Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Determinants of Government Procurement Fraud Prevention with Organizational Commitment and Ethical Culture as Moderating Variables

This study aims to analyze the various factors that influence the prevention of procurement fraud, including the implementation of the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS), Government Internal Control System (SPIP), and the role of the Internal Compliance Unit (UKI), with organizational commitment and ethical culture as moderators. It employs a quantitative causal approach, with data collected through surveys and analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that the implementation of ABMS, SPIP, and UKI positively impacts the prevention of procurement fraud. Organizational commitment and ethical culture strengthen the influence of SPIP implementation, while ethical culture weakens the role of UKI in preventing fraud. ABMS, SPIP, and UKI are crucial in fraud prevention, but their effectiveness is enhanced by a strong commitment to ethics. While organizational commitment strengthens SPIP's preventive effects, a strong ethical culture may reduce the reliance on UKI in fraud prevention. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive anti-fraud measures such as the implementation of ABMS, SPIP, and the establishment of UKI in preventing procurement fraud

Online reviews and Gen Z consumers’ satisfaction in the apparel industry: An expectation disconfirmation theory

This research article aims to analyse how online reviews influence the satisfaction level of Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers within the apparel industry by using the expectation disconfirmation theory as the analytical framework. Five hypotheses have been developed regarding the relationships between online reviews and satisfaction through literature review and were examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). In the research article, data were gathered from 350 Gen Z consumers engaged in online shopping across three districts of Punjab. Questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in hard copy and Google Forms. The findings from this research article suggest a positive correlation between online reviews and the satisfaction level of Gen Z consumers in the apparel industry. The analysis reveals that online reviews play a significant role in influencing the online shopping of apparel.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction and Its Impact on Mobile Banking Customer Loyalty

Various studies have tested customer satisfaction factors in mobile banking services that have a direct influence on loyalty. The main objective of this study is to determine customer satisfaction factors in Mobile Banking Service Quality (MBSQ) services that have a direct and indirect influence on customer loyalty. This study uses a quantitative method approach, the research type design uses descriptive and verification, in testing the research model using the Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) approach. The results of the study show that expense, security, responsiveness, relative advantage, and convenience factors have a direct effect on customer satisfaction, the findings of this study confirm that costs have an indirect effect on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction becomes a process or helps transmit service quality to loyalty in the banking industry. The benefits of this research provide benefits both theoretically and in managerial practice, this research can enrich knowledge related to digital-based banking service marketing strategies, so that it has an impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty, and can increase sustainable competitiveness for the company.

AI-Powered E-Learning for Lifelong Learners: Impact on Performance and Knowledge Application

The widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as generative AI tools like ChatGPT, in education and workplaces requires a clear understanding of the factors that influence their adoption and effectiveness. This study explores how the ease of using AI tools, the ability to apply knowledge gained from them, and users’ confidence in learning with AI impact individuals’ performance and frequency of use. We also examine how these factors affect academic success and job performance among adults engaged in lifelong learning. Using data from 300 participants analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we found that, when AI tools are easy to use, individuals experience greater benefits and are more likely to use them regularly. Applying knowledge from AI tools enhances both personal performance and usage frequency. Additionally, having confidence in one’s ability to learn with AI leads to significant improvements in personal outcomes and an increased use of AI tools. These findings highlight the importance of designing user-friendly AI technologies, promoting the practical application of AI-generated knowledge, and building users’ confidence to maximize the benefits of AI. Educators, policymakers, and AI developers can use these insights to develop strategies that enhance academic and job performance through effective AI integration. Future research should consider other influencing factors and employ longitudinal studies to further validate these findings.

Self-determination and perceived learning in online learning communities

This study explores the interplay between Self-Determination (SDT), relatedness, and teaching presence and CoI’s presence (teaching, cognitive, and social) in the context of online educational settings within China. Specifically, the study employs the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to investigate the interaction between SDT (Self-Determination, relatedness, and competence) and the perceived learning outcomes (autonomy, competence, and perceived learning). The underlying structure of the study’s conceptual framework was analyzed through the measurement model and the discriminant validity assessment. The results show that cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence are significantly associated with autonomy, competence, relevance, and perceived learning. Moreover, cognitive presence and social presence can potentially augment cognitive processes, amplifying the mediating role of relatedness between cognitive presence and learning outcomes.

