Partial Least Research Articles

Machine learning approaches for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of heavy metal ions in water samples

In this study, the simultaneous determination of Co, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb was carried out as a color complex with 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol in an aqueous solution under the assesting of machine learning. A partial least-squares multivariate linear regression and artificial neuron network for the analysis of mixtures of metals were developed. MATLAB is a powerful software machine learning program that was used to support matrix calculations and displays. The benefit of MATLAB in the construction of the machine learning model allows the development of a rapid and highly effective analysis of multiple components in the mixtures without separation and enrichment. For individual determinations, the working ranges were discovered as the important information for choosing the initial concentration of each heavy metal in a mixture, r. The results of analysis of Ni2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ by two methods Partial Least Squares - PLS and Artificial Neural Networks - ANN are sensitive and accurate for simultaneous determination of the concentration of these ions in the synthesis mixture with a high regression coefficient of 0.993, respectively, 0.997, 0.997 for Ni2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+. As for Cu2+ and Co2+, the accuracy is higher when using the ANN method.

Pioneering Sustainability: Insights from the Integrative Role of Knowledge Management Processes and Technological Innovation

This paper examines the quantitative relationship between knowledge management and technological innovation and their influence on sustainable development. Organizations have increasingly focused on knowledge management processes, recognizing their importance for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability. The purpose of our study was to shed light on the impact of knowledge management processes on a firm’s sustainability and innovation. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage, knowledge transfer, and knowledge application and their effects on product/service innovation, process innovation, radical innovation, and incremental innovation. Using data from 272 questionnaires completed by top managers from companies operating in Greece, we provide strong evidence of a positive relationship between knowledge acquisition, storage, and application on product innovation whereas knowledge acquisition, storage, and transfer have a statistically significant effect on process innovation. Furthermore, we found a strong positive relationship between knowledge transfer and radical innovation. Finally, all four knowledge management processes have a strong positive impact on incremental innovation. The strength of these statistically significant results is reinforced by the magnitude of the corresponding estimated coefficients. The robustness of our results was further confirmed through the estimation of a Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the application of the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique.

Online Service Acceptance Model of Population and Civil Registration Agency in Indonesia using Technology Acceptance Model

The application of online services at the Population and Civil Registry Service (Disdukcapil) in Indonesia is important in increasing the efficiency and quality of public services. However, the success of reveiving online services is still a major concern for the government and public service managers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the online service acceptance model at Disdukcapil in Indonesia using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The data collection method was carried out through a survey of potential users of online services and using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Model (PLS – SEM) to analyze the data. The results showed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes towards system, behavioural intention and the actual system usage which are the dimensions of the Technology Acceptance Model have a positive effect on acceptance of online services at Disdukcapil in Indonesia. The findings can be used as a guide for policy makers and public service managers to increase acceptance and adoption of online services in the government sector. In addition, this research is expected to provide a strong foundation in improving and improving public services effectively using technology.

Connections between soil microbes, land use and European climate: Insights for management practices

Soil microbial biomass and activity strongly depend on land use, vegetation cover, climate, and soil physicochemical properties. In most cases, this dependence was assessed by one-to-one correlations while by employing network analysis, information about network robustness and the balance between stochasticity and determinism controlling connectivity, was revealed. In this study, we further elaborated on the hypothesis of Smith et al. (2021) that cropland soils depended more on climate variables and therefore are more vulnerable to climate change. We used the same dataset with that of Smith et al. (2021) that contains seasonal microbial, climate and soil variables collected from 881 soil points representing the main land uses in Europe: forests, grassland, cropland. We examined complete (both direct and indirect relationships) and incomplete networks (only direct relationships) and recorded higher robustness in the former. Partial Least Square results showed that on average more than 45% of microbial attributes' variability was predicted by climate and habitat drivers denoting medium to strong effect of habitat filtering. Network architecture slightly affected by season or land use type; it followed the core/periphery structure with positive and negative interactions and no hub nodes. Microbial attributes (biomass, activity and their ratio) mostly belong to core block together with Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), while climate and soil variables to periphery block with the exception of cropland networks, denoting the higher dependence between microbial and climate variables in these latter. All complete networks appeared robust except for cropland and forest in summer, a finding that disagrees with our initial hypothesis about cropland. Networks' connectivity was controlled stronger by stochasticity in forest than in croplands. The lack of human interventions in forest soils increase habitat homogeneity enhancing the influence of stochastic agents such as microbial unlimited dispersal and/or stochastic extinction. The increased stochasticity implies the necessity for proactive management actions.

