Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Research Articles

Enhancing user engagement and loyalty in online travel agents: a gamification approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of gamification features on brand engagement dimensions in online travel agents (OTAs), specifically brand awareness and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model is empirically evaluated through an online survey of 406 Indonesian OTA users. Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was used to assess the model. Findings The findings reveal that gamification boosts emotional and social brand engagement, while achievement improves cognitive brand engagement. Cognitive brand engagement only affects brand loyalty, excluding brand awareness; however, emotional and social brand engagement substantially impact brand awareness and loyalty. Originality/value This study addresses the gap in the limited empirical studies on gamification in the tourism and hospitality industries, with a particular focus on OTAs.

Health tourism in Malaysia: understanding the drivers of satisfaction and revisit intention

ABSTRACT Medical tourism is a dynamic industry that seeks to improve satisfaction and foster loyalty among Arab medical tourists. This study delves into the complex experience of medical tourism among Arab patients in Malaysia by using an integrated analytical framework that examines the combined effects of quality perception and recovery experience on tourists’ satisfaction and intentions to revisit. Utilising a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling, the study collected responses from 432 Arab patients, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Conditions Analysis (NCA) to analyze the data. The findings reveal that perceived quality, especially in healthcare services and post-treatment care, significantly enhances tourist satisfaction, which directly influences their intentions to revisit. Additionally, trust emerged as a critical factor that not only strengthens the relationship between satisfaction and revisit intentions but also acts as a necessary condition for achieving high satisfaction levels. This research contributes to tourism literature by detailing the specific pathways through which service quality and recovery experience impact tourist satisfaction and revisit intentions. It provides practical insights for medical tourism providers to optimise service delivery and trust-building strategies, thereby enhancing Malaysia's reputation as a premier medical tourism destination.

Exploring the group heterogeneity in the impact of social cohesion on the walking frequency of older adults in China

BackgroundWalkable neighborhoods are closely related to an increase in walking frequency and the strengthening of social cohesion. These factors, in turn, contribute to lower BMI and other positive health-related outcomes. However, with a rapid increase in aging populations in China and the fact that women are facing more challenges than men as they age, especially mobility challenges because they tend to live longer leading to probabilities to become widowed. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to understanding the gender difference between these relationships.MethodsBased on a survey of 533 older adults in Dalian, China, this study tried to investigate the intertwined relationship between perceived walkability, social cohesion, walking frequency, and BMI. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) and multiple-group analysis were applied to test the proposed framework.ResultsFirst, results show that gender differences existed among the above interrelationships, and the most substantial gender gap was found in effects of social cohesion on BMI. Second, perceived walkability only has a direct effect (0.149) on walking frequencies for female seniors. Third, although the relationships between perceived walkability and BMI are not directly related in both male and female models, the indirect connection (−0.053) is substituted for female seniors. Besides, the inhibiting effect of walking on BMI, which is −0.511, is also valid for female seniors. Finally, in terms of the role of social cohesion, both the positive impacts of perceived walkability on it (0.225 for males and 0.325 for females) and its promoting effects on walking have been confirmed in male (0.142) and female models (0.103). The negative direct effect of social cohesion on BMI (−0.083) is only confirmed in male seniors.ConclusionInsights derived from this analysis can help bring forward gender-specific interventions to build a more inclusive walkable and social environment to improve the mobility and physical health of older adults.

How the perfectionistic climate of a sports team predicts the athletic performance of elite athletes: a case study of the CUBAL women’s basketball team