Unveiling and modelling the impact of safety drivers on the overall success of construction projects in developing countries

The construction industry faces significant risks, leading to high accident rates and injuries, underscoring the urgent need for effective safety implementation. In developing countries, safety implementation is often inadequate, leading to increased incidents and project failures. This study investigates how implementing safety drivers (SDs) can enhance overall project success (OPS) in construction through a five-step process. Initially, systematic searches and scientometric analyses are conducted to review existing literature and establish a foundational understanding. A questionnaire is then distributed to experts in the Egyptian construction sector. The third step involves exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to categorize relevant variables. Following this, partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) tests the proposed conceptual model and analyzes relationships among the variables. The final step employs Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) to rank SDs categories. Findings from PLS-SEM indicate that SDs have a medium to high impact on OPS, accounting for 58.8% of the total influence. The FSE results reveal that the planning and implementation group ranks as the most significant at 3.48 on evaluation matrix. This research contributes to the limited literature on safety in developing countries like Egypt by proposing a novel model that links SDs to OPS, offering practical insights for the construction industry.

Managerial strategies to reduce stress and brain drain in tourism through moral values

Purpose: This research explores effective managerial practices to reduce brain drain in tourism by promoting moral values such as compassion and empathy. It investigates how a supportive work environment can decrease employee stress, improve job satisfaction and retain skilled professionals.Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a structural equation modelling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS) longitudinal model over three periods in 2023–2024. Invitations were sent to 47 inland hotels, with only 6 participating. It aimed to provide tools for employees to cope with pandemic-related crises. Managers distributed the questionnaires, yielding 267 responses out of 290.Findings/results: The research highlights how managerial practices focussed on moral values such as compassion and empathy can reduce brain drain in tourism by alleviating employee stress. It shows that values-driven training programmes foster a supportive work environment, leading to greater job satisfaction and talent retention. Limitations call for further longitudinal studies.Practical implications: A key limitation was the lack of longitudinal studies on training’s impact on values within the same population. Additionally, focus groups were needed because of employees’ unavailability for scheduled meetings.Originality/value: It was observed that the training helps not only overcome stressful situations but also provided a sense of commitment and excellence towards the company, helping to connect workers and customers. Similarly, it contributed to reducing the level of stress by improving its customer-facing training, which helped to overcome unforeseen changes in the hotel.

To Sustainably Ride or Not to Ride: Examining the Green Consumption Intention of Ride-Hailing Services in the Sharing Economy by University Students

An increase in ride-hailing services in the sharing economy can help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which will lead to a decrease in air pollution and noise pollution, an improvement in environmental conditions, a decrease in travel costs, and an increase in social benefits to travelers. Hence, there is a great need to examine the consumer’s intention toward usage of ride-hailing services in the sharing economy. The current study aims to examine the green consumption intention of eco-friendly services as an outcome of environmental responsibility and environmental knowledge. It also attempts to examine the serial mediation of green concern, value co-creation, and mediated moderation of social support as an explanatory mechanism of green consumption intention of eco-friendly services. The research design was cross-section and deductive. The respondents of the study were registered university students in Islamabad who were active consumers of major ride-hailing services in Pakistan, i.e., Uber, Careem, Uplift, InDriver, B4U Cabes, and SUVL. A total of 402 responses were gathered using purposive sampling. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in Smart PLS is used to evaluate the reliability of measurement instruments and the validity of the research model. The current study results showed that environmental responsibility and knowledge positively and significantly affect motivation to engage in green consumption. Furthermore, environmental concern and value co-creation partially mediate the proposed relationship. In addition, social support also moderates the association between green concern and value co-creation such that it strengthens the connection. The current research findings are an addition to the existing literature and have managerial applications with limitations preceded by future research directions.