Enhancing Information Technology Adoption Potential in MSMEs: a Conceptual Model Based on TOE Framework

The adoption of Information Technology (IT) by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has become essential in the digital era. Nevertheless, challenges persist, such as enhancing IT adoption in the MSMEs sector and optimizing its benefits. This research aims to create a comprehensive model based on the Technology- Organization-Environment (TOE) framework by analyzing technological, organizational, and environmental factors influencing IT adoption among MSMEs in Pangandaran, Indonesia. Employing a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was distributed to MSMEs, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS- SEM) through SmartPLS. The study significantly contributes to understanding IT adoption, emphasizing organizational context as the primary predictor, followed by technological and environmental contexts. Positive relationships were found between four contextual constructs: complexity, top management support, organizational readiness, and competitive pressure towards IT adoption in MSMEs. Conversely, compatibility and government support exhibited negative impacts. These findings have practical implications for Indonesian MSMEs by enhancing understanding of factors influencing IT adoption to support business operations. Furthermore, these findings hold the potential to assist MSMEs and the Indonesian government in optimizing IT adoption success. The generated data can be employed by MSMEs management authorities to devise strategies for enhancing IT adoption among MSMEs.

Neobank adoption: integrating the information systems effectiveness framework with the innovation resistance model

PurposeThis study aims to integrate Delone and McLean’s information system success (DMISS) model with the innovation resistance model to evaluate the relationship between behavioural intention to use (BIU) and innovation resistance in the context of neo-banking. The primary objective of this study is to identify the drivers of neo-banking adoption and the barriers to its adoption and incorporate constructs such as e-trust (ETR) and personal innovativeness (PIV) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing neo-banking adoption.Design/methodology/approachA structured survey-based questionnaire was used to gather data from a diverse sample population in India. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) model was employed to further examine the adoption of neobanking services and users' intention to use neobanking services.FindingsThis study reveals a significant correlation between BIU and the uptake of neobanking services, demonstrating the value of consumers' readiness to embrace these offerings. However, resistance to usage has emerged as a major obstacle for consumers concerned about data security, technology reluctance and perceived risks associated with digital-only neobanks.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysing the driving and restraining factors will provide substantial information on the formation of consumers' decision-making processes in the Indian banking industry, which is undergoing rapid digital transformation. This information is of great importance to scholars, practitioners and policymakers, as it highlights the factors that may facilitate or impede the adoption of neobanking in India. The outcomes of this analysis will be of particular interest to researchers, experts and stakeholders in the field as they will provide valuable insights into the dynamics of consumer behaviour in the Indian banking sector.Originality/valueThis study represents an initial effort to examine BIUs and usage resistance within the rapidly developing neobanking sector in India. The findings of this study build on the existing research in this area and contribute to the ongoing discussion on the adoption of neo-banking.

The Role Product Innovation on Business Performance Thought Competitive advantage as Mediation Variable

Business is an activity full of competition; having a competitive advantage is essential in achieving success and business survival. This research aims to determine the mediating influence of competitive advantage in product innovation on business performance. The research method uses quantitative exploratory. The population in this study is a regional souvenir and culinary centre with official stalls on the South Ring Road (JLS) Tulungagung - Trenggalek, totaling 236 stalls. Sampling in this study used simple random sampling with 147 respondents. Data analysis used Partial Least Square (PLS) to test direct and indirect effects. The results reveal that product innovation has a direct impact on business performance. Competitive advantage has a direct effect on business performance. Product innovation has a direct impact on competitive advantage. And the last, product innovation has an indirect effect on business performance through competitive advantage. The limitations of this research are the time, costs, and energy expended by researchers due to the long distance between the respondents’ locations. This research suggests that traders in the southern route should innovate their products to sustain their businesses and have a competitive advantage as differentiators from similar businesses in that area