ObjectiveIn competitive sports, understanding how the perfectionistic climate within teams influences the performance of elite female athletes can provide valuable insights for enhancing coaching practice and athletic achievement. Based on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, this study constructs a dual-path model using stressors and coping strategies as mediators, referred to as the Perfectionistic Climate on Athletic Performance model (PCPM). The study explores the predictive role of the perfectionistic climate within sports teams on the athletic performance of elite female basketball players.MethodsThe empirical study the relationships among the variables in the model using a sample of 125 core players from the top-level women’s basketball teams in the 24th CUBAL24 tournament in 2022. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted using AMOS 20.0, primarily employing the bias-corrected Bootstrap method to test the dual-path model.ResultsThe findings reveal double-edged paths towards a perfectionistic climate on athletic performance. In the positive pathway, a perfectionistic climate can positively predict athletic performance through challenge-related sources of stress and positive coping strategies. In the negative pathway, a perfectionistic climate can negatively predict athletic performance through threat-related sources of stress and negative coping strategies.ConclusionCoaches need to pay attention to athletes’ cognitive evaluations of the perfectionistic climate as a source of pressure. By setting challenging goals, coaches can guide athletes to view the perfectionistic climate of the sports team as a source of challenging pressure, thus unleashing their potential. Coaches should actively guide athletes in coping with the pressure brought about by the perfectionistic climate, enhancing their ability to handle stress. This will enable athletes to better adapt to the team’s perfectionistic climate and further improve individual and team athletic performance.

Peran Faktor Pengaruh Dinamika Organizational Commitment: Mengentaskan Melemahnya Eksistensi UKM Kuliner di Bogor

This research aims to identify and analyze the role and influence of the determinants of organizational commitment dynamics on the continued existence of culinary SMEs in Bogor; against the identified background of the weakening of its existence. Using mixed methods, this study randomly selected 210 samples using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) and AHP-FAHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process-Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process) analysis techniques. The research results show that perceived organizational support, creativity and employee work motivation are determining factors that have a significant influence on organizational commitment, which ultimately contributes to the resilience and growth of culinary SMEs in Bogor.

Pull Factors for Event Delegates Moderating Effect Of Cultural Tourism Attraction

This study seeks to explore the pull factors that influence delegates' decision to attend an event. This research also involves the factor of cultural tourism attraction as a moderating variable. It is well known that Yogyakarta as the research location is a city rich in culture, there are many cultural attractions that are favored such as heritage sites, indigenous people's lives, handicraft products, traditional culinary, and a number of other local cultural products. By using Structural Equation Model analysis and involving 190 respondents, namely delegates who attended various events in Yogyakarta, from the results of the study it was found that the pull factors namely accessibility, event organizer (OC), accommodation, venue, price and cultural tourism attraction jointly influenced the decision of delegates to attend the event. Cultural tourism attraction is able to moderate the overall pull factor. The strength of culture that is able to moderate the overall attraction factor indicates that culture is very strong as a novelty event and is a key variable for destinations so that it is attractive to host events.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Intentions among Field Technicians: A Case Study in Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions, necessitating adaptation to the current circumstances. The concept of the “New Normal” has been introduced to facilitate coexistence with the virus. Nevertheless, numerous industries saw significant impacts, both in terms of financial losses and personnel attrition. This development has a significant impact on the agriculture industry, particularly on field technicians (FTs). The present study seeks to understand the factors that influence the inclination to leave one’s job among field technicians. A purposive sampling strategy was used to choose fifty-three participants who were then requested to complete a survey-type questionnaire on various factors including perceived supervisor support, workload, perceived alternative jobs, perceived benefits, COVID-19, and job satisfaction. A SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that job satisfaction did not operate as a mediator in the relationship between turnover intention and its determinants, such as workload, supervisor support, benefits, and employment alternatives. Furthermore, this study verified that the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 epidemic did not influence the connection between job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study represents one of the initial investigations conducted on workers in the Philippine farm sector during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the discoveries could be utilized to assess the distinct circumstances arising from the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

Employee Resilience as Strengthening the Influence of Work Life Balance and Servant Leadership on Employee Engagement (Study at the Badung Regency Regional Research and Innovation Agency)

An imbalance between work life and personal life can often affect the level of employee involvement in their work. On the other hand, a servant leadership style that focuses on service and care for employees can also be a factor that influences the level of involvement. This research also identifies employee resilience as a mediating variable, describing an employee's ability to overcome pressure and challenges in the work environment. The respondents in this research were employees at the Badung Regency Regional Research and Innovation Agency. The number of respondents in this study was 63 respondents using nonprobability techniques, namely saturated samples or often called total sampling. This research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis of the SmartPls 3.2.8 program. The results of this research show that work life balance has a positive and significant effect on employee resilience, but servant leadership has no effect on employee resilience. Work life balance, servant leadership, and employee resilience have a positive and significant influence on employee engagement. Employee resilience is a mediating variable on the influence of work life balance on employee engagement which is partially mediated. Employee resilience is not a mediating variable on the indirect influence of servant leadership.

