Structural Equation Modeling Test Research Articles

The Impact of Internal Control on Project Management in Construction Site Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Iraq

The present study investigates the relationship between internal control and project management among Iraq construction SMEs. The current research is focused on internal control as multi-dimensional by using its four main components, which are control environment, control activities, self-assessment, and information & communication, while project management was taken as unidimensional. Data were gathered from the employees who are working in construction SMEs in Iraq, either consultants, developers, or contractors. 251 questionnaires were received and analyzed by using SPSS and smart PLS-SEM to measure the research model fit and examine the hypothesis, whether accepted or not within the study context. The model measurement and structural equation model test indicated that all four main hypotheses were accepted, which means that internal control has a positive impact on the four main components of project management in SMEs in the construction sectors in Iraq. Also, the theoretical and managerial implications of this research were then discussed at the end of this article.

Effect of physical exercise on social adaptability of college students: Chain intermediary effect of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.

To explore the relationship between physical exercise and college students' social adaptability, as well as the mediating role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem. One thousand two hundred thirty college students were investigated by physical exercise questionnaire, social-emotional competency scale, self-esteem scale, and social adaptability scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model test and deviation-corrected percentile Bootstrap method. (1) Physical exercise was positively correlated with social adaptability (r = 0.397, p < 0.01), and the direct path of physical exercise on social adaptability was significant (β = 0.397, t = 15.174, p < 0.01). (2) Physical exercise positively predicted social-emotional competency (β = 0.399, t = 15.235, p < 0.01) and self-esteem (β = 0.305, t = 10.570, p < 0.01). Social-emotional competency positively predicted self-esteem (β = 0.130, t = 4.507, p < 0.01) and social adaptability (β = 0.169, t = 6.104, p < 0.01). Self-esteem positively predicted social adaptability (β = 0.189, t = 6.957, p < 0.01). (3) Social-emotional competency and self-esteem play a significant mediating role between physical exercise and social adaptability. The mediating effect includes three paths: physical exercise→social-emotional competency→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.068); physical exercise→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.059). Physical exercise→social-emotional competency→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.010). Physical exercise can not only directly affect social adaptability of college students, but also indirectly affect social adaptability through the independent intermediary role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem. Furthermore, physical exercise also affect social adaptability through the chain mediation of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.

The Effect of Green Values on Green Consumption Behaviour

Taking Zhengzhou residents as the research object through the structural equation model test and intermediary utility test, it can be seen that green values significantly affect customers’ green consumption behavior; Green values have a significant active effect on public lifestyle, which plays a regulatory role in green values and green consumption behavior. The relevant conclusions are as follows: Firstly, the public’s green consumption behavior is affected not only by their green values, but also by lifestyle, and the impact effect of lifestyle is higher than that of green values. Secondly, public green values can directly affect their lifestyle, which means that green values play a vital role in the change of public lifestyle. Thirdly, green values not only have a direct impact on the public’s green consumption behavior, but also have an impact on the public’s lifestyle which will indirectly affect their green consumption behavior. On the basis of the mentioned analysis, this paper proposes relevant countermeasures to promote the public’s green consumption behavior.

Psychological factors affecting potential users' intention to use autonomous vehicles.

As a currently emerging technology and an emerging intelligent mode of transport, autonomous vehicles (AVs) with lots of potential advantages need attention in terms of acceptability of their users. This research incorporates three psychological factors of perceived trust, perceived value, and perceived enjoyment into the technology acceptance model, and explores the influence of these factors on the potential use intention of AVs users. In this study, the questionnaire data from 232 participants were analysed, and the structural equation model test study model was adopted, and nine hypotheses proposed in this study were verified. The results show that perceived enjoyment, perceived trust, perceived usefulness, and attitude have a direct positive impact on users' usage intentions. Perceived value, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use have a direct positive impact on user attitudes. In addition, perceived ease of use has also been shown to directly affect perceived usefulness. This study constructs and demonstrates a model of autonomous vehicle acceptance. This model can be used for user acceptance research of unmanned vehicles. The research expands the theory of technology acceptance model and its applicable fields, and enriches the theory of user research on unmanned vehicles. This study provides predictors of AVs acceptance for AVs designers, automakers, automotive policy makers, and related practitioners. Help them make actionable autonomous vehicle-related decisions to promote high-acceptance autonomous vehicle design and user intent for autonomous vehicles.