Fintech Acceptance Among MSMEs: A Post-Covid 19 Response

The primary objective of this research is to assess the determinants influencing the adoption of Fintech among MSMEs in Medan City, focusing on MSMEs following the post-pandemic period. This study used an online survey among 156 MSMEs in Medan City. This research uses the Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) approach to analyze the conceptual model, utilizing the SmartPLS version 3 analysis tool. The study's results found that perceived ease of use and subjective norms influence the perceived usefulness of Medan City MSME actors in using Fintech. Overall, the results of this study indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norms, and feeling of safety have a positive and significant effect on the usage of Fintech among MSME actors in Medan City. The results of this study also provide practical implications for using Fintech for MSMEs in Medan City in the new normal era (after the COVID-19 pandemic).

Exploring the Nexus of Dividend Policy, Third-Party Funds, Financial Performance, and Company Value: The Role of IT Innovation as a Moderator

This research investigates the connection between dividend policy, third-party funds, financial performance, and company value, with a focus on IT Innovation as a moderating factor. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach, utilizing Commercial Banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange categorized as BUKU 4 Banks during the period of 2016–2022. This study employed Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis with WarpPLS 6.0 software as the tool for data analysis. This research concludes that dividend policy does not significantly impact financial performance and company value, while third-party funds have a significant positive effect on both financial performance and company value. Although dividend policy does not directly affect company value, its impact may occur through the mediation of financial performance. Additionally, IT Innovation serves as a moderating factor that strengthens the positive relationship between third-party funds and financial performance towards company value. The novelty of this research lies in the development of a more comprehensive model or concept regarding dividend policy, third-party funds, financial performance as a mediating variable, and company value when considering IT Innovation as a moderating variable.

Marketing Events Mediating BEV Features and Operating Costs: Impact on Purchase Intentions

This research aims to find out the lack of influence of Batery Electric Vehicle (BEV) features and vehicle operating perspective costs on the interest in purchasing electric cars with marketing events as a mediation and review from an Islamic. This devotional population is a society over 21 years old that is domiciled in Jabodetabek. The sample in this study was made up of people who drove more than three times in one week, for a total of 100 respondents. The sampling technique uses a non-probability method with purposive sampling techniques through the distribution of questionnaires with Google forms. The analytical method used is the Partial Least squares Structural Equation Modeling method (PLS-SEM). The results of the study show that Feature influences Purchase Intention, Feature influences Marketing Event, Vehicle Operating Cost influences Purchase Intention, Marketing Event influences Purchase Intentions, Marketing Event mediates the influence of Feature on Purchase Intentions, Features, Vehicle Operating Costs, Marketing Events, and Purchase Intention BEV cars among the people in Jabodetabek. The implications of the results of this study present that purchase intention towards BEVs encourages producer management to optimally utilize all the variables analyzed in this study proportionally.

Evaluating the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem, resilience and SME performance in post-pandemic period

PurposeThe literature on entrepreneurship implicitly suggests that developed nations' entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) are positively related to small and medium enterprise performance. However, few theoretical and empirical studies explicitly investigate this relationship in emerging economies. Also, earlier studies have concentrated on the EE–SME performance association in a stable environment without any uncertainties. Hence, the current study analyses the relationship between EE and SME performance in an emerging economy. Entrepreneurial resilience (ER) has been introduced (mediator) to understand the EE–SME performance relationship in the post-pandemic period.Design/methodology/approachThe research sample comprises 359 Indian SMEs. The owners/managers of each SME were contacted to obtain responses. The research employs a multifaceted method Partial Least Squares-structural equation modelling that permits the investigation of several concurrent associations for data analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that EE significantly impacts ER and SME performance. Additionally, ER partially mediates the relationship between EE and SME performance. The findings indicate that post-pandemic India's EE positively influences SME performance directly, as well as indirectly through ER.Research limitations/implicationsThe results provide implications for policymakers from economies similar to India's. It suggests that policymakers can enhance ER and, consequently, SME performance during periods of uncertainty by focusing on developing an EE with strong institutional foundations, supportive frameworks and a culture of adaptability.Originality/valueSMEs and entrepreneurial activities in India are relatively new, but they are rising rapidly. This investigation adds to our knowledge of EE and allows us to comprehend its components in developing countries. This article contributes to the knowledge of India’s SME performance from an EE and ER perspective in the post-pandemic scenario.

