Squares-structural Equation Modelling Approach Research Articles

When do tourists prefer to continue using online travel agencies? An empirical study from Vietnam

Online travel agencies have profoundly influenced the travel industry by offering numerous essential advantages to both consumers and service providers. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence the intention to continue using online travel agencies in Vietnam, while also assessing the moderating effect of e-loyalty on the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention. An integrated research framework was constructed using the Technology Acceptance Model as its foundational basis. The study utilized the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach to analyze the data. The survey data were obtained through an online survey administered to a valid sample of 301 Facebook users with prior experience using online travel agencies. Compared to conventional approaches such as telephone or mail surveys, utilizing Facebook for data collection offers a more cost-efficient alternative. This platform also enables researchers to reach a broad and diverse population of potential respondents, representing a wide range of demographics, geographic locations, and backgrounds. The results reveal that perceived compatibility, perceived ease of use, innovativeness, electronic word-of-mouth, and subjective norms all positively influenced perceived usefulness. Additionally, perceived usefulness is found to have a significant impact on the intention to continue using online travel agencies, while e-loyalty positively moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention to use online travel agencies. These findings extend the Technology Acceptance Model within the context of online travel agencies and provide practical insights for enhancing strategies among online travel agencies in Vietnam. AcknowledgmentThe author would like to thank the International University, Vietnam National University (VNU), HCMC, for providing research assistance.

Unveiling the link between test anxiety, online engagement, and academic achievement: insights from LMS interaction data

ABSTRACT There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of test anxiety in learning contexts. However, currently little is known about test anxiety experienced in online assessment and its role in online learning efforts and outcomes based on insights from Learning Management Systems (LMS) interaction data. This study investigated the mediating role of test anxiety in the relationship between behavioral engagement and academic achievement. To test the research model, the study data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling approach. The analyses drew on data from 2994 online distance learners. Behavioral engagement of students was derived from learning analytics indicators based on LMS interaction data. Our results showed that test anxiety reduces the positive effect of online behavioral engagement on academic achievement. This study provides valuable insights for educators, students, and test designers in understanding the dynamics between online test anxiety, behavioral engagement and academic achievement and developing effective strategies for online learning. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between these factors for educators, students, and test designers to develop effective online learning strategies.

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Performance in the Food Industry in Saudi Arabia: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Performance in the Food Industry in Saudi Arabia: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Predictors of Students’ Proper Waste Disposal Behavior in School Environment: a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach

It is evident from various reports and statistics that there is a significant gap between the desired environmental state and the current situation, primarily due to improper waste disposal. This study used a predictive-correlational design and structural equation modeling to examine the predictors of proper waste disposal behavior. The research instrument was validated and used to survey 293 high school students across three public schools in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Using WarpPLS 8.0, the results revealed that (1) accessibility of trash bins, perceived consequences, environmental concern, and perceived behavioral control predict proper waste disposal behavior, and (2) environmental concern and perceived behavioral control sequentially mediate the effect of perceived behavioral control on proper disposal behavior. This study proposes a structural model with meaningful predictive accuracy that can help educational institutions design effective waste management programs empowering education to promote eco-friendly behavior. Future studies may be conducted to test the revised model presented in this study.

Predictors of higher education students’ behavioural intention and usage of ChatGPT: the moderating roles of age, gender and experience

ABSTRACT The adoption and usage of ChatGPT among students are influenced by various factors, including individual characteristics such as age, gender, and experience with technology use. However, studies on the moderating roles of gender, age, and experience in predicting students’ behavioural intention and usage of ChatGPT are limited. This study employed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model to examine the predictors of Higher Education (HE) students’ behavioural intention and usage of ChatGPT. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with an adapted instrument to collect data from 486 students. Using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling approach, the results showed that hedonic motivation, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence were significant predictors of students’ behavioural intention, whereas behavioural intention and facilitating conditions had significant influence on students’ actual use of ChatGPT. Age and gender were found to moderate the relationship between facilitating conditions and the use of ChatGPT. Lastly, experience moderated the relationship between habit and the use of ChatGPT, and the relationship between hedonic motivation and behavioural intention. These findings have implications for the design and implementation of ChatGPT in higher education towards enhancing students’ engagement and learning outcomes.