Psychological empowerment and employee resilience in travel agencies and hotels

Purpose Responding to the need for exploration of psychological predictors influencing innovation, this study aims to examine the impact of psychological ownership (PO) in employee innovation behavior (EIB) with a focus on psychological empowerment (PE) and employee resilience (ER) as mediators. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from full-time employees working in travel agencies and five-star hotels in Egypt. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling analysis was performed on 409 valid responses. Findings The findings of this study revealed PO has a positive effect on EIB. Such relationship is partially mediated by PE and ER. Originality/value Theoretically, this study offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that elucidate how PO influences employees' innovation behavior and resilience, while aligning with the principles of self-determination theory.

Linking patient safety, caring behaviours and professional self-efficacy with missed nursing care among Filipino emergency room nurses: A structural equation model study.

To investigate the interrelationships of patient safety, caring behaviours, professional self-efficacy and missed nursing care among emergency room nurses. Cross-sectional, correlational study. Filipino emergency room nurses (n = 345) participated via convenience sampling from September 2023 to January 2024. Four validated self-report scales were used to collect data and were analysed using Spearman rho, covariance-based structural equation modelling, mediation and path analyses. The emerging model of study variables displayed satisfactory fit indices. Patient safety directly influenced caring behaviours and professional self-efficacy, while negatively influencing missed nursing care. Caring behaviours directly and indirectly affected professional self-efficacy and missed nursing care, respectively. Professional self-efficacy negatively influences missed nursing care. Finally, caring behaviours and professional self-efficacy were significant mediators between the association of patient safety and missed nursing care. Caring behaviours and professional self-efficacy of emergency room nurses demonstrated mediating effects that can potentially improve patient safety practices thereby minimizing unfinished or missed nursing care. Nurses and healthcare organizations should commit to consistently maintain a workplace culture that fosters patient safety, caring behaviours and professional self-efficacy to minimize avoidable injuries and omitting nursing care tasks. STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). No Patient or Public Contribution.

Salinity responsive mechanisms of sulfur-based mixotrophic denitrification and ectoine induced tolerance enhancement

Increasing discharge of saline wastewater poses a challenge for heterotrophic and sulfur autotrophic denitrification (HSAD) in nitrogen removal. This study explored the response mechanism of mixotrophic denitrifying microorganisms to high-salt stress and feasible mitigation strategies. Results showed that denitrification efficiency was promoted at 2 % salinity but significantly decreased at 6 %, with NO3–-N removal rate decreased from 95.77 % to 38.01 %. The contribution of sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) remained higher than heterotrophic denitrification (HD). High salinity stimulation led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, while the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, and electron transport system activity (ETSA) decreased by 10.74 %, 46.6 % and 56.28 % at 6 % salinity, respectively. Additionally, high salt inhibited the activity of nitrate reductase (NAR) and nitrite reductase (NIR), reducing the abundance of denitrifying bacteria. Notably, the addition of 250 mg/L of ectoine at 6 % salinity alleviated stress, promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to protect the microorganisms, reduced microbial oxidative stress, and maintained metabolic and denitrification enzyme activities. Ectoine acted as an osmotic pressure regulator and protective agent, maintaining intracellular enzymes and macromolecular structure, thus enhancing denitrification efficiency. Microbial community analysis demonstrated a 3.99 % increase in HD functional bacteria abundance with ectoine addition, highlighting its crucial role in regulation community succession and stability. Structural equations modeling analysis identified the regulatory relationship paths involved in the response and mitigation of HSAD to high salinity stress. This study deepens understanding of the inhibition mechanism of HSAD caused by high-salt wastewater and provides a feasible technical solution for salt stress alleviation in sulfur-based mixotrophic denitrification.