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Digital Innovation in Time of Covid-19 Pandemic: The Role of Digital Capability and Digital Orientation

This study examines the relationship between knowledge management, digital capabilities, digital orientation, and digital innovation by focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection used survey data from SME managers during the period July to December 2021. Data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling with the Partial Least Square method by focusing on 247 managers. The findings in this study are that knowledge management has a positive effect on digital capability and digital orientation. Meanwhile, digital competence and digital orientation mediate the impact of knowledge management on digital innovation. These findings underline the importance of digitalization during periods of crisis for SMEs.

Effect of Eco-Friendly Perceptions on Behaviour of Guests in Eco-Rated Camps at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In the current era where environmental degradation is alarming, hospitality enterprises have picked up pace and put greater effort in finding practical solutions to the problem. In this regard, the main driver of environmental conservation is stakeholders’ support, especially that of clientele. However, effectiveness of ecological measures mainly depends on favourability of hotel guests’ perceptions towards the initiatives. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study sought to establish the effect of eco-friendly perceptions on behaviour of guests in eco-rated camps at the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The philosophical position of the study was pragmatism with an embedded mixed methods research design. The study population comprised of 44 eco-rated camp managers and 208, 620 visitors to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 managers and 399 hotel guests were selected using clustered, stratified, and proportionate random sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while, inferential statistics were derived from Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) based on the Partial Least Squares technique (PLS). Qualitative data was analysed using narrative analysis. The results showed that perceived behavioural consequences and perceived behavioural control had significant effect on eco-friendly behaviour of guests β=0.0317, p = 0.005 <0.05 and β=0.289, p = 0.001 <0.05, respectively. However, perceived subjective norms had no significant effect on eco-friendly behaviour of guests β=0.008, p = 0.36 >0.05. The study recommends environmental protection campaigns that strengthen favourable behavioural and control beliefs as well as a better understanding perceived subjective norms and precise socio-cultural contexts in order to augment the most compelling practices. Future research approaches could narrow the sampling frames and test the predictive role of normative beliefs in a specified socio-cultural setting

Does Copyright Imitation Impact Purchase Behaviour in the Entertainment Industry: A PLS-SEM Analysis of Gen Z’s Brand Recognition in Africa?

The entertainment industry has experienced remarkable growth, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, with revenue soaring to $31.23 billion in 2023 and anticipated growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.64% through 2027. However, the industry’s significant sustainability issue is the widespread practice of copyright imitation, with Africa’s accommodated 2.5 billion unauthorised image imitations daily representing 1.48% global imitation index, causing substantial damages, notably affecting Gen Z with estimated losses of €532.5 billion, with Egypt experiencing the highest incidence of cases in Africa. This research delves into how copyright infringement impacts brand recognition, as a construct of purchase behaviour, among Gen Z in the African entertainment industry. By relying on post-positivism paradigm and planned behaviour theory, the research used questionnaire and collected 352 responses (92% sample rate) from tech-savvy Gen Z respondents, derived using Borden sampling model. The PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling) model reveals that copyright infringement substantially affects brand recognition, explaining 64.7% of the variance in consumer behaviour. Specifically, imitated corporate names, product ideas, and promotional tactics impact brand recognition by 11.1%, 9%, and 6.2% respectively, which refutes the initial assumption. Research recommendations include implementing stricter management protocols within the industry, fostering deeper community engagement, and differentiating products by using unique, high-quality materials. The study acknowledges potential biases in data collection due to unequal online access among Gen Z music enthusiasts in Africa, by possibly not fully reflecting the broader diversity of Gen Z behaviour across the continent in the world, considering the varying cultural, economic, and social dynamics that influence purchasing behaviours.