Visiting and revisiting destinations: impact of augmented reality, content quality, perceived ease of use, perceived value and usefulness on E-WOM

Purpose The primary aim of this study is to identify and analyze the key factors that impact the intentions of Jordanian tourists to visit and revisit destinations using the Jannah Jo app.Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaires via Google Forms was employed comprising a sample of 401 Jordanian tourists who have the Jannah Jo app. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach was applied for hypotheses testing.Findings The present investigation has revealed that the constructs of perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived value (PV) exerted a significant and positive impact on electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Additionally, e-WOM was observed to wield a positive and significant influence on the attitudes of consumers' decision-making, thereby ultimately affecting the intentions of Jordanian tourists with regard to their decisions to visit and revisit destinations. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the results indicated that neither augmented reality nor content quality exhibited any statistically significant positive relationship with e-WOM.Practical implications Tourism agencies striving to encourage the adoption of smart applications must grasp the relevance of e-WOM within the contemporary digital milieu. Additionally, they should acknowledge the significance of tourists' intentions concerning both revisiting and initial visits. This research contends that such agencies ought to take into account the substantial influence exerted by PEU, PU and PV in shaping the favorable e-WOM discourse.Originality/value By integrating the technology acceptance model in conjunction with other relevant variables, this research strives to develop a comprehensive model that advances the comprehension of the intricate determinants affecting tourists' engagements with mobile applications. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this study represents the initial investigation conducted in the Middle East, specifically in Jordan, on this subject matter.

Role of green innovation and sustainable supply chain management in firm internationalization

PurposePurpose of this study is to explore the nature of relationship between internationalization of firms, sustainability of their supply chains, and the extent of their green innovations. Understanding of the relationship between these constructs is important because of the ever increasing sustainability awareness of consumers in the leading economies of the world. This awareness is now compelling importers of goods from cheap-labor countries to ensure that their suppliers comply with sustainability regulations. This compliance becomes very challenging because of the lack of control on second-tier and third-tier suppliers in a supply chain. First-tier suppliers in this case may drive this effort but need to be motivated enough to do so. In case of environmental sustainability, green innovation (GI) may provide a gradual, and thus more affordable and practical, move toward more eco-friendly ways. As far as the motivation to commit to sustainability and GI is concerned, internationalization and export business expansion may act as one of the most effective motivators for these suppliers. However, the nature of relationship between these three constructs, i.e. internationalization of firms, sustainability of their supply chains and the extent of their GI requires a better understanding.Design/methodology/approachThe work uses a novel data set collected from 146 medium and large textile firms operating in Pakistan. The partial least square-structural equation modeling approach is used for data analysis.FindingsAll three constructs of internationalization, GI and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) are significantly associated and thus complement each other.Originality/valueThis work uses a novel agency theory perspective to analyze the relationship between internationalization, GI and SSCM. In that sense, the findings indicate that internationalization could be one of the incentives that can be used by the principals to deal with agents’ goal conflict and information asymmetry.

Factors influencing the consumer intention to recommend the adoption of the near field communications: a partial least square-structural equation modelling approach

Factors influencing the consumer intention to recommend the adoption of the near field communications: a partial least square-structural equation modelling approach

From congruity to loyalty: how congruity factors drive sharing economy

PurposeThe study examines the influence of various congruity factors (economic, safety and Health, hedonic, and functional) on tourists' satisfaction with sharing economy-based services.Design/methodology/approachA single cross-sectional design is used in the study, with 513 travellers surveyed directly at three different tourist destinations in India. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling approach is used to analyse the data.FindingsThe research shows that congruity factors significantly influence tourists' satisfaction with sharing economy-based services. Moreover, satisfaction is strongly associated with recommendation intention for these services and customer loyalty. Additionally, the intention to recommend directly leads to increased customer loyalty.Practical implicationsThe results offer pertinent insights for stakeholders in the sharing economy, including tourism marketers, policymakers and corporations. Aligning services with the identified congruity factors can enhance user satisfaction, boost recommendation rates and foster long-standing customer loyalty.Originality/valueThis study stands out for its thorough investigation into how congruity factors influence tourist satisfaction within the context of the sharing economy. Additionally, by focusing on specific demographic differentiators, such as age (gen Z or old gen) and gender (male or female), the study provides a nuanced understanding that enriches the existing body of knowledge.