Strengthening organizational resilience: role of sustainable supply chain, digitalization and business model adaptation

Purpose Organizational resilience is a prerequisite to ensure preparedness and quick recovery from disruptions for an organization. However, there is scant literature that examines antecedents that are associated with resilience. This study aims to evaluate antecedents of organizational resilience considering three factors: sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), business model adaptation (BMA) and digitalization. Design/methodology/approach This study considers the dynamic capability view as a theoretical lens to formulate the hypotheses between the mentioned constructs. The authors test the hypotheses based on the data collected from 259 manufacturing companies. The authors consider structural equation modeling and mediation analysis to analyze the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results of structural equation modeling suggest that there is a positive association between SSCM and organizational resilience. Furthermore, the results suggest that digitalizing the business processes and deploying an adaptable business model can help organizations enhance their resilience levels. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by identifying dynamic capabilities that can influence organizational resilience and extending the relevance of BMA and digitalization in the context of sustainability and resilience. Furthermore, this research informs managers on effective pathways for managing future disruptions.

Analysis of Service Quality in Improving Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty in Pratama Berkah Sehat

Health services cannot be separated from the demands of competition in all aspects. Good service management is needed to create the health services the surrounding community needs so that the community feels satisfaction with health services as one of the businesses that must be carried out. The research design used in this research is quantitative. The population and sample used for this study were all patients who were treated at the Berkah Sehat Primary Clinic, totaling 200 patients. All of the 200 patients who sought treatment at the Berkah Sehat Pratama Clinic between March 2023 and April 2023 comprised the population and sample for this study. The study's objective was to examine the impact of the clinic's doctor, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and patient loyalty quality levels. Data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis with the Amos application version 24, Excel, and Spss. With a factor loading value of 0.989, assurance receives the best ranking for doctor services. With a factor loading value of 0.957, assurance receives the best grade in the pharmaceutical services category. With a factor loading value of 0.982, reliability receives the highest ranking for laboratory technician services. Product quality has the greatest factor loading value for patient satisfaction, at 0.965. The statement that I won't visit any clinic because I am satisfied with the services offered at the Berkah Sehat Primary Clinic with a loading factor value of 0.798 and the statement that if one day my family or friends need medical care, I would advise them to visit the Berkah Sehat Pratama Clinic with a loading factor value of 0.798 represent the highest assessments of patient loyalty. The results of the direct impact analysis show that doctors service quality, pharmacy service quality, and laboratory technician service quality influence patient loyalty. Patient satisfaction can influence the impact of the quality of service of doctors, pharmaceutical companies and laboratory technicians on loyalty at Berkah Sehat Primary Clinic.

Attitudes of students toward domestic violence and children’s rights: a cross-sectional study and structural equation model analysis

Purpose This study aims to investigate the attitude of students toward domestic violence (DV) and children’s rights. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire design method was used to collect data. The participants of the study were university levels of associate degree students in Eastern Turkey. Findings Results showed that female students were more likely to approve of DV, and this difference was statistically significant. The structural equation modeling analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between students' attitude toward children’s rights and their overall attitude toward DV. Originality/value This research suggests that the participants had a positive view of DV and a moderate attitude toward children’s rights. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance the attitude and awareness of future health professionals about children’s rights and DV.

Malaysian youth’s propensity towards ambidextrous learning: an in-depth analysis of behavioural insights dimensions

The aim of this experimental study was to compare the results before and after an intervention that included ambidextrous training to accelerate the enrolment of adolescents in technical, vocational, and educational training (TVET). In particular, the effects of an ambidextrous learning-based training programme on increasing the intention to enter TVET were examined. The independent variables constructed in this study include self-efficacy and TVET knowledge, while the dependent variable is TVET intention. The sample consisted of 480 16-year-old students from government schools in four Malaysian regions selected by cluster sampling. The study used a randomised experimental design with a no-treatment control group. The intervention included training developed as part of Behavioural Insights. Methods of analysis included descriptive and bivariate analysis of mean differences and structural equation modelling to describe the predictive model. The results showed significant differences between the actual and the control groups in terms of post-test results across all factors, including TVET intention, TVET knowledge, and self-efficacy. The structural equation modelling test found that TVET knowledge emerged as the strongest predictor of TVET intention, surpassing self-efficacy. As knowledge about TVET is the most important factor influencing a person’s intention to choose TVET, these initiatives should provide clear and comprehensive explanations of the concepts of TVET, the different TVET clusters available, and the potential career opportunities within these sectors.