PENGARUH RELATIONSHIP QUALITY DAN INFORMATION SHARING TERHADAP SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE DI PT XYZ

This study aims to analyze the influence of relationship quality and information sharing on supplier performance at PT XYZ. The study examines eight hypotheses, including the impact of trust, commitment, satisfaction with the organization, satisfaction with pricing, satisfaction with communication, information sharing on supplier loyalty, supplier communication, and supplier quality. The research method used is a survey with questionnaires distributed to 180 respondents from PT XYZ's supplier companies. Data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results show that commitment has a positive impact on information sharing. Satisfaction with the organization and satisfaction with pricing were also found to have a positive impact on information sharing. Information sharing significantly enhances supplier loyalty, supplier communication, and supplier quality. However, the influence of trust and satisfaction with communication on information sharing was not proven significant. These findings reinforce the importance of building high-quality relationships and effective information sharing in improving supplier performance. The managerial implications of this study include strategies to maintain and enhance high performance, resource optimization, simple monitoring, and focusing on improving high-interest, low-performance areas. This study also identifies several limitations and provides suggestions for future research.

Constituents over Correlation: Indicators and Arctic Urban Decision-Making

Arctic city mayors influence municipal sustainability outcomes, navigating decisions on waste management, social service funding, and economic development. How do mayors make these decisions and to what extent do they integrate sustainability indicator data? Interviews with the mayors of Fairbanks, Alaska, Yellowknife, Canada, and Luleå, Sweden, revealed indicators are used on a case-by-case basis to track trends but lack systematic integration into decision-making. Constituent concerns drive agendas rather than indicator trends. Based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines, 128 indicators grouped into 19 sustainability themes were compiled from 2000 to 2019 for the study cities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the utility of ISO indicators as a guiding factor for sustainability trend tracking, identifying key themes for each city. Results show that indicator trends are too inconsistent and interconnected to be useful as an independent form of guidance for mayors. For Arctic municipalities, sustainability indicator datasets are useful in specific circumstances, but they do not provide the same kind of decision-making heuristic that mayors receive from direct constituent interaction. Findings emphasize the importance of more robust data collection and the development of management frameworks that support sustainability decision-making in Arctic cities.

Exploring the Role of Tourist Pro-Environmental Behavior in Autonomous Vehicle Adoption: A TPB and PLS-SEM Approach

As businesses and governments increasingly explore innovative strategies to promote pro-environmental behavior, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a key initiative for fostering sustainable communities. However, the specific norms—personal, descriptive, and subjective—that influence behavioral intentions regarding AV adoption remain underexplored. This research addresses this gap by integrating the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) with pro-environmental variables to examine both direct and indirect influences on behavioral intentions. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the proposed model was validated with data from 516 domestic Chinese tourists. The findings highlight that subjective norms and trust significantly shape positive intentions toward adopting autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, environmental knowledge and concerns exert a significant indirect impact on these intentions, underscoring the complex interplay of factors that drive pro-environmental behavior. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance the acceptance of AVs in China and offer a foundation for future research on the role of norms in technology adoption.

Navigating global HR challenges and safeguarding long-term sustainability

This research delves into the dynamic shifts in human resource management strategies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates the mediating influence of information technology (IT) challenges on the connection between pandemic-induced international human resource management (IHRM) practices and the competitiveness of multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia with focusing on sustainable development. Through the analysis of data collected from 172 respondents via self-administered questionnaires in Malaysian MNCs across various sectors including education, general services, ICT, property, construction, and healthcare, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the proposed hypotheses. The findings highlight the substantial impact of compensation and staffing practices on technology transfer challenges within MNCs. Furthermore, the study reveals that the implementation of remote work, particularly during and post-lockdowns, is associated with elevated compensation and enhances overall company competitiveness. These outcomes offer theoretical and practical insights, furnishing human resource managers, especially in multinational corporations, with valuable guidance for maintaining competitiveness amidst the disruptions of a pandemic and promoting sustainability in HR practices. By highlighting the potential benefits of working from home in terms of both IHRM outcomes and competitiveness, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of work and the role of technology-enabled practices in driving organizational success and sustainable development.