Application of Technology Acceptance Model in Examining Students’ Behavioural Intention to Use Virtual Meeting Technology: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The use of virtual meeting technologies is becoming widespread in the educational field especially due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) that suddenly traumatized educational institutions activities in many countries across the world. However, despite the numerous advantages of virtual meeting technology, many higher institutions in Nigeria have not embraced the technology even during COVID-19 pandemic due to poor internet connectivity, poor facilities, negative attitudes (non-acceptance) of both teachers and students etc. In this study, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on Davis technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to test the proposed model. The reliability and validity tests of the data collection instrument re-established the suitability of the TAM model in measuring the students’ acceptance of virtual meeting technologies. The research indicated that perceived usefulness as established by TAM was also found to have a significant impact on students’ attitude and behavioral intention to use virtual meeting technology. Similarly, the result has shown that perceived ease of use (PEOU) had a strong effect on perceived usefulness (PU).

Antecedents of Industry 4.0 capabilities and technological innovation: a dynamic capabilities perspective

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically examine the impact of dynamic capabilities on Industry 4.0 capabilities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. It also aims to examine the potential impact of industry 4.0 capabilities on technological innovation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 210 respondents who work and own SMEs in Jordan. SmartPLS software based on the partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach was used to test hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal the positive effects of the three components of dynamic capabilities, including sensing, seizing and reconfiguring, on Industry 4.0 capabilities. They also confirm the positive effect of Industry 4.0 capabilities on technological innovation.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable practical implications and enriches the literature on the determinants of Industry 4.0 capabilities and its role in developing the dynamic capabilities of SMEs, such as technological innovation.

Exploring the influence of government social media on cybersecurity compliance: employee attitudes, motivation and behaviors

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of employees’ engagement in government social media (GSM) on their cybersecurity compliance attitude, protection motivation and protective behavior, thereby contributing to effective cybersecurity practices at organizations.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative cross-sectional field survey was conducted to collect primary data in big cities and large provinces in Vietnam. The final data set of 323 responses was analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach to interpret the results and test research hypotheses.FindingsEngagement in GSM positively influences employees’ cybersecurity compliance attitude (ATT). Perceived threat vulnerability and response efficacy also contribute to a positive compliance attitude, although self-efficacy has a negative impact. Moreover, the cybersecurity compliance ATT significantly explains the information protection motivation, which in turn influences employee protective behaviors. However, the relationship between compliance attitude and protective behaviors is weak, unlike previous studies that found a strong correlation.Originality/valueAlthough recent studies have explored specific information security practices in corporate and home contexts, the influence of GSM on individuals’ cybersecurity behaviors has received limited attention because of its novelty. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the impact of GSM on cybersecurity behaviors. This study provides significant contributions to understanding social media’s effects of social media on individuals’ cultivation processes, by expanding upon the protective motivation theory and cultivation theory. The results lead to practical suggestions for organizational managers and policymakers so that they can enhance their understanding of the importance of cybersecurity, encourage the implementation of self-defense strategies and highlight the significance of threat and coping evaluations in influencing attitudes and motivations.

A PLS-SEM Approach to Investigate the Effect of Satisfaction on Willingness to Recommend M-wallet Services

Mobile wallets (m-wallets), a particular form of mobile payment system, are gaining considerable attention in different emerging markets. This study uses the stimulus-organism-response model to understand how user recommendation depends on intention to use and satisfaction in the m-wallet payment system at the post-adoption stage in emerging markets. This research also investigates the mediating role of satisfaction between intention to use and recommendation. Online convenience and snowball sampling yielded 474 valid responses. This research applied the partial least squares-structural equation modelling approach to determine the relationship among the latent variables, model parameters estimation and mediation analysis. The results show that significant stimuli, namely brand awareness, perceived quality, compatibility and functional congruity, influence the intention to use m-wallets and users’ satisfaction. The analysis explains that improving the intention to use is insufficient to control the willingness to recommend because users’ satisfaction partially mediates between intention to use and willingness to recommend. Our study contributes to m-wallet users’ propensity to refer to the emerging market’s context. This study explains how customer satisfaction affects m-wallet users’ willingness and intention to make a recommendation at the post-adoption stage.

Negative Life Events on Depression of Vocational Undergraduates in the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach Perspective: A Mediated Moderation Model.