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Business Performance Makeup Artists Mediated by Competitive Advantage (Study on The Makeup Artist Services Business in Indonesia)

The objective of this inquiry is to investigate how social media use affects the performance of service-based companies. The research involved surveying 112 makeup artist business owners in Indonesia, using quantitative techniques, and examining the collected information with SmartPLS (Partial Least Square). The results reveal that social media utilization has a noteworthy and positive impact on business performance, with competitive advantage serving as a mediator in this connection (partial mediation). Additionally, the study indicates that social media is an effective tool for enhancing marketing efforts, customer service, and accessibility to information, which can lead to improved performance. As a result, companies that can achieve and maintain a competitive advantage can automatically achieve good business performance.

Effects of operators’ strategic approach to local content and in-country spending requirements on financial performance of upstream petroleum sector firms, Ghana

Local content requirements and in-country spending mandates have emerged as crucial tools in the upstream petroleum sector, aiming to distribute socio-economic benefits derived from resource production to the general citizenry within the host economies. However, understanding how operators' strategic responses to these requirements affect firm financial performance remains limited due to data constraints. Consequently, drawing on resource dependence, social exchange, and linkage and spill-over effect theories, this paper develops a conceptual framework to elucidate the relationships among local content requirements, in-country spending, local linkage factors, operators' strategic approaches & business practices, and financial performance, including their implications. To address data limitations, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining content analysis of financial reports from 11 global upstream petroleum operators in Ghana and key informant interviews, with survey primary data collected via online questionnaires. This methodological triangulation enabled a comprehensive examination of how operators' strategic responses affect financial performance in the Ghanaian upstream petroleum sector. Analytical techniques used included factor analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) from SPSS and SmartPLS3, respectively. The study found that while local content requirements and in-country spending mandates do not significantly influence operator strategic approaches or financial performance, local linkage factors have a strong positive effect on strategic approaches, which in turn positively affect financial performance. Furthermore, local linkage factors partially mediate the relationship between local content requirements and strategic approaches, as well as financial performance. These findings underscored the importance of prioritizing investments in local linkage factors to stimulate industrialization and foster cross-sectorial outsourcing opportunities. The study contributes to resource dependence, social exchange, and linkage and spill-over effect theories by highlighting the role of strategic approaches and local linkages in promoting financial performance. It also offers insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, emphasizing the need to enhance competitiveness and capacity within the host economy. Additionally, the study confirms the predictive relevance of the model, indicating its robustness in explaining the dynamics of local content requirements and in-country spending mandates in the petroleum sector.

Learner attitudes, satisfaction and success in online learning environments: a mediation-moderation model for higher educational institutions

PurposeThis study examines learner satisfaction and success as mechanisms through which online learning quality translates into learners’ continuous intentions of use by extending DeLone and McLean’s information system success model. It also examines the moderating effect of perceived supervisory support and learners’ self-regulation on online learning quality in Higher Education Institutions.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were obtained from 540 students in both private and public higher institutions of learning in Ghana. The Partial Least Squares – Structural Equations Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to test the hypothesised relationships.FindingsThe results revealed that system quality emerged as the single most important variable in the DeLone and McLean model, that influences learner success and satisfaction. Further, learner satisfaction has a significant positive effect on learner attitudes, whilst self-regulation was found to moderate the relationship between online learning quality and learner success as well as learner satisfaction.Originality/valueThe study appears to be among the first to explore the inter-relationship among online learning environment quality and learner attitudes and moderating factors perceived supervisory support and self-regulation. The study highlights insightful practical implications for students, faculty and administrators of higher institutions.