How sustainable marketing influences the customer engagement and sustainable purchase intention? The moderating role of corporate social responsibility.

Today's civilization faces serious challenges related to sustainability. Without the support of society, organizations can no longer continually build their enterprises. The pressure of sustainable development goals are also enhancing on companies. Thus, marketing managers place a strong emphasis on meeting the socio-ethical demands of their target audience, whether it is through cultural promotion, environmental conservation, or disaster relief initiatives. This study explores how sustainable marketing influences the customer engagement and sustainable purchase intention. For data collection, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 393 purchasers and potential purchasers of electric vehicles, and a structural equation model (SEM) test was conducted using Mplus 8.0 software. The results of the study showed that: First, the outcome states that sustainable marketing valuable for improving brand image. Second, brand image is good for customer engagement in the Chinese market for electric automobiles. Third, the appeal of sustainable purchasing intentions is increased by brand image. Fourth, a useful instrument for long-term purchase intentions is customer engagement. Fifth, CSR has a significant role in enhancing consumers' intentions to make sustainable purchases. Most notably, it acts as a helpful moderator in the relationship between company image and customer engagement. Lastly, CSR also strengthens the link between company image and sustainable purchasing intentions. This research offers a theoretical framework and practical implications that sustainable marketing initiatives are an important antecedent of organizational outcomes for the electric vehicle sector in China.

The Relationship between Perceived TPACK and Active Learning and High Order Thinking of Students in Online Environment

Online teaching has gradually been integrated into various classes in recent years. Especially since the outbreak of COVID-19, online teaching has become the mainstream pattern of teaching instead of traditional face-to-face classroom. However, there are still many problems in the quality of students' learning in online environment. The current study applied SPSS26.0 for descriptive analysis and discovered that students' perception of teachers’ TPACK(technological pedagogical content knowledge), students' active learning and high order thinking have some problems, and used smartPLS3.0 for structural equation model test found that the perceived TPACK of students has a significant impact on students' active learning and high order thinking, and students' active learning has a significant impact on high order thinking. Therefore, improving teachers' TPACK in online environment is of great significance to have an improvement in online learning quality. This study also provided a theoretical significance about the relationship between perceived TPACK and active learning and high order thinking in online environment.

Supervisors’ Roles in Training Program Culture, Training Intrinsic Motivation and Knowledge Transfer: an Empirical Study

Purpose: This study examines the mediating role of training intrinsic motivation in the relationship between supervisors’ roles in training program culture and knowledge transfer in the Malaysian public sector. Thus, the research question is, “what is the effect of the supervisors’ roles in training program culture, training intrinsic motivation on knowledge transfer in the public sector context?”&#x0D; &#x0D; Theoretical framework: The framework of the study is adopted from the attributes of (1) leadership, (2) social learning, (3) beliefs and (4) employee performance. This framework aims to provide an understanding of how these variables affect the supervisors’ roles in training program culture, intrinsic motivation and knowledge transfer.&#x0D; &#x0D; Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was used to collect 544 survey questionnaires from employees at different divisions/departments in the Malaysian public sector. The SmartPLS is utilized to evaluate the quality of the study’s instrument and subsequently test the study’s hypotheses.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The structural equation modelling test indicated that knowledge transfer is affected by supervisors’ roles in training program culture. Hence, the effect of supervisors’ roles in the administration of training programs on knowledge transfer is mediated by training intrinsic motivation. This finding will benefit supervisors, managers and operation employees, as well as studies related to training intrinsic motivation in dynamic organizations.&#x0D; &#x0D; Research: In the theoretical context, this study confirmed that the training’s intrinsic motivation is an effective mediating variable in the relationship between supervisors’ roles in training program culture and knowledge transfer. Meanwhile, in the managerial implication, supervisors should provide direction and assistance to subordinates and practice open communication to help them enhance performance. A communication technique relevant to the work environment will help employees increase knowledge transfer and public sector performance in the future.&#x0D; &#x0D; Originality/value: This study is to refine the role of supervisors and create a culture of effective training in public sector culture. These findings should be considered by the public sector in the context of training programs.&#x0D;