Investigating the influence of digital transformation, budgeting and budgetary control on the financial performance of SMEs

The study delves into the challenges and opportunities SMEs face in South-West Nigeria, focusing on the transformative impacts of digitalization, big data analytics, customer experience enhancement, and stringent budgeting controls on their financial performance. The research analyzes data from 825 SMEs through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analyze the data. The findings indicate that digital transformation significantly boosts customer experience, big data analytics, and budgetary controls. Enhanced customer experience and effective big data utilization reciprocally improve budgetary control processes, which are crucial for financial performance. The study reveals the mediating roles of customer experience and big data analytics in the relationship between digital transformation and budgeting control, highlighting the interconnectedness of these factors. Financial efficiency also emerges as a significant moderator in the nexus between budgetary control and financial performance, underscoring its influence on economic outcomes. This research proposed initiatives such as investments in customer relationship management systems, personalized services, and streamlined communication channels to create positive customer experiences that, in turn, positively influence budgeting outcomes.

What drives viewers’ engagement in travel live streaming: a mixed-methods study from perceived value perspective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing viewers’ engagement intention in travel live streaming (TLS) from a perceived value perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed-methods approach. In Study 1, 48 semistructured interviews were analyzed based on grounded theory and perceived value theory, and a research framework was established to investigate the impact of viewers’ engagement intentions in TLS. In Study 2, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically validate survey data from 255 TLS viewers. Findings Through an analysis of the interview content, it was found that the expertise and interaction of the live streamer in TLS as well as the immersion, aesthetics and novelty of the live streaming scene are key influencing factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers. This finding was confirmed through empirical research. Practical implications This research provides practical suggestions for live streamers, TLS platforms and local government to increase viewer engagement. Specifically, it provides methods and directions for the individual improvement of live streamers, further promotes the development and construction of the platform and underscores the importance of government initiatives in policy support and regulatory framework development. Originality/value This study focuses on the less-researched field of TLS. Using a mixed-methods approach combining interviews and PLS-SEM, this study explores the key factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers based on the characteristics of live streamers and live streaming scenes.

The impact of perceived knowledge on marketing agility in the context of big data: role of deployment level

PurposeAgainst the backdrop of dynamic capabilities theory, this research examines the relationship between knowledge and marketing agility in the context of big data marketing analytics (BDMA). The relevant knowledge constructs under investigation are business/marketing, relational, technological and technology management. The level of BDMA deployment is also examined to determine its impact on these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to gather data from marketing professionals working in firms with at least limited experience in big data (BD) deployment in the United States and Canada. The results were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 236 responses.FindingsThe results indicate that marketing professionals perceived the knowledge and marketing agility constructs differently than the previous research on IT professionals. The knowledge construct was perceived as a two-dimensional construct consisting of broad knowledge skills and specific technical knowledge skills. Only the broad knowledge skills construct was significantly related to the marketing agility construct, with progressively high predictive validity and relevance when the deployment of BDMA progresses.Originality/valueThe paper's originality stems from the different conceptualizations of the knowledge and marketing agility constructs due to the use of a novel sample of marketing professionals in this study. The research also contributes to the dynamic capabilities theory by emphasizing the critical role of vital knowledge when aiming to enhance marketing agility.

Investigating the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on new infrastructure projects performance: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to construct a “contractual–relational–governmental” 3D governance framework for new infrastructure projects (NIPs) within China’s distinct institutional context. The primary objective is to explore the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on the NIP performance, thus identifying the key governance mechanisms and proposing targeted performance improvement strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe research design follows a sequential mixed methodology of integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Firstly, project governance and performance indicators were collected from relevant literature and expert interviews. Secondly, a questionnaire was developed, and data were collected through on-site and online means. Finally, the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was utilized to examine and analyze the relationships between governance mechanisms and NIP performance.FindingsContractual, relational and governmental governance all have a certain role in promoting the NIP performance. Specifically, contract stringency, trust and governmental decision are the core elements of contractual, relational and governmental governance, respectively, while commitment does not significantly affect NIP performance. Generally, relational and governmental governance exert a more substantial influence compared to contractual governance, with governmental decision and trust being the most effective.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the field by introducing PLS-SEM as a measurement tool for exploring the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on governance performance in NIPs. The results offer valuable insights for project managers, enabling them to concentrate on core factors while refining and optimizing governance mechanisms and strategies.