Following China's strategy of developing applied and compound social talents, vocational undergraduates are surging rapidly, and it is essential to understand the causes of their depression to effectively prevent and intervene in schools. We aimed to investigate the relationship between negative life events (NLEs) and depression among vocational undergraduates in China, along with the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of socioeconomic status (SES). A convenience sample survey was conducted at a vocational education university (N = 1487), and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings showed that NLEs directly predicted depression (β = 0.399, 95% CI [0.339, 0.452], p < 0.001) among vocational undergraduates. Furthermore, this relationship was partially mediated by loneliness (β = 0.182, 95% CI [0.145, 221], p < 0.001); SES moderated the link between NLEs and depression (β = 0.051, 95% CI [0.004, 092], p < 0.05), but not between NLEs and loneliness (p > 0.05). The current study highlights the impact of NLEs on depression among vocational undergraduates, indicating the importance of addressing NLEs and consequent feelings of loneliness to promote mental health. In addition, the moderating role of SES underscores the necessity of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of NLEs on depression. The present study contributes to our understanding of the unique characteristics of depression in vocational undergraduates and has practical implications for psychological support services. Moreover, it probably has broader implications for addressing mental health challenges in global education settings for vocational undergraduates.

Do Behavioural Biases Drive Adoption of Digital Banking Services? The Moderating Role of User Type

Digital banking services have gained increasing acceptance among individuals, but some people still resist using these services. Hence, it is empirical to understand the behaviour of individuals to examine the reasons behind acceptance or rejection of technology. The present study intends to analyse the role of behavioural biases in adopting digital banking services. The study included three behavioural biases: herd behaviour, risk aversion and overconfidence bias. Further, the study examined user type—early and late adopters as a moderating variable for a better understanding of the consumer’s perception. The data for the research has been collected from 411 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The proposed model has been analysed with the help of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling approach through SmartPLS software. The findings suggest that behavioural biases, namely overconfidence bias, herd behaviour and risk aversion bias, impacted adopting digital banking services. User type—early adopters and late adopters have also proven significant in the study as the moderating variable. The study will benefit the policymakers, bankers and researchers to contemplate behavioural biases and their influence on digital banking services keeping in mind the role of user types.

Understanding young Chinese consumers' preferences for foreign clothing brands: a behavioural approach

PurposeThis research explores the purchasing behavioural drivers of young Chinese consumers purchasing foreign clothing brands. The aim is to include a range of drivers identified by different investigations into a single approach, to determine direct and indirect channels by which these drivers influence purchasing behaviour, and their relative importance in quantitative terms.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour that considers hypotheses based on a number of studies revised in the literature review. This theoretical framework was used as the basis for a questionnaire applied to a sample of 362 young Chinese consumers. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling approach was used to analyse the collected data.FindingsThe results revealed three main channels influencing purchasing behaviour which were shown to share the same root, corresponding to the influences of the social network young consumers belong to. This result suggests that social norms have a key role in explaining young consumers' purchasing behaviour through its impact on their needs for status and social recognition, their attitudes towards foreign cultures and foreign brands, and their beliefs regarding the attributes of foreign clothing.Practical implicationsThe work therefore provides companies operating in the foreign clothing market the confidence to devise business strategies that focus on the channel demonstrating the highest influencing power. A strategy likely to have the highest influencing power is one that uses celebrities to promote the reputation of products and reinforce the messages associated with status and social recognition. Reinforcement of these strategies could include secondary strategies linked to the other channels such as the one related to the adoption of foreign cultural symbolism.Originality/valueIn contrast to the majority of related studies, this investigation also explores indirect channels or paths by which a behavioural driver affects the behaviour of young Chinese consumers. In fact, this investigation not only simultaneously identified the different paths influencing young Chinese consumers purchasing behaviour but also quantitatively identified their relative importance.

Effects of a collaborative and gamified online learning methodology on class and test emotions

This study examines the influence of students’ individual attitude and social interactions on participation in collaborative and gamified online learning activities, as well as the influence of participating in those activities on students’ online class- and test-related emotions. Based on a sample of 301 first year Economics and Law university students and using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling approach, all the relationships among first-order and second-order constructs included in the model are validated. The results support all the hypotheses studied, confirming the positive relationship that both students’ individual attitude and social interactions have on participation in collaborative and gamified online learning activities. The results also show that participating in those activities is positively related with class- and test-related emotions. The main contribution of the study is the validation of the effect of collaborative and gamified online learning on university students’ emotional well-being through the analysis of their attitude and social interactions. Moreover, this is the first time in the specialised learning literature that students’ attitude is considered as a second-order construct operationalised by three factors: the perceived usefulness that this digital resource brings to the students, the entertainment that this digital resource brings to the students, and the predisposition to use this digital resource among all those available in online training. Our findings aim to shed light for educators when preparing and designing computer mediated and online teaching programs that seek to generate positive emotions as a motivation for students.