Factors affecting patient safety culture in the nursing section of a type C private hospital in Surakarta using structural equation modeling

Introduction: Patient safety culture is a high-quality health service that must be owned by all hospital staff, specifically for type C private hospitals. Therefore, this research selected seven factors influencing patient safety culture and made operational definitions based on references from preliminary research. The indicators used refer to Patient Safety Management Activities (PSMA) based on the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) principles regulated by the Minister of Health Regulation 11 of 2017. This research aims to identify hospital elements related to implementing a patient safety culture. It includes individuals, working conditions, work environment, management, awareness related to safety, safety culture, and PSMA. Methods: Data were collected from 215 respondents through independent questionnaires distributed online to two type C private hospitals in Surakarta City, where 160 nurses work in in-patient rooms and 55 nurses in the Emergency Room (ER). Data collected were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), such as SmartPLS 3.0, to determine the relationship between seven factors: individual, working conditions, work environment, management, safety awareness, culture, and PSMA. Result: SEM test results in Factors affecting PSMA on the SEM test with a p-significant value of 0.05. A significant direct positive effect on PSMA is the factor of safety culture and work environment. Meanwhile, the indirect significant positive influence on PSMA comprises individual conditions, management, and safety-related awareness factors through safety culture factors. The process of not having a significant direct effect on PSMA is working conditions and safety-related awareness factors. Conclusion: The involvement of all parties with active roles in every healthcare system is expected to increase a safety culture which can then influence the increase in PSMA.

Development of a Structural Model for Sustainable Environment Training and Knowledge Transfer

The public sector is usually viewed as a formal and hierarchical organization. However, they need to improve the quality of their work to solve community matters satisfactorily. This study examines the mediating role of the motivation to learn in the relationship between sustainable environment training and knowledge transfer. This study is a cross-sectional study, using survey questionnaires to collect data from public servants at different divisions/departments in public organizations. SmartPLS was utilized to evaluate the quality of the study instrument and subsequently test the study hypotheses. The structural equation modeling test indicated that sustainable environment training affects knowledge transfer. Hence, the motivation to learn mediates the effect of sustainable environment training on knowledge transfer. Practitioners can utilize these findings to comprehend the diversity of perspectives on motivation to learn and to design a training program master plan that can increase employee motivation to succeed and maintain organizational strategies and goals in the global competition and organizational sustainability era.

Indirect associations between impulsivity and alcohol outcomes through motives for drinking responsibly among U.S. college students: an integration of self-determination theory and the acquired preparedness model

The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the associations between facets of impulsivity and alcohol outcomes through motives for drinking responsibly described by self-determination theory (SDT) among college students. Participants (N = 2808) were part of a multisite investigation of college student drinking across 10 universities in 8 states in the USA who reported past-month drinking. Results of a structural equation model testing all possible indirect associations simultaneously indicated that one-third (20 out of 60) of the indirect associations were statistically significant (p<.01). Facets with higher scores representing higher impulsivity (negative/positive urgency) were negatively associated with more internalized motives (autonomous motivation and introjected regulation) and positively associated with less internalized motives (external regulation and amotivation) for drinking responsibly. Facets with higher scores representing lower impulsivity (perseverance and premeditation) demonstrated opposite patterns of associations with motives for drinking responsibly. In turn, more internalized motives were related to higher frequency of protective behavioral strategies use, lower alcohol use severity, and fewer negative alcohol-related consequences; less internalized motives demonstrated an opposite pattern of associations with these alcohol outcomes. The present findings should be replicated using experimental and longitudinal studies for appropriately testing mediation but offer support for a novel hypothesis for motivational pathways from impulsivity to alcohol outcomes that may provide insight into intervention targets, if further supported by future research.

The relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being among Chinese junior high school students: A chain mediating model.

This study aims to help understand the mechanism behind the relationship between physical exercise and the subjective well-being among Chinese junior high school students, and it is of great significance for the intervention measures to improve the subjective well-being of junior high school students. Using stratified cluster sampling method, 1,510 junior high school students (727 males and 783 females) were measured by physical exercise rating scale, perceived social support scale, physical exercise self-efficacy scale, and subjective well-being scale. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation model test, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method were carried out in turn. Common method biases can be accepted in this study. (1) There is a positive correlation between physical exercise and subjective well-being, and physical exercise has a significant predictive effect on subjective well-being(β = 0.367 t = 9.415 p < 0.01); (2) Perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being (β = 0.08, t = 3.083, p < 0.01), and its effect ratio is 78.047%; (3) Physical exercise self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role between physical exercise and subjective well-being(β = 0.181, t = 5.132, p < 0.01), accounting for 50.632%; (4) The chain mediating effect of perceived social support and physical exercise self-efficacy was significant (the mediating effect value was 0.028), and the effect amount was 7.629%. (1) Physical exercise can significantly positively predict the subjective well-being of junior high school students; (2) Physical exercise can also indirectly affect the subjective well-being of junior high school students through the mediating effect of perceived social support and physical exercise self-efficacy. The intermediary effect includes three paths, namely, the individual intermediary effect of perceived social support and physical exercise self-efficacy and the chain intermediary effect of perceived social support physical exercise self-efficacy.

The mediating role of executive function in the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men living with HIV.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV suffer from psychosocial pressures and marginalization as a result of being HIV-positive and belonging to a sexual minority group, and self-injury or suicidal ideation are prevalent among this group. Studies have found that both perceived self-stigma and altered executive function is related to self-injury or suicidal ideation. However, the combined contribution of self-stigma and executive function to self-injury or suicidal ideation remains unclear, especially in MSM living with HIV. Therefore, this study is conducted to explore the mechanism of self-injury or suicidal ideation by hypothesizing that executive function plays a mediating role in the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 448 MSM living with HIV who were recruited in the HIV clinic of a tertiary general hospital in Changsha, China, from November 2021 to February 2022. A questionnaires survey was adopted to collect sociodemographic and disease-related information and data related to executive function (including working memory, inhibition, and task monitoring), self-stigma, and self-injury or suicidal ideation. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap testing were used to investigate the potential mediating role of executive function in the relationship between self-stigma and suicidal ideation. The participants were aged 18-76 years. Those who had ever had self-injury or suicidal ideation accounted for 32.8% of the total. A higher level of self-stigma and poorer executive function were associated with more frequent self-injury or suicidal ideation (p < 0.01). The mediation model analysis showed a good fit (x 2/df = 1.07, p = 0.381). The direct effect of self-stigma on self-injury or suicidal ideation (β = 0.346, p < 0.001) and the indirect effect of self-stigma via executive function (β = 0.132, p < 0.001) were significant, with the indirect effect accounting for 27.6% of the total effect. This study demonstrates that executive function mediates the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation among MSM living with HIV. It suggests that future studies targeting enhancing executive function and decreasing self-stigma may reduce self-injury or suicidal ideation among MSM living with HIV.

Relationship between Supervisors’ Roles in the Administration of Training Programmes, Learning Motivation and In-Role Behaviour

This study examines the mediating role of learning motivation in the relationship between supervisors’ roles in the administration of training programmes and in-role behaviour. A cross-sectional study was used to collect 370 survey questionnaires from employees at different divisions/departments in the Malaysian public sector. The SmartPLS is utilised to evaluate the quality of the study instrument and subsequently test the study’s hypotheses. The structural equation modelling test indicated that in-role behaviour is affected by supervisors’ roles in the administration of training programmes. Hence, the effect of supervisors’ roles in the administration of training programmes on in-role behaviour is mediated by learning motivation. This finding has contributed to the supervisors, managers and operation employees, as well as to the study related to learning motivation in dynamic organisations.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 13 August 2022 / Accepted: 2 December 2022 / Published: 5 January 2023

The relationship between achievement motivation and college students' general self-efficacy: A moderated mediation model.