Predicting student burnout in blended environments: a complementary PLS-SEM and machine learning approach

ABSTRACT Despite student burnout has attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners in education and psychology, little is known about the factors that contribute to it in blended contexts. This research aims to formulate and verify a predictive model elucidating how social support and self-regulated learning predict student burnout within blended learning contexts. Utilizing data collected from a sample of 303 students, a complementary method that combines partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with machine learning (ML) algorithms was implemented. The favorable impact of perceived social support and self-regulated learning in mitigating burnout was demonstrated by the PLS results. Additionally, it was discovered that self-regulated learning fully mediates the correlation between offline social support students received and learning burnout. Furthermore, the employed ML algorithms achieved a prediction accuracy rate exceeding 70% in the majority of cases. Employing a complementary analytical method is believed to offer a substantial contribution to the current body of research on learning burnout generally and blended learning in particular.

Unravelling the nice-to-have and must-have circular economy-oriented dynamic capabilities for sustainable product design and end-of-life management: Insights from PLS-SEM and NCA

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, a multi-method approach was used to examine the effects of circular economy-oriented dynamic capabilities on sustainable product design and end-of-life management. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) were employed on survey data from 285 manufacturing firms in Ghana. The findings show that whereas reconfiguring capabilities enhance sustainable end-of-life management, sensing and seizing capabilities were not direct predictors of sustainable end-of-life management. Nonetheless, sustainable product design was found to be a mechanism through which sensing and seizing capabilities promote sustainable end-of-life management. Also, apart from reconfiguring capabilities, sensing and seizing capabilities were positive predictors of sustainable product design. The NCA results suggest that all three circular economy-oriented dynamic capabilities (i.e., sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities) are must-have (necessary) conditions for sustainable product design and end-of-life management. We provide empirical evidence (via PLS-SEM and NCA) of the nice-to-have and must-have circular economy-oriented dynamic capabilities for sustainable product design and end-of-life management, besides highlighting sustainable product design as a mechanism through which these capabilities enhance sustainable product design.

Muslim Intention to Buy Sustainable Modest Fashion: A Value-Attitude-Behavior Approach

Purpose: To analyze the factors that influence the intention of Muslims to sustainable modest fashion. Design/methodology/approach: using quantitative methods. The analytical technique used is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with 220 respondents as a sample of Muslims in Bandung City, Indonesia. Findings: The results showed altruism, egoism, and Islamic religiosity affect attitudes. Then, altruism value, egoism value, and attitude affect purchase intention. However, Islamic religiosity does not affect purchase intention. Practical implications: Entrepreneurs can incorporate the values of altruism and egoism in their marketing communications. In addition to emphasising environmental and social protection aspects, businesses can pay attention to the aesthetics and quality of their products. Meanwhile, the government can provide support through policies and facilities that encourage the production and consumption of products that are in line with sustainable development goals (SDG’s). Originality/value: This study examines the influence of altruistic values, egoistic values, Islamic religiosity, and attitudes on purchasing intentions in one theoretical framework. This research specifically focuses on one type of fashion product, namely modest fashion, which has not been widely studied in previous research in the realm of sustainable consumption.

The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Organizational Justice on Innovative Work Behavior: the Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and Knowledge Sharing

Innovative work behavior is every Civil Servant (PNS) must have to encourage individuals to produce new thoughts, methods and work processes that can be used to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Research on innovative work behavior for civil servants still needs to be widely researched, especially in developing countries. For this reason, this research aims to identify the influence of transformational leadership, organizational justice, psychological capital, and knowledge sharing on innovative work behavior. Data collection was carried out in a single cross-sectional using purposive sampling. The research sample was obtained from Civil Servants who work at State Institutions of Government in Indonesia. The data was processed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Square SEM (PLS-SEM) with 385 respondents. The results of this study prove a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership, organizational justice, psychological capital, and knowledge sharing on innovative work behavior. In addition, empirical results show that psychological capital and knowledge sharing can partially mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational justice on innovative work behavior. State Institutions of Government are expected to receive input and suggestions regarding the implementation of leadership and organizational policies so that employees have a positive psychology and a desire to share knowledge and skills so that they can create new ideas as organizational innovations.