Use Of Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Efficiency of information and communication technology adoption by entrepreneurs

PurposeThis study seeks to improve the understanding of the motivation driving the entrepreneurs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to integrate ICTs and why this process is easier for some. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is a suitable framework for this analysis. Our research aims to establish an explanatory typology based on the optimization of individual perceptions of entrepreneurs and usage intentions which enables identification of those groups that possess a greater intention to use ICTs in their businesses. This sheds light on how these factors influence their information and communication technology (ICT) adoption intentions within their businesses.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an alternative approach and methodology to contribute new insights into academic discourse regarding the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Building upon the theoretical foundation of the UTAUT, the present study pioneers the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to a dataset encompassing 436 Spanish entrepreneurs. The objective is to examine the combination of diverse UTAUT perceptions that optimise the intention to implement ICTs in their companies while minimising anxiety associated with the adoption of new technologies (the outputs). Based on the results obtained, an explanatory typology is established that combines perceptions and usage intentions.FindingsWhen applied to our group of entrepreneurs, DEA reveals that certain individuals can optimise their intentions with their current perception levels. This discovery has enabled us to create an explanatory typology through an examination of the efficiency of various perception-intention and/or anxiety combinations. Our proposed typology aims to shed light on the debate as to why not all perceptions translate into intentions and why certain entrepreneurs have a greater intention to use ICTs. An investigation of these efficient entrepreneurs reveals a wide range of combinations, which encompasses both those in harmony with effective usage behaviour and those deviating from such behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsDEA provides a snapshot of efficiency at a specific point in time and does not account for dynamic changes or adjustments over time, and DEA efficiency scores are relative measures that depend on the efficiency of other decision-making units in the dataset. The identification of appropriate benchmark units for comparison can be challenging, especially in heterogeneous datasets and cross-cultural analysis. In this respect, the UTAUT literature is lacking in cross-technology and cross-cultural comparisons.Practical implicationsOur methodology and results have implications for business management, business accelerators and economic policy. A detailed study of these clusters could reveal potential barriers and obstacles hindering the effective implementation of ICTs in MSMEs, thereby enabling researchers to focus on individuals who do not align with the model. Entrepreneurs classified in the most unfavourable typologies can take steps to enhance their perceptions, while administration and business accelerators can focus their efforts on these entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe application of the UTAUT model on individual entrepreneurs receives limited coverage in the existing literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilise a DEA methodology within the framework of the UTAUT model (in contrast to the prevalent use of structural equation modelling in previous studies related to UTAUT). This analysis contributes fresh empirical evidence to the academic discourse on technology adoption models among individual entrepreneurs. Our methodology is a tool that reveals potential barriers and obstacles in individual perceptions that hinder the effective implementation of ICT in certain types of entrepreneurs.

Processes and Predictions in Ecological Models: Logic and Causality

ABSTRACTTo make credible ecological predictions for terrestrial ecosystems in a changing environment and increase our understanding of ecological processes, we need plant ecological models that can be fitted to spatial and temporal ecological data. Such models need to be based on a sufficient understanding of ecological processes to make credible predictions and account for the different sources of uncertainty. Here, I argue (1) for the use of structural equation models in a hierarchical framework with latent variables and (2) to specify whether our current knowledge of relationships among state variables may be categorized primarily as logical (empirical) or causal. Such models will help us to make continuous progress in our understanding of and ability to predict the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems and provide us with local predictions with a known degree of uncertainty that are useful for generating adaptive management plans. The hierarchical structural equation models I recommend are analogous to current general epistemological models of how knowledge is obtained.

The Impact of Brand Perception and Customer Satisfaction on Online Buying Behavior for Cosmetic Products: An Empirical Study of Female Consumers in Gujarat

This study explores the online cosmetic purchasing behavior of female consumers in Gujarat, India, focusing on the relationships among brand perception, customer satisfaction, brand trust, and online purchasing behavior. Existing literature has explored these factors individually, but little research has been conducted on how customer satisfaction mediates the impact of brand perception on online buying behavior and how brand trust moderates the effect of customer satisfaction. This study, using a correlational design and quantitative approach, collected data from 390 female consumers across diverse demographic groups using a structured questionnaire. The conceptual model under study comprises five main constructs: brand perception, customer satisfaction, brand trust, online platform trust, and purchasing behavior on the Internet. Data were analyzed through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in ascertaining the direct, indirect, and moderating effects between the variables. This would reveal that the two influences of brand perception and trust in online platforms significantly determine online purchasing behavior, where customer satisfaction mediates both aspects. In fact, this study showed that customer satisfaction also moderated the effect of brand trust on purchase behavior. This research study suggests that businesses need to focus on building great brand images, trust building online, and improving customer satisfaction to influence consumer behavior, increase purchase intentions, and drive sustained growth in the online cosmetic market.

The influence of survival conditions on farmer willingness to participate in non-grain conversions of cultivated land based on the SOR model.

Non-grain conversions (NGC) of cultivated land pose a great threat to national food security, and farmers are the direct actors in the NGC of cultivated land. Exploring the influence of farmer' survival situation on their willingness to convert cultivated land to non-grain land can provide theoretical support for formulating control policies for NGC of cultivated land. Based on the data obtained from 650 questionnaires in Henan Province and using the SOR model as the theoretical basis, this study explored the impact mechanism of the survival situations of two types of farmers, namely, those with agricultural livelihoods (AL) and those with nonagricultural livelihoods (NL), on their willingness to convert farmland into non-grain land through the use of structural equation models. The results are as follows. The perceived benefits (PB) of NGC can improve their willingness to convert farmland to non-grain land, while the perceived risks (PR) of NGC reduce their willingness to convert farmland to non-grain land. The influence of PB and PR on farmer willingness to engage in NGC of cultivated land in the near term is greater than that in the long term. The influence mechanism of perceived income and perceived risk on the willingness of non-grain conversions of cultivated land varies with the livelihood types of the farmers. The influences of internal family situation (IS) and external family situations (ES) on the willingness to engage in NGC of cultivated land differ according to the types of farmer livelihood. There are differences in the influence mechanism of survival situations on different types of farmers' willingness to non-grain