This study focused on the relationship between achievement motivation and college students' general self-efficacy, and aimed to explore the mechanism of action between achievement motivation and general self-efficacy. Through convenience sampling, 1,076 college students were investigated from Anhui Province in China. Achievement motivation, general self-efficacy, perceived social support, and sports participation were evaluated using standard scales. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation model test, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method were carried out. Common method biases can be accepted in this study. (1) Achievement motivation can directly affect general self-efficacy and make a positive prediction; (2) Perceived social support plays a mediating role between achievement motivation and general self-efficacy, that is, achievement motivation can indirectly affect general self-efficacy through perceived social support; (3) Sports participation plays a moderating role in the first half of the mediating path of "achievement motivation → perceived social support → general self-efficacy." The interaction between achievement motivation and sports participation affects perceived social support, and then indirectly affects general self-efficacy. In this moderated mediation model, The predictive effect of achievement motivation on perceived social support is significantly different among individuals with different levels of sports participation. Perceived social support plays a part of mediating role between achievement motivation and college students' general self-efficacy, which is moderated by sports participation.

Risk management, robustness and resilience: mechanisms for stabilizing and improving agility performance

Paper aims This study aims to empirically explore the mechanisms by which supply chain capabilities dedicated to risk management, robustness, and resilience contribute to improved agility performance in times of disruptions from unavoidable risks. Originality This is the first empirical research examining the direct and indirect effects of supply chain capabilities related to risk management, robustness, and resilience on improving agility performance in times of disruptions. Research method The study considers supply chain risk management as a dynamic capability and supply chain robustness and resilience as operational capabilities that have a mediating role in improving the agility performance of partner firms. Data collected through a survey was used for structural equation modeling and other tests to explore the respective effects of these supply chain capabilities in an environment marked by unavoidable risks, vulnerabilities, and disruptions. Main findings The development of a supply chain risk management capability supported by the generation and/or reconfiguration of the operational capabilities inherent in supply chain robustness and supply chain resilience results in improved agility performance for global supply chain partner firms in times of disruptions. Implications for theory and practice The results contribute to the theoretical development of issues related to the mechanisms by which supply chain capabilities, particularly risk management, robustness, and resilience work together to improve agility performance and achieve competitive advantage in times of disruptions.

Role of job design on institutional support and work-life equilibrium of women teachers in Chennai

The study endeavoured to investigate the job design’s influence on institutional support and work-life equilibrium of female teachers in Chennai. The female teachers serving in higher educational institutions were identified for selection of sample. The study was commenced with 973 samples. Purposive sampling technique was used for selection of samples. The study considered the variables like personality, job atmosphere, commitment, institutional support, job design and work life balance of women teachers. Statistical tools like structural equation modelling, One-way Anova and post-hoc tests were performed with relevant hypotheses. Results showed that personality, job atmosphere, and commitment had positive and significant effect on institutional support. Institutional support had affirmative and noteworthy impact on work-life equilibrium of women teachers. Job design had significant partial mediation towards institutional support and work-life equilibrium.

THE INFLUENCE OF SERVICE QUALITY AND INFORMATION QUALITY ON RESAVING INTENTION MEDIATED BY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION OF BANK ACEH SYARIAH BANDA ACEH OPERATIONAL HEAD OFFICE

This research aims to test the Service Quality and Information Quality influence on Customer Resaving Intention of Bank Aceh Syariah (BAS) Banda Aceh Operational Head Office, located in Banda Aceh city. The population was all customers of BAS Banda Aceh Operation Head Office. The sample used was 230 customers. Data were tested using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Sobel test. The results conclude that in the BAS Banda Aceh Operation Head Office, Service quality affects Satisfaction, Information quality affects Satisfaction, Service quality affects Resaving Intention, Information quality affects Resaving Intention, Satisfaction affects Resaving Intention, Service quality affects Resaving Intention thru Satisfaction, and Information quality affects Resaving Intention thru Satisfaction. The evidence also shows that satisfaction functions as a partial mediator in the model for all related hypotheses. So these results explain that the model of increasing Resaving Intention is a function of improving service quality and information quality, which can stimulate increased satisfaction.

