Structural equation modeling (SEM) has traditionally been deployed in areas of marketing, consumer satisfaction and preferences, human behavior, and recently in strategic planning. These areas are considered their niches; however, there is a remarkable tendency in empirical research studies that indicate a more diversified use of the technique. This paper shows the application of structural equation modeling using partial least square (PLS-SEM), in areas of manufacturing, quality, continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility in Mexico’s medium and large manufacturing plants, while using a small sample (n = 40). The results obtained from the PLS-SEM model application mentioned, are highly positive, relevant, and statistically significant. Also shown in this paper, for purposes of validity, reliability, and statistical power confirmation of PLS-SEM, is a comparative analysis against multiple regression showing very similar results to those obtained by PLS-SEM. This fact validates the use of PLS-SEM in areas of untraditional scientific research, and suggests and invites the use of the technique in diversified fields of the scientific research