Factor Analysis Model Research Articles

Identification of critical causes of construction accidents in China using a hybrid HFACS-CN model

Construction safety is of significance since construction accidents can result in loss of property and large numbers of casualties. This research aims to identify the critical causes of construction accidents by introducing a hybrid approach. The hybrid approach is developed to identify the critical causes of construction accidents by combining the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) model with complex network (CN) theory. A total of 863 construction accident cases were collected, and 46 causal factors were identified. Subsequently, the accident causal network was established, and six critical causal factors were extracted. The hybrid analysis approach is demonstrated with a real construction accident case, and the results demonstrate that the hybrid approach could better identify the critical causal factors. Consequently, this research enables the enhancement of understanding the HFACS framework and CN theory, as well as a contribution to safety management in the construction industry at different levels.

Effects of students' perception of teachers' ethnic-racial socialization on students' ethnic identity and mental health in rural China's schools.

Using students in the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefectures of southwestern China (n = 585; 13-15 years old), we examined (i) the effects of students' perception of their teachers' ethnic-racial socialization on their ethnic identity and mental health outcomes of depressive and stress symptoms; (ii) the effects of students' ethnic identity on their depressive and stress symptoms; (iii) the differential associations among these factors in Yi ethnic minority versus Han cultural majority students. We conducted a cross-sectional survey and used multistage sampling to collect the information. Chinese-validated standardized measures were used: the Patient Health Questionaires-9, Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale-8, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, Cultural Socialization Scale, and Teachers' Attitude on Adoption of Cultural Diversity Scale. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup structural equation modeling were employed. Comparing the findings in Yi and Han students, their perception of teachers' ethnic-racial socialization had dissimilar effects on their ethnic identity and mental health outcomes. Three key findings comparing the differences between Yi and Han students were as follows: (i) students' perception of their teachers' multicultural socialization practices positively affected the ethnic identity of both Yi and Han young people; however, their perception of their teachers' socializing them to their own cultures did not exert any effect; (ii) students' perception of teachers' multicultural socialization practices had different mental health effects on Yi versus Han students; and (iii) ethnic identity affected the mental health of Yi ethnic minority students only. The findings underscore the importance of teachers' multicultural socialization in the ethnic identity development of both Yi ethnic minority and Han majority students. Ethnic identity serves as a linking variable bridging perceived teachers' multicultural socialization practices and mental health in Yi ethnic minority students but not among the Han cultural majority youths. Research, practice, and policy implications relevant to the global context are also discussed.

Development and validation of the self-injury stigma scale

Non-suicidal self-injury is a prevalent and concerning behavior. Negative beliefs and stereotypes about NSSI are associated with negative outcomes, and negative, self-referential beliefs (e.g., self-stigmatizing beliefs) related to engagement in NSSI may be particularly harmful. Despite this, there is no validated measure specifically designed to assess for NSSI self-stigma. As this significantly hinders the ability to understand and quantify the effect of NSSI self-stigma, this study sought to validate the newly developed Self-Injury Stigma Scale (SISS). It was hypothesized the SISS would follow a four-factor structure that parallels a widely cited theoretical model of stigma. It was also hypothesized measures of shame and help-seeking self-stigma would be moderately, negatively, correlated with the SISS subscales, supporting the measure's validity. Participants from Study 1 were college students (n = 264, 65.8% female) with at least one lifetime NSSI act. A series of factor analytic models revealed a one-factor structure for the Application of Stigma subscale (i.e., third step of the four-step model). As this was the only SISS subscale to achieve an appropriate model fit, this scale alone was retained as the final SISS. The factor structure was tested via confirmatory factor analysis on a second sample (i.e., community participants with at least one past month of NSSI act; n = 240, 41.3% female). An acceptable fit on most, but not all, indices was reached. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported. The SISS retrospectively predicted past 3 month NSSI frequency and method versatility, and lifetime NSSI versatility, but not lifetime NSSI frequency or disclosure. Thus, the clinical utility of the SISS was partially supported. Findings offering evidence in favor of the SISS's appropriateness and utility as a measure of self-stigma of NSSI. Future work using this measure has the potential to clarify the risk associated with NSSI self-stigma and inform behavioral interventions.