Clinical and counseling psychology doctoral trainees’ attitudes toward and interest in working with older adult clients

ABSTRACT The small percentage of psychologists specializing in geropsychology will be increasingly insufficient to meet projected mental health needs of the growing older adult population in the United States. The current study examined contact with older adults, empathy, and multicultural competence as predictors of counseling and clinical psychology doctoral trainees’ attitudes toward and interest in working with older adults. A sample of 311 doctoral trainees in clinical (n = 234) and counseling (n = 78) psychology were surveyed online. A structural equation model testing hypothesized interrelationships between study variables showed good fit. Greater contact with older adults was significantly related to less ageist attitudes, greater interest in work with older adults, and more empathy. Less ageist attitudes were significantly related to greater interest in clinical work with older adults. Greater empathy was significantly related to less ageist attitudes and greater multicultural competence, but to less interest in working with older adults. Empathy mediated the relation of contact to attitudes. Increasing positive contact with older adults as part of doctoral training in counseling and clinical psychology may enhance trainees’ empathy, attitudes toward older adults, and interest in work with older adults.

When love leads the way! Conceptualizing triangular theory of love and expectations-confirmation theory in Islamic banking

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the mediating effect of brand love (BRL) on the relationship between service quality and brand addiction (BRA) among Islamic banks. Past studies have noted that customer satisfaction as the primary means of studying customer behaviour needs to be reconsidered because even satisfied customer switch brands, and the dissatisfied customer have repurchasing intentions. Therefore, considering BRL and BRA can be a new way of studying customer behaviour in Islamic banking.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a structured questionnaire administered to 380 customers of Islamic banks. The study used structural equation modelling and Process Macro test in the analysis.FindingsThe empirical findings of this study suggest that service quality is positively and significantly related to BRL and that BRL positively and significantly relates to BRA. Furthermore, the findings indicate that BRL mediates the relationship between service quality and BRA.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study have revealed that the triangular theory of love and expectation-confirmation theory can be combined to explain the relationship between service quality and loving relationships among customers of Islamic banks.Practical implicationsThe study provides ways in which service providers can use service qualities to manage BRL and addiction. Based on the positive and significant relationships, managers of Islamic banks can build service qualities that are vital for creating BRL and BRA.Originality/valueThe link between service quality, BRL and BRA is not adequately established, especially in Islamic banking. This is important to be established because studying consumer psychology is currently considered a vital strategy for customer repurchasing and switching barriers in the modern banking business. Furthermore, integrating two theories, the triangular theory of love and expectation-confirmation theory, provide a new way of combining two theoretical aspects from different disciplines.

Segmentation Based on Personal and Spiritual Life Balance During Covid-19, and Its Relations with Materialism, Frugality, Well-Being, and Positive Emotions

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between material, or frugal, consumption and the congruence between personal and spiritual life, mediated by the search for well-being, generating a segmentation proposal.&#x0D; Methodology/approach: Structural Equation Modeling and regression tests were used for mediation and moderation analysis, complemented by Latent Class Analysis for sample segmentation&#x0D; Originality/Relevance: The study pioneeringly investigates material, frugal, and wellness consumption relationships, as well as the indirect role of positive emotions with the congruence between personal and spiritual life, to propose a segmentation of consumers in a crisis situation. &#x0D; Key findings: The results indicated that well-being and positive emotions allow for moderate mediation, enabling consumers to reconcile both frugal and material goals with a balanced life, individually and spiritually. The proposed segmentation identified three distinct groups based on congruence between practical and spiritual life.&#x0D; Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study advances the understanding of heterogeneous consumer profiles in crisis situations, proposing to practitioners and policymakers to better know the profile of consumers in a health crisis. Methodologically the study combines structural equation modeling, mediation and moderation analysis, and latent class analysis to reach the study’s objective.