risk of the IRB. Then, the efficiency level of the IRB and inflation did not affect its financial risk. Finally, the policy implications of IRB management should adopt a cautious approach to financial risk management by recognising the inherent dangers in funding and financing policies.