Unravelling the metabolomic diversity of pigmented and non-pigmented traditional rice from Tamil Nadu, India

Rice metabolomics is widely used for biomarker research in the fields of pharmacology. As a consequence, characterization of the variations of the pigmented and non-pigmented traditional rice varieties of Tamil Nadu is crucial. These varieties possess fatty acids, sugars, terpenoids, plant sterols, phenols, carotenoids and other compounds that plays a major role in achieving sustainable development goal 2 (SDG 2). Gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to profile complete untargeted metabolomics of Kullkar (red colour) and Milagu Samba (white colour) for the first time and a total of 168 metabolites were identified. The metabolite profiles were subjected to data mining processes, including principal component analysis (PCA), Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discrimination Analysis (OPLS-DA) and Heat map analysis. OPLS-DA identified 144 differential metabolites between the 2 rice groups, variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥ 1 and fold change (FC) ≥ 2 or FC ≤ 0.5. Volcano plot (64 down regulated, 80 up regulated) was used to illustrate the differential metabolites. OPLS-DA predictive model showed good fit (R2X = 0.687) and predictability (Q2 = 0.977). The pathway enrichment analysis revealed the presence of three distinct pathways that were enriched. These findings serve as a foundation for further investigation into the function and nutritional significance of both pigmented and non-pigmented rice grains thereby can achieve the SDG 2.

PENGARUH PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT TERHADAP REVISIT INTENTION DENGAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SEBAGAI MEDIASI

Using customer satisfaction as a mediator, this research analyzes how the physical environment influences the desire to revisit. This research uses quantitative methodology. Participants in this research were visitors to a modern theme-based cafe in the Sidoarjo DPR plot area. In this research, the sample consisted of one hundred respondents. The technique used in the sampling procedure is called purposive sampling. The survey delivery method via Google Form was used to collect respondent data, and a Likert scale was used to measure the instrument for each statement. The Partial Least Square (PLS) approach was then applied to field data using the SmartPLS version 4 program. Research findings show that there is a good and significant influence between Physical Environment and Customer Satisfaction. Physical Environment has a big impact on Revisit Intention. Revisit Intention is positively and significantly influenced by Customer Satisfaction. Through Customer Satisfaction, Physical Environment has a positive and significant influence on Revisit Intention Key words: Physical Environment, Revisit Intention, Customer Satisfaction.

The community of inquiry as a tool for measuring student engagement in blended massive open online courses (MOOCs): a case study of university students in a developing country

While massive open online courses (MOOCs) promise to democratise access to education, the literature reveals a nuanced understanding of engagement in these settings, especially in resource-constrained environments. Blended MOOCs combine MOOCs and physical classroom settings of contents and instructions. This study extends this discourse by focusing on blended MOOCs, which remain under-explored in the context of developing countries. The blended MOOC at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana, deals with third-party MOOCs as open educational resources (OERs) integrated with campus-based courses. UCC students have been using such blended MOOCs since 2016, when all level 100 students were mandated to enrol in a course entitled Information Technology Skills (ITS101). ITS101 is aligned to courses in a MOOC platform called Alison as an OER. Students' engagement is key to their continued use and satisfaction with online learning, such as MOOCs. However, among all the e-learning modes, students' engagement is the lowest in MOOCs, leading to high dropout rates. Blended MOOCs are one of the techniques recommended to reverse the undesirability of MOOCs, including engagement. However, few studies have been conducted on students' engagement in blended MOOCs, especially among university students in sub-Saharan Africa using MOOCs as OERs. Thus, this paper aims to measure student engagement in blended MOOCs using the revised Community of Inquiry for university students in a developing country. The rationale is to determine whether factors affect engagement positively or negatively. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to determine the participants for this study. A list of blended MOOC classes offered at UCC was obtained from the staff's mailing list. In the first stage, academic levels (100, 200, 300 and 800) were randomly selected from the strata using a lottery sampling technique. In the second stage, another simple random selection of blended MOOC courses or classes was used within each selected academic level. All students in the selected classes were then included in the study. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used to validate the model on the predictive relationships existing among the four presences (cognitive, learning, social and teaching) and engagement. Results from the structural model analysis proved a statistically significant predictive relationship among the constructs within the model. Learning presence had the most significant effect on student engagement. Thus, it should be included as one of the presences in the community of inquiry.