The Influence of Psychological Factors on Consumer Purchase Intention for Electric Vehicles: Case Study from China: Integrating the Necessary Condition Analysis Methodology from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

This paper examines the impact of psychological factors on consumer purchase intention for electric vehicles (EVs) through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). By integrating the three dimensions of autonomy, relatedness, and competence, this study addresses a research gap in consumer innovative consumption, offering a deeper understanding of green transportation. The research reveals that psychological factors significantly influence innovative consumption and the purchase intention of EVs, aligning with the existing literature. In sustainable transportation, psychological factors such as motivation, attitude, and inner activities increasingly drive purchase decisions. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of psychological factors on purchase intention by employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). It also considers the moderating role of driving experience in the relationship between psychological factors and innovative consumption. This combined data analysis approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms influencing purchase intention, highlighting the intricate interplay between psychological determinants and consumer behavior in the adoption of electric vehicles.

Professional learning communities and their impact on teacher performance: Empirical evidence from public primary schools in Guiyang

This study examines the relationship between professional learning communities (PLCs) and teacher performance, including 396 public primary school teachers from 18 schools in Guiyang, China. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis revealed that all five PLC dimensions (Shared values and vision, shared and supportive leadership, supportive conditions, collective learning and application, and shared personal practice) positively correlate with teacher performance. Interestingly, shared values and vision indirectly influenced performance by mediating the other four dimensions. These findings highlight the importance of well-designed PLCs for teacher development in China. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Gashua Microfinance Bank and Its Impact on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises: A Mix Analyses

Objective: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are essential in stabilizing and developing emerging economies. Access to finance and credit is vital in sustaining livelihoods and developing microenterprises. Methods: The study adopted both descriptive and chi-square to evaluate the impact of Gashua microfinance banks on small- and medium-scale enterprises in Bade Local Government, Yobe state. For this purpose, the study used representative random sampling and administered two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires that were correctly filled out and returned. The data was analysed using regression and structural equation modeling analyses. Results: The findings revealed that Gashua microfinance banks do not significantly impact small and medium-scale businesses in the Local Government. Conclusion: The study recommended that the local government and the Gashua microfinance bank join each other and organize a workshop or seminar to educate the small and medium-scale enterprise owners and the Local Government members on the importance of microfinance. Furthermore, ethical finances should also be introduced to address those who are financially excluded due to religious reasons.

Learner Leadership and Student Loyalty

In this study, the author examined the impact of student leadership practices (SLP) on student loyalty (SL) in public universities in Guangxi. The survey included students from various academic levels, spanning from freshmen to seniors, who were enrolled in 10 public universities located in Nanning, Guangxi. The SmartPLS software was used to perform structural equation modeling analysis. The data were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model to explore the relationships between self-efficacy (SE), individualism (IND), collectivism (COL), and affective commitment (AC) variables. The results suggest that the significance of SLP to SL is influenced by SE, COL, IND, and AC. This finding suggests that COL in China has a substantial influence on students' positive behavior, whereas IND has a favorable impact on students' conduct. Moreover, it is important to highlight that SE does not directly influence SL; it indirectly impacts SL through AC. This study emphasizes the importance of academic collaboration in the setting of higher education institutions.

Ambidextrous supply chain strategy: roles and consequences with agile manufacturing and resilience

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of ambidextrous strategy on supply chain resilience and its impact on firm performance, employing the Dynamic Capabilities View.Design/methodology/approachThrough a survey of 215 supply chain professionals, the research employs a structural equation modeling analysis to examine the relationships between ambidexterity, agile operations, resilience, and performance.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that the ambidextrous strategy significantly enhances both agile operations and supply chain resilience. In turn, agile operations and resilience positively impact firm performance. The study also reveals that agile operations and supply chain resilience partially mediate the relationship between ambidextrous strategy and firm performance.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the supply chain management literature by highlighting the importance of an ambidextrous approach in fostering agile operations and resilience, thereby improving firm performance. It extends the dynamic capabilities view framework by elucidating how ambidexterity acts as a pivotal mechanism for adapting to disruptions and securing competitive advantage in volatile markets. Finally, measurements of ambidextrous strategy and resilience are provided to further enhance practitioners’ understanding of building these important components in networks.