Examining consumer experience in a gourmet food hall: Impacts on satisfaction and behavioural intentions

The restaurant attributes have been demonstrated to influence diners’ satisfaction and loyalty significantly and it is associated with the moderating variables of age, income and education. The study objectives are: (a) to explore the consumer experience in a gourmet food hall; (b) to examine quality factors influencing consumer satisfaction, which in turn leads to loyalty; and (c) to analyze the moderating effect of demographic traits on customer satisfaction and loyalty. This study analyses the relationship between these variables, specifically in a gourmet food hall. For the data analysis, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling analysis were used to obtain the significant factors and identify the satisfaction and loyalty predictors. The results determined that price, food attribute, service and atmosphere affect consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, age, income level, and education play a moderating role in satisfaction and loyalty. These results indicate that consumers in the gourmet food hall prioritize restaurant features, satisfaction, and loyalty, which are shaped by age, income, and education.

Evaluation Model of Human Resource Allocation Balance for Healthy Environment in Organizations Based on Big Data Driven and Internet of Things

Abstract To improve the ability of balanced evaluation, dynamic allocation, level of output, and profitability of human resources, a balanced evaluation model of human resources allocation is proposed based on big data driven and the Internet of Things. An evaluation architecture model of human resource allocation balance in view of big data driven and the Internet of Things is established; a multithread big data driven configuration model and the Internet of Things are used to construct a table model of enterprise human resource optimal allocation in the form of reports; statistical regression analysis method is used to detect the risks and process parameters in the process of enterprise human resource optimal allocation; and employment elasticity theory analysis is taken to establish a resource factor analysis model of human resource balanced allocation under the constraint of economic growth mode. According to the changing trend of the scale and structure of labor resources, statistical regression analysis is adopted to make big data driven analysis in the process of balanced evaluation of human resources allocation, and balanced game control is adopted to analyze the relevant factors affecting human resources allocation to realize balanced scheduling of population flow and human resources allocation and automatic post adjustment. The empirical analysis results show that the system has a good balance in human resource allocation, the output efficiency among the various elements of human resource allocation is improved, and there is a high level of efficiency in human resource output.

Assessing Brand Equity of Affiliated Universities in Vietnam National University, Hanoi

This research aimed to assess the brand equity of affiliated universities in Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). There were 486 undergraduates and post-graduates from member universities in VNU participating in the research. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Delphi analysis, and Structural Equal Modeling (SEM) were utilized to identify components of brand equity of the affiliated universities. The findings show that brand equity consists of seven components: brand recognition, lecturer quality, university reputation, brand association, facilities, loyalty, and perceived quality. Among these, facilities have the biggest impact on brand equity with β=0.819, followed by brand recognition and lecturer equity with β=0.783 and β=0.758. On the other hand, loyalty appears to be the factor with the least influence with β=0.740. In short, strategies of investment in the teaching staff need greater attention and effective enforcement; besides, it is also necessary to continuously supplement and upgrade technical facilities for teaching and research activities and improve brand recognition in line with the university identity.

Examining the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage on academic performance: a study among university students in Bangladesh

PurposeThis research aims to explore how social media influences the academic performance of university students in Bangladesh and examines the benefits and drawbacks of its usage.Design/methodology/approachWe distributed a well-structured questionnaire among students enrolled in various programs at different universities in Bangladesh to collect data. We analyzed the data using factor analysis and regression models to uncover the impact of social media on academic performance.FindingsOur research findings demonstrate that social media plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, information sharing and content development among university students in Bangladesh. Excessive reliance on social media can lead to dependence and hinder innovation, as students tend to excessively rely on readily available resources.Research limitations/implicationsWe relied on self-reported data from a limited sample size, which may affect the generalizability of our findings.Social implicationsThis study highlights the need to promote responsible use of social media among university students in Bangladesh to enhance their academic performance. We recommend implementing effective policy measures to control and manage undesired usage patterns, foster an intellectually equipped student body and contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and successful Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis research makes a significant contribution by examining the influence of social media on academic performance among university students in Bangladesh. It proposes practical policy measures to address the drawbacks associated with excessive reliance on social media, thereby contributing to decision-making and intervention strategies for promoting responsible usage.

Key Factors Shaping Green Logistics in Thailand’s Auto Industry: An Application of Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Environmental responsibility is a critical focus in business and production. International partners have urged Thai businesses to adhere to global standards in environmental and social accountability. Green logistics management focuses on minimizing costs and boosting competitive efficiency in the industrial sector, while also promoting environmental protection. This study investigates the factors influencing green logistics in the motor vehicle industry. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 1638 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to identify causal links impacting green logistics effectiveness. Results: Findings indicate that government and organizational environmental policies, a company’s financial ability to implement green initiatives, commitment to eco-friendly investment, and public environmental attitudes significantly and directly affect the efficiency of green logistics. Conclusions: This research provides valuable insights for car manufacturers into key factors in green logistics management. These insights can help in developing strategic plans to achieve environmental sustainability in the context of future market competition.

Testing a novel extended educational technology acceptance model using student attitudes towards virtual classrooms

AbstractMany technology acceptance models used in education were originally designed for general technologies and later adopted by education researchers. This study extends Davis' technology acceptance model to specifically evaluate educational technologies in higher education, focusing on virtual classrooms. Prior research informed the construction of the model, which contains perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioural intent, access and convenience, system attributes and self‐efficacy. Education‐specific constructs include cognitive engagement, feedback, instructor practice and class interaction and communication. Additionally, a new construct called comfort and well‐being is introduced. A total of 427 valid responses on a 5‐point Likert scale were received from university students. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to analyse the data. The model accounted for 78% of variance of behavioural intent, with comfort and well‐being demonstrating the strongest influence. Cognitive engagement, access and convenience influenced perceived usefulness, and system attributes and self‐efficacy influenced perceived ease of use. Feedback, instructor practice and class interaction and communication were not significant as educational constructs for this cohort. Based on this analysis, a final extended educational technology acceptance model (EETAM) is proposed for further use and testing.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Most technology acceptance models used in education were made for general technologies, or do not include factors specific to learning and pedagogy. Most students prefer face‐to‐face learning experiences and active class engagement. Qualitative research shows that instructional attributes and student comfort and well‐being are known to be important for students. What this paper adds A novel extended educational technology acceptance model, informed by prior empirical research, is presented. Confirmation of the importance of including student comfort and well‐being in technology acceptance models used in education. The model revealed the heterogeneous nature of the student learning experience. Implications for practice and research Technology acceptance models used in educational settings should include factors specific for education and learning, and student comfort and well‐being. We encourage use of the presented model in educational settings to further test the model.

THE CONSUMERS PERCEPTIONS OF EMPLOYER AND SERVICE BRAND EQUITY’S: THE EXPLORATORY AND CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS

While the traditional components of employer brand equity are applied in the context of an organization’s employees, this study sought to assess a hitherto unexplored context – the extent to which employer brand equity impacts on consumers of an organization’s service brand rather than the target audience. The two research objectives were: 1) to identify the specific dimensions of both employer and perceived service brand equities 2) to assess the relationship between them and consumer behavioral intentions. The study was based on quantitative data of 526 respondents, using both Exploratory (EFA), Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed the 3 (employer brand image, reputation, and awareness) and 4 (service brand image, perceived quality, service brand awareness, brand loyalty) factors of employer and service brand equities respectively. The study revealed the employer brand equity significant relationship with service brand equity, but the lack of direct effect on consumers’ behavioral intentions. The research is novel as it assesses the employer brand equity’s impact not only on the service brand’s overall perceived equity, but also on consumers’ behavioral intentions, by examining the impact on two different groups (existing and potential service brand consumers).

Semi-parametric tensor factor analysis by iteratively projected singular value decomposition

Abstract This paper introduces a general framework of Semi-parametric TEnsor Factor Analysis (STEFA) that focuses on the methodology and theory of low-rank tensor decomposition with auxiliary covariates. Semi-parametric TEnsor Factor Analysis models extend tensor factor models by incorporating auxiliary covariates in the loading matrices. We propose an algorithm of iteratively projected singular value decomposition (IP-SVD) for the semi-parametric estimation. It iteratively projects tensor data onto the linear space spanned by the basis functions of covariates and applies singular value decomposition on matricized tensors over each mode. We establish the convergence rates of the loading matrices and the core tensor factor. The theoretical results only require a sub-exponential noise distribution, which is weaker than the assumption of sub-Gaussian tail of noise in the literature. Compared with the Tucker decomposition, IP-SVD yields more accurate estimators with a faster convergence rate. Besides estimation, we propose several prediction methods with new covariates based on the STEFA model. On both synthetic and real tensor data, we demonstrate the efficacy of the STEFA model and the IP-SVD algorithm on both the estimation and prediction tasks.

Factors Affecting Employee Retention of Private Companies in Cambodia by Qualitative and Quantitative Approach

Employee turn-over is often associated with “employee retention”. Employee retention plays an important role to keep up with other companies amidst the rapid evolvement of global economic environment. The objectives of the study are to understand the importance of employee retention, assess the factors affecting retention of private employees in Cambodia such as compensation, promotion and opportunity and growth; work environment, training and development and work-life balance and job satisfaction thus provide suggestions to private companies on what to undertake to retain its employees. The researcher employed model synthesis to determine the factors affecting employee retention from previous researches. Then, the researcher applied Delphi method technique to identify the significant factors according the experts. Pilot testing was conducted with 43 sample size. After pilot testing, the researcher surveyed 420 respondents using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique equally distributed to financial services, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality industry; education, retails and others (professional services, hospital, construction etc.). However, there were only 410 samples qualified to the analysis. The research model and research hypothesis were successfully tested by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SPSS and Amos 26. Based on the study “job satisfaction” is driven by compensation and work-life balance. They are the significant and the most influencing factors that make private employees stay in a company. Work environment, promotion, opportunity and growth; and training and development are the least significant factors affecting employee retention. However, according to the experts during in-depth interview, the factors vary from one person to another individual needs.

The psychometric properties of students’ attitudes, coping strategies, and psychological symptoms

<span lang="EN-US">This study examined the psychometric elements of psychological symptoms, attitudes and coping strategies and the impact of COVID-19 on learning among the university students in Malaysia. The design employed in this study was survey method, that centered on convenience sampling method. A total of 489 students from eight undergraduate program of year 1 to year 4 participated in the study. They enrolled in various disciplines ranging from chemical and food science, medicine, engineering, psychology, communication to religious studies program. Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with all items being grouped within the study’s constructs, which subsequently, were tested using the establishment of measurement model of confirmatory factor analysis. The instrumentation for this study was adapted from Weiner’s Attribution Theory, Expectations and Values Theory. Comparatively, in measuring the students’ coping strategic approach, items were adopted from Greenaway. Additionally, the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-62) scale was adapted to measure the eight constructs namely anxiety, social anxiety, academic distress, eating anxiety distress, family distress, hostility, and smoking abuse. The Cronbach’s alpha values for all three constructs have indicated the accepted values. Findings revealed that the loading factors for the attitude, coping strategies and psychological constructs are at the accepted values and acceptable composite reliability values. Findings also indicate that the measurement model for the construct attitude, coping strategies and psychological have loading estimates that are statistically significant.</span>

Measuring Culture in Projects: Scale Development and Validation in a Sample of Turkish Professionals

The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in organizations to measure project culture and its effects. Since a project culture is formed within the scope of project goals and activities, the organizational culture also affects this culture. For this purpose, a scale has been developed to determine the level of project culture in organizations and to benefit both academia and practitioners. With Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the data obtained at the end of the pilot study, a structure consisting of 38 questions in 5 dimensions (1) Project Value and Awareness, (2) Organization and Systems, (3) Process and Method, (4) Stakeholder and Communication, and (5) Strategy Alignment) was created. As a result of the data received from a sample of 311 Turkish project management professionals, the analyzes were completed with SPSS22 package using factor analyses, confidence analysis and Cronbach Alpha analyses. Additionally, AMOS version 19 was used for confirmatory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. At the end of all these studies, a project culture scale consisting of 22 questions in 5 dimensions was created.

Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Parent Experience of Assessment Scale.

This paper describes the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Parent Experience of Assessment Scale. Overall, 185 participants took part in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling tested the scale structure and its relationship with clients’ satisfaction. Reliability and multivariate analysis of variance measured the factors’ consistency and the differences among different typologies of assessment. Results replicated the original five factors structure of the scale (Parent-Assessor Relationship and Collaboration; New Understanding of the Child; Child-Assessor Relationship; Systemic Awareness; Negative Feelings). Full scale and individual factors’ reliability ranged from high to excellent. Structural equation modeling showed that Parent-Assessor Relationship and Collaboration and New Understanding of the Child factors had the strongest direct effects on parents’ General Satisfaction, measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that the type of assessment, the children’s age and the way the scale was completed impacted on the outcomes of the QUEVA-G. Results suggest that the Italian version of the Parent Experience of Assessment Scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing parents’ experience of their child’s assessment.

Instruction influences cross-language transfer of reading skills: evidence from a longitudinal randomized controlled trial

AbstractLongitudinal data from the Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS I) in South Africa (N = 4538) were used to examine the role of instructional contexts in the relations of literacy skills between children’s home language (L1 Setswana) and a second language (L2 English). All children received literacy instruction in Setswana in Grades 1 to 3. However, children in the treatment condition were provided with explicit and systematic Setswana language instruction in phonological awareness and phonics (n = 1964), whereas those in comparison condition received business-as-usual instruction (n = 2574). Children’s literacy skills were assessed four times: Time 1 in the beginning of Grade 1, Time 2 at the end of Grade 1, Time 3 at the end of Grade 2, and Time 4 at the end of Grade 4. Literacy data in Setswana were collected in all four time points, whereas data in English were collected in Times 3 and 4. Results from confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling showed that L1 Setswana literacy skill strongly predicted concurrent L2 English reading skill across instructional contexts. However, the longitudinal relation from Grade 2 Setswana literacy skill to Grade 4 English reading skill was found only for those in the treatment condition, but not for those in the comparison condition, after accounting for concurrent relations between Setswana and English. These results suggest that instructional contexts in L1 have implications for the nature relations between L1 and L2 literacy skills.

도장 선택 시 태권도지도자 역할과 학부모 만족도 및 학부모 소비행동의 관계

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among Taekwondo coaches roles, on parents satisfaction and parents consumption behavior. In order to achieve this, a sample of 188 was drawn out of the parents who send their children to Taekwondo gym in Gyeonggi-do (Anyang, Bundang, Seongnam). The acquired data was analyzed through the descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling analyses from the SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 program. The results were as follows. First, it was found that Taekwondo coaches roles had a positive effect on parents satisfaction. Second,it was found that Taekwondo coaches roles had a positive effect on parents consumption behavior. Third, it was found that parents satisfaction had a positive effect on parents consumption behavior.

Dimensions and outcomes of experiential quality in the fitness industry: the case of Turkey

PurposeThe user experience during the use of activities and services is a fundamental aspect for sports managers and can provide a competitive advantage. The purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of experiential quality and the relationship of this construct with customer trust and customer satisfaction in achieving behavioral intention.Design/methodology/approachUsing a convenience sampling technique, a total of 322 gym users in Turkey participated. A two-step approach was used to test both the model and the research hypotheses [confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM)].FindingsThe interaction quality, physical environmental quality, outcome quality and enjoyment quality were positively related to experiential quality. Similarly, the experimental quality was positively related to customer satisfaction and customer trust. Finally, customer satisfaction was related to behavioral intentions.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence about the importance of experiential quality to gain a competitive advantage in the context of fitness centers.

Environmental regulations in eco-innovation and sustainable performance in Mexican Automotive Industry

In the literature, evidence has been provided that establishes that compliance with environmental regulations promotes the adoption and implementation of eco-innovation activities in manufacturing firms, since through this type of activities not only are the costs associated with the discharges of pollutants, but also increases the level of sustainable performance of companies. However, little is known about the relationship between environmental regulations, eco-innovation, and sustainable performance, since there are few studies published in the literature that have focused on their analysis, so this study aims to fill this existing gap, and generate new knowledge of the relationship between these three constructs through an extensive review of the literature. Likewise, a questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 460 manufacturing firms in Mexico, analyzing the data through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models based on covariance. The results obtained suggest that environmental regulations have positive effects on eco-innovation, and eco-innovation has positive effects on sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in the automotive industry. In this context, the results obtained allowed us to conclude that compliance with environmental regulations established by the public administration, by manufacturing firms in the automotive industry, improve both eco-innovation activities and sustainable performance of organizations.

Analysis of the Influence of Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and Political Participation on the Protection of Political Rights

This research investigates the intricate interplay between freedom of expression, access to information, political participation, and the protection of political rights in Indonesia through a quantitative analysis. A sample of 1500 respondents from diverse demographics was surveyed, and the data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal strong positive relationships between freedom of expression, access to information, political participation, and the protection of political rights. The measurement model demonstrated robust psychometric properties, and discriminant validity was confirmed. While the model fit was acceptable, ongoing refinement is suggested. The R-Square value indicates that approximately 60.2% of the variance in the protection of political rights can be explained by the selected variables. The study contributes to the understanding of democratic governance in Indonesia, emphasizing the pivotal role of information, expression, and civic engagement in safeguarding political rights.