Cashless economy – the nexus of COVID-19 and E-wallet usage intentions: a multi-group analysis between formal and informal sector workers in Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to offer a conceptual model that bridges gaps in the current research by combining constructs from the health belief model (HBM) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Furthermore, the researchers applied the constructed model to analyse the determinants of workers’ intentions to use e-wallet payment options for business transactions rather than physical currency during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the paper examines whether there are any significant variations in the usage intentions of Ghanaian workers in the formal and informal sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to compile the primary respondents among Ghanaian users of e-wallets. Based on constructs derived from the HBM and TPB, an online survey involving the use of a questionnaire was administered to collect quantitative data from 285 formal and informal sector workers in Ghana. Data collected was analysed using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling approach involving the measurement, structural model tests, hypothesis tests and multi-group analysis (MGA) tests.FindingsThis study reveals that workers’ attitudes, subjective norms and perceived susceptibility as the main determinants of intentions to use e-wallets, as the analysis of data lends support to hypotheses involving these constructs. Perceived behavioural control was however not supported by the data analysis as a determinant of workers’ intention. Finally, there were no significant differences between e-wallet usage intentions of formal and informal sector workers in Ghana.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the ongoing pandemic, the study recommends that governments of emerging economies should formulate policies that promote the use of e-wallets, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and at the same time contribute to the quest for a cashless economy. However, the results of the study are only based on data collected from workers in Ghana. Therefore, practitioners should apply the recommendations with discretion and make modifications where necessary. The results of the study also provide evidence from the context of a developing country that can support future academic pursuits.Practical implicationsThis study provides evidence that influences practitioners’ decisions and practices regarding the design and implementation of e-wallet services and innovations among workers in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.Originality/valueThis study provides useful business insights to user acquisition managers, marketing managers and business development managers during the formulation of policies, strategies and approaches for their mobile wallet subscriber base. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to apply the constructs of the HBM (mainly applied in health research) to the study of workers’ intentions to use e-wallets. It, therefore, makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by examining the combined effects of the constructs of the HBM and the TPB on workers’ intention to use e-wallets.

Predictors of the Intention to Participate in Slum Upgrading Projects: Perceptions of Slum Dwellers in Mauritius

A global shift in urban slum improvement programmes is underway to step beyond the conventional approach by practicing a more participatory approach. Previous studies have found that slum upgrading projects are likely to be ineffective and unsustainable without the active participation of slum dwellers. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the pathways to improve or enhance slum dwellers’ participation in slum upgrading projects. Several studies highlight the need to consider socio-psychological attributes of the community. However, empirical evidence of the comparative significance of these attributes in predicting participatory behavioural intention of the slum dwellers has not been previously explored. In this article, we examine the factors that influence slum dwellers’ intention to participate in slum upgrading projects in Mauritius, which has been one of the early implementers of UN-Habitat’s flagship initiative, Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme. We conducted a household survey in highly dense slum areas in Cité EDC and Barkly. Using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling approach to analyse the relationships among the constructs affecting participatory behaviour, we find that enhancement of awareness and trust on authority can promote willingness to participate at a higher level in slum upgrading projects. Such information can be useful to design appropriate pathways to increase effective participation in slum upgrading programmes.

Service Climate and Service Quality of Sri Lankan Public Service: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach (PLS-SEM)

This paper investigates the relationship between service climate and service quality of public service in Sri Lanka. For that, two questionnaires were distributed. The first questionnaire was distributed using random sampling method among 500 employees in 83 Divisional Secretariats to collect data to recognize the level of service climate. The second questionnaire was distributed customers to identify the level of service quality using same sampling method to 2500 customers in the same divisional secretariats. Data were analyzed by SEM using Smart Plus software. The findings revealed that the relationship between service climate (SEC) and perceived service quality (PSQ) is not accepted at 5 percent significance level (P&gt;0.05). It means that the relationship between service climate and perceived service quality is not significant in the context of the Sri Lankan public service. Then it deviates from the previous literature. This empirical finding will help to enhance the body of knowledge in the area of the service quality in the context of the Sri Lankan public service. Similarly this paper filled the important gap in the Sri Lankan literature.