Structural Equation Methodology Research Articles

Comprehensive Wellness in University Life: An Analysis of Student Services and Their Impact on Quality of Life

Higher education regulatory bodies establish that universities should promote cultural, sports, mental health, and psycho-pedagogical programs. However, these initiatives are usually limited to satisfying minimum quality requirements, without delving into a true promotion of these areas. This study aimed to determine the relationship between university welfare services and students' quality of life. For this purpose, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Methodology (PLS-SEM) was used with a sample of 253 university students from a Peruvian public university, to whom a questionnaire validated by specialists was applied. The results revealed that dropout and graduation promotion influence emotional well-being, mental health affects emotional well-being, the promotion of university life affects personal, physical, and social well-being, and the lack of scholarships and economic support negatively influences emotional well-being. In conclusion, college wellness services are key to improving the quality of life of college students who are prone to suffering from academic stress and frustration. Received: 2 June 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Importance of Customer Service Channels, Services, and Products in Financial Culture

In this context where we live, equal access and participation of young people to financial services is a pending agenda. This research aims to determine financial inclusion's influence on higher education students' financial culture. This research is carried out under the parameters of the positivist paradigm with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. It was necessary to apply non-probabilistic convenience sampling to collect the data, obtaining 920 respondents. On the other hand, the exploratory and confirmatory analysis was carried out to find the factorial structure of the constructs. Furthermore, to test the proposed theoretical model, applying the methodology of structural equations was necessary. The results indicate an influence between the study variables, obtaining a ?= 0.855 and a p-value of 0.000. Besides, financial products influence financial culture with a ?= 0.331 and a p-value of 0.000), financial services in financial culture with a ?= 0.321 and a p-value of 0.000, and customer service channels in financial culture with a ?= 0.279 and a p-value of 0.000.
 
 Received: 11 November 2023 / Accepted: 28 January 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

Personal factors as determinants of the risk rating for SME investment

ABSTRACT What variables indicate whether a small or medium enterprise (SME) applying for financing from a development bank is a good loan candidate? Structural equation modeling applied to a set of variables can provide the necessary insights. This paper analyzes 407 SMEs that applied for development loans in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. Rather than specific economic/financial quantitative variables often used in credit scoring models, we employed qualitative variables to study creditworthiness. The structural equation methodology can verify whether a client is creditworthy based on company management, product characteristics, and contextual market aspects. Another key contribution is the finding that an entrepreneur's personal/professional traits are the primary determinant for granting this type of loan. The results have theoretical and practical implications that could enhance the limited empirical research in this field to date.

Financial Literacy of Workers in the Tourism Industry in Mexico in 2023: a Structural Equations Approach

This paper attempts to examine the level of financial knowledge of workers in the tourism industry in Mexico through the Structural Equations Methodology (SEM). The type of sampling is non-probabilistic by self-determination. A questionnaire is applied to 500 workers, in 2023, from Mexican companies in the tourism sector considering the following 7 issues: investment, savings, credit, insurance, pensions, expenses and budgets. The SEM allows bring to light the financial knowledge that the surveyed workers have about these issues. Based on a factor structure obtained from the confirmatory analysis, which presents good goodness of fit, structural adjustment, and parsimony, the main findings are: 1) in terms of credit, workers give importance to the requirements requested by financial institutions and consider that they are easy to interpret and comply with, 2) in terms of retirement fund accounts, workers feel confident in institutions that manage their retirement savings and are clear about commissions, 3) in terms of savings, workers perceive that bank accounts have been adapted to their needs since banks have become very flexible in terms of requirements for opening and initial amounts with clear and complete account information, 4) in terms of investment, workers hardly acquire bank promissory notes, and 5) regarding life insurance, workers express the ease that exists to contract insurance, although the cost is limited. The results obtained have practical implications for the tourism sector to continue promoting the habit of saving and the use of financial services and products to which the worker can have access, since this financial knowledge translates into more organized employees in their financial affairs.

Sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems: interdependencies of infrastructure and capital and the effects of local culture

PurposeSustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem research is an emerging trend within the entrepreneurship domain. Drawing from resource dependency theory, this study examines the interdependent nature of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem factors and the mediating role of local culture as it relates to entrepreneurial action. The authors collected data from 12 entrepreneurial ecosystems in Australia and developed a model of the interdependencies of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem factors.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through an e-survey of Small and Medium Entreprise (SME) owners in New South Wales, Australia. The authors applied partial least squares structural equation methodology to assess the structural models, validate the outer models and examine the inner model.FindingsThe findings reinforce empirical support for sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. The environment where sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems are evolved influences their functionality. Further, entrepreneurial culture mediates the relationship with other ecosystem factors. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Originality/valueThis study focuses on understanding the interdependent nature of sustainable ecosystem factors. The authors identified entrepreneurial culture as a mediator to business support services, educational institutional support and financial capital availability with business and social networks.

Pro-environmental behavior of learners using CADMIACA model

This research provides clear perspective with broad spectrum on the pro-environmental behavior (PEB) of learners. It sought to determine the level of awareness, attitudes, intention, motivation, environmental social interaction, environmental education and green behavior of learners, and the significant relationship and significant difference among the variables. The researcher utilized the descriptive-qualitative survey method; through the use of a questionnaire backed up with Key Informant Interview (KII) and triangulated by Focus Group Discussion (FGD). CADMIACA, the model of this research, are from the theories of Comprehensive Action Determination Model (CADM) Motivational, Interpersonal ones (MI) and the Action Competence Approach (ACA). For the empirically causal relationship among variables, structural equation methodology (SEM) was initiated. The study included 384 learners from junior and senior high school of NDDU-IBED Lagao, General Santos City, school year 2017-2018. Overall, there is no significant difference on the PEB of junior and senior high school learners; they had a moderate energy-saving behavior and high level of environmental education. On the other hand, there is a significant difference in the attitude and global warming of students. Another study is recommended, using other respondents from a subdivision or barangay to determine whether social status might affect the totality of PEB of an individual.

Generation Z and Intention to Travel: Effects of the Perception of COVID-19

Previous studies have investigated the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on different aspects of tourism behaviour. However, research on a specific generational group, Generation Z, is still limited. This exploratory study aims to examine, for members of this generation, the effect of the perceived risk of COVID-19 and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) on their intention to travel and, in turn, whether this intention influences their willingness to pay extra to benefit from additional safety measures. With this approach, a Structural Equations methodology has been applied based on 629 surveys received and using SmartPLS 3.0 to analyse them. The results showed that the higher the travel intention of Gen Z, the higher the individual's willingness to pay for additional security measures, the perceived risk of COVID-19 positively influences the NPI taken and in turn, these NPI influence a higher travel intention. However, the authors have not found a significant effect between the perceived risk and Gen Z's intention to travel. Finally, they discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the results, providing suggestions for the recovery of Gen Z tourism after the pandemic.

OTT Bilibili 이용자 1인 미디어 지속 구독 의도에 미치는 영향요인 연구

This study deals with the ETAM model to explore the factors and processes that affect Bilibili users" intention to continuously subscribe to personal media. After conducting a survey of Chinese Bilibili users, the research team conducted data analysis using the structural equation methodology. According to the results of the study, users" continuous subscription intention for one-person media is influenced by four factors: operator properties, platform interactivity, user perception, and user satisfaction, while word of mouth has no significant effect on users" continuous subscription intention. In addition, the impact model path of this study showed that platform interactivity and user satisfaction play an important connecting role in the process of influencing the user"s continuous subscription intention. In the era of one-person media, one-person media operators must pay attention to the platform"s interactive experience and user satisfaction in order to gain users" continuous subscription. This study is expected to provide practical implications for the development of one-person media.

Emergent Strategy in Higher Education: Postmodern Digital and the Future?

Mintzberg’s version of emergent strategy is based on the idea that strategies are contingent on circumstances that change from time to time often very rapidly and therefore papers focused on strategy and detailed planning are limited in their practical application. The word strategy as far as Mintzberg is concerned is anathema, therefore, introducing a concept that has a misconception embedded in it. This paper claims that education for sustainable development and higher education institutions’ survival depends on adopting postmodern thinking, in other words, digital transformation. This conceptual paper proposes a blueprint of a process for developing a series of agile potentially short-term conceptual solutions thereby embracing the expectation that the rate of change in societies is accelerating. This paper scrutinizes (a) the applicability of emergent strategy/strategic approach to higher education institutions, (b) how postmodernism influences higher education institutions to become digital hubs of commoditization of knowledge and (c) how the integrated capabilities of digital transformation build sustainability in education delivery. Structural Equation Methodology is proposed to examine the impact of postmodernism on the sustainable delivery of education in higher education institutions, and the need to foster relevant emergent strategies is also justified. The paper also develops new research propositions and managerial implications for driving optimistic digital education. Ultimately, it offers a framework for spear-leading effective and leading post-modernistic digital transformation. Emerging education technology, sustainable digital transformation and advanced use of robotic-human cognitive collaboration are experiencing a significant transformation. Universities play a vital role in enhancing engagement within higher education. One of the managerial implications of the results and discussion is the need for higher education institutions to provide taught leadership and planning in emergent strategy formulation and implementation. The findings confirm the significant importance of linking the Structural Equation Method and the postmodern strategic context in which we argue that higher education institutions require emerging rethinking.

Measuring the impact of remote working adaptation on employees' well-being during COVID-19: insights for innovation management environments

PurposeA new type of digital-based worker emerged during the COVID-19. As a result, during the adjustment to this scenario, family, resources and emotions were impacted. Technological and emotional skills were crucial to give continuity and certainty to business. However, despite benefits, remote working has negative consequences, especially in well-being perception. This study proposes a model to measure the impact on the well-being perception of workers that adapted their job to remote positions during a pandemic and offers a valuable framework to understand future emerging changes in remote working and the relationship with well-being perception, especially during crisis scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThe study used an online questionnaire and a structural equation methodology by partial least squares (PLS) using SmartPLS 3.3.3. Data were obtained from 567 respondents workers who adapted to their jobs during the pandemic in Mexico.FindingsThe results showed that six model dimensions: human relations (RH), emotions (E), well-being behaviors related to Covid-19 (CB), family economics (EF), routines and habits (RS) and family life (VF) were positive and significant to reflect the Index of Perception of Well-being (iWB) using a structural equation model. This indicates how the lockdown process changed people's perception of well-being and concerns. According with this, for remote working employees, two dimensions were relevant: RH and EF. This finding is relevant because during emergency lockdown, these workers needed to adapt their activities and were separated from all human interactions.Practical implicationsThe researchers’ model of Index of Perception of Well-being (iWB) has conceptual and practical implications. From a conceptual point of view, it offers a methodology to measure the relationships between remote working and employees' well-being perception. While for practice, it offers managerial implications to better manage remote working adaptation without compromising people's well-being to create future innovation management environments (IME) for organizations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to develop research about changes in workers' well-being perception during digital adaptation.

Effects of open climate on innovation radicality in SMEs: relevance of hidden innovation

PurposeOpen innovation is an issue that has aroused great interest in recent years. The need to create an environment that facilitates the creation of ideas is essential for the implementation of a series of changes in organizational practices and routines that lead to the launch of new products. However, due to the more behavioral nature and the lesser externalization of these changes introduced in the company's internal processes, how this process occurs has not been studied in depth. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of an open innovation climate on both incremental and radical product innovation. Moreover, it specifically analyzes the mediating role played by hidden innovation in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used in this study was based on a survey of 213 Spanish SMEs, subsequently applying the structural equation methodology to contrast the results.FindingsThe results indicate that open innovation climate offers significant competitive advantages to SMEs. First, the open innovation climate in SMEs favorably influences product innovation (both incremental and radical). Secondly, it is observed that hidden innovations are essential to obtain product innovations. Finally, evidence of the mediating effect of hidden innovation has been obtained.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the literature often focuses on visible innovation, materialized in product development, this study demonstrates the importance of other types of innovations that are necessary to launch new products. This is especially relevant for SMEs that, with limited resources, must be creative enough to involve their personnel in introducing changes that will lead to new products. This paper attempts to strengthen the previous literature on hidden innovation by contributing to the understanding of how SMEs improve their innovative processes. However, the study has the limitations derived from using a single informant to obtain data, using subjective-type scales and being a cross-sectional research.Practical implicationsManagers of SMEs involved in innovation processes should favor the creation of an open innovation climate and invest in organizational innovation. Governments should promote policies to support hidden and open innovation.Originality/valueThe main interest of this work is based on the importance of hidden innovation for the development of innovations. This study shows how organizations must make a series of organizational changes prior to the implementation of more visible innovations materialized in products. For this task, the creation of a favorable climate for the development of new ideas becomes a fundamental task. On the other hand, this study has focused on SMEs, which tend to have fewer means for the development of the right conditions for innovation and are often more neglected by scientific research.

The role of motivations in the construction of patronage intention of innovative green products

ObjetivoEl propósito de este artículo es analizar cómo las motivaciones autónomas y controladas influyen en la formación del patronage intention of innovative green products. Además, se analiza el papel que cumple el positive affect en estas relaciones causales y el rol moderador de las social norms.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueLos datos se recopilaron a través de un cuestionario auto administrado en línea. La investigación reporta los resultados de un estudio cuantitativo basado en una muestra de 338 personas de 24 años o más, con diferentes niveles de educación y con diferentes motivaciones en cuanto a actuar a favor del medio ambiente. Para asegurar la confiabilidad y validez de los constructos, se utilizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. Para probar el modelo de investigación propuesto se utilizó la metodología de ecuaciones estructurales.ResultadosLos resultados indican que las motivaciones autónomas contribuyen positivamente sobre la formación del patronage intention hacia innovative green products, mientras que las controladas influyen negativamente. También se observó que el positive affect cumple un rol relativo en la formación del patronage intention y que las social norms lo hacen como moderadoras de estas relaciones causales.Implicaciones prácticasEstos hallazgos sirven de base para que las empresas puedan identificar a aquellos segmentos de consumidores motivados autónomamente por el cuidado del medio ambiente y diseñar estrategias efectivas para lograr su patronage intention.Originalidad/valorConsiderando la relevancia que tiene tanto el consumo de productos verdes, así como que las empresas logren el patronage intention del consumidor, el presente estudio muestra un alto nivel de originalidad, en el sentido que analiza el papel que cumplen las motivaciones y el positive affect, en la formación del patronage intention de productos verdes, especialmente cuando estos se perciben como innovadores.

The entrepreneurial intention of university students: An environmental perspective

PurposeThis paper seeks evidence of which variables, directly or indirectly, have influence on the entrepreneurial intention of university students in order to adequately plan activities to reinforce such intention for Spanish universities. Specifically, we introduce the variable of environmental awareness to test whether it induces a greater entrepreneurial intention. Study design/methodology/approachThe target population of the study has been students at the University of Oviedo who were enrolled in an undergraduate degree or a master's degree during the 2018–2019 academic year. A questionnaire has been sent obtaining the following data: 1,337 valid questionnaires, 2.58% sampling error rate for 95% confidence level, p = = q = = 0,5. To contrast the proposed hypotheses we have used the methodology of structural equations (SEM model). FindingsStarting from the Ajzen´s Theory (TPB) we demonstrate that both the attitude towards the entrepreneurial behaviour (PA) and the perceived behavioural control (PBC) exert a significant influence on the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of university students. This is not the case of the third construct of the TPB, namely the social norms (SNs). We have verified that PA partially mediates the relationship between the PBC and the EI and PA totally mediates the relationship between the PBC and the EI. We have corroborated that a high degree of environmental awareness of university student's exerts influence in their PA. Finally, it has been corroborated that the SNs which are most proactive towards entrepreneurship mediate the relationship between the student's EnvA and the PA. Originality/valueThis paper proposes a variation of the model of planned behaviour (Ajzen's TPB) incorporating with the addition of mediating relationships amongst the variables and the introduction of the environmental awareness variable applied to the entrepreneurial intention of university student. The usefulness of this paper is to provide scientific evidence to support the inclusion of ecological transition in Estrategia España Nación Emprendedora.

Latent class analysis of IPOs in the Nordics.

We examine how the offer size of initial public offerings (IPOs) and the market return on their issue date are related to the pricing of 314 IPOs issued by firms in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden at the one-day, one-week and four-week horizons using latent class analysis, which is a structural equation methodology. We identify four latent classes at each time horizon, where classes (i)-(ii) include a greater number of IPOs: (i) large-sized and underpriced IPOs; (ii) small-sized and overpriced IPOs; (iii) small-sized and severely underpriced IPOs; and (iv) large-sized IPOs that are overpriced at the one-day horizon but underpriced at the four-week horizon. The market returns are normal in latent classes (i)-(iii) and weak in class (iv). Approximately half of the IPOs in the technology sector are in the latent class with small-sized and overpriced IPOs, and most of the IPOs in the class with small-sized and severely underpriced IPOs are in the healthcare sector. Finally, the underpricing of IPOs is not corrected after one or four weeks of trading. Instead, the mean return and the standard deviation of returns increase with the time horizon.

Socioeconomic acceptance of aquaculture measured through structural equations modeling. Are there discrepancies between men and women in Spain?

At present, aquaculture is still subject to social debate. This paper analyzes its social acceptance compared to traditional fishing, mainly by applying the structural equations methodology. This technique has been widely used in recent times in social sciences but is minor in this field. We propose a model in which we break down its acceptance in two dimensions: Product and company. We also try to see if there are differences in the perception of men and women. To this end, we have carried out 803 personal surveys in several Spanish coastal provinces. Among the results, we can highlight the good level of acceptance of its products, positively influencing their companies' perception. We can recommend the development of synergies between the different agents involved to improve their acceptance. By gender, general acceptance is higher in men than in women; however, we have not detected significant differences in both groups' perceptions when analyzed using structural equations.

A small independent retailer's performance: Influenced by innovative strategic decision-making skills?

The existence of small independent retailers is seriously jeopardised by severe competitive pressure, mainly caused by the sharp rise in online trading, rapidly changing consumer behaviours and the effectiveness of large commercial companies. It is claimed that small retailers should respond to this pressure by designing and implementing innovative business strategies. However, little is known about the specific entrepreneurial qualities and skills needed to design innovative business strategies to cope effectively with these challenging business environments. A structural equation methodology is used to analyse the impact of strategic decision-making skills, originating from the effectuation framework, on a small retailer's success.Three entrepreneurial qualities and skills proved to be significantly related to a small retailer's effectiveness: 1) innovative personal qualities related to creativity, 2) cognitive analytic business skills, and 3) capacities in inspirational networking. However, a specific path seems to exist. Creativity provides the input for the effective application of cognitive analytic business skills, the latter again directly positively influencing a small retailer's performance. This implies that to be effective, innovative personal qualities should be combined with cognitive business skills. Moreover, the final model revealed an indirect positive influence of inspirational networking on a small retailer's performance. Capacities in inspirational networking have a positive impact, in so far as the following two basic conditions are satisfied: 1) frequent social initiative, and 2) intellectual authenticity. Moreover, the effective application of business skills positively influences inspirational networking skills, an insight again underscoring the necessity to combine cognitive analytic skills and social networking abilities.

Effectiveness of social responsibility marketing in young millennials - Generation Y: analysis of three cases for brand positioning

The aim of this study was to investigate how social responsibility marketing campaigns can be effective in branding for young millennials. An empirical model was applied in three specific cases of cause marketing targeting Generation Y. A total sample of 547 young people was obtained, and the data were analysed through the structural equation methodology using PLS data technical analysis. The results showed that, for millennials, marketing actions with a cause are effective in positioning the brands that carry them out favourably as long as requirements such as the alignment of their objectives with the social ideals and their closeness to millennials are met. Likewise, all the communication elements of the message will influence its effectiveness. This study provides new evidence on the attitudes of young millennials towards brands’ social marketing actions.

The Level of Outsourced Tasks in IT and its Dependence on Selected Explanatory Factors

Purpose: The main aim of this article is to determine the impact of selected factors on the level of activities outsourced in the organization to IT outsourcing (ITO). This goal was achieved by building a structural model where the modeled value was the level of outsourced IT activities. Next, it was indicated the factors that have a stimulating and limiting effect on the modeled quantity, and to determine the level of influence. The model was tested on data from economic practice (large Polish organizations). Design/Methodology/Approach: A critical study by review literature and descriptive analysis method, with empirical and formal methods. For the collection of data, the research tool used is a questionnaire, statistical methods were applied to construct the research model and test the hypotheses with structural equations methodology. Findings: The seven variables had an impact on the level of ITO. The stimulating effect had benefits of this service, reasons for using ITO (onshoring and offshoring), factors of a successful relationship with the service provider and factors determining the choice of an ITO service provider. The limiting effect had the risk factors of ITO (onshoring). The risk factors of ITO (offshoring) had a stimulating effect. Practical Implications: The model shows factors that have a stimulating and limiting effect on the level of ITO. This allows the management of an organization that uses ITO or has the intention to do so, and organizations that provide outsourcing services in the IT area, to pay attention to particularly important factors and to ignore factors that are not important. Originality/Value: Construction of the structural model of the level of outsourced IT activities. Identification of factors that stimulate and restrict the level of outsourced IT activities, and determination of the level of impact of these factors on the modeled variable.

Facebook or LMS in Distance Education? Why University Students Prefer to Interact in Facebook Groups

This article describes an investigation into the level of satisfaction among students at Spain’s National Distance Education University (UNED) regarding use of Facebook groups as an environment for learning. Based on a structural equation methodology, the research analyzed the most relevant personal and socio-educational factors that affect satisfaction. The sample consisted of 418 undergraduate and master’s degree students at UNED’s Faculty of Education; participants were consulted in three semesters between September 2019 and January 2021. The results showed that students who participated in Facebook study groups achieved better results than those who did not, and that they interacted more frequently in these groups than in UNED’s official learning management system. The main latent variables that influenced satisfaction with Facebook study groups were the perception of efficacy they elicited as a complement to distance learning by enabling greater interaction with other students, and the feeling of course companionship they provided. The absence of teacher control also influenced student satisfaction, which allowed students to focus on learning and achieving better results in tests and exams. 

The Influence of Management on Teacher Well-Being and the Development of Sustainable Schools

Teaching is one of the professions with the highest levels of stress and disquiet at work, having a negative impact on teachers’ well-being and performance. Thus, well-being is one of the priorities in human resource management (HRM) in schools. In this regard, this paper studies the relationship between HRM, well-being and performance, observing the incidence of leadership and innovation in these relationships. The objective is to measure the extent to which it is necessary to encourage sustainable environments that promote the well-being of teachers and, by extension, students. The study used the methodology of structural equations and a sample of 315 secondary school teachers. The work validates the influence of leadership by example and information management on HRM and performance. In addition, we confirm the significant effect of human resource management on educational performance. The relationship is observed both directly and through the mediating effect on the improvement of well-being. On the other hand, the positive influence of innovation on performance, both in schools and in the classrooms, is reaffirmed. These results suggest the need to zero in on the human resources policies in schools linked to the improvement of teacher well-being and educational performance. They also highlight the role of school and classroom innovation as a key element in maintaining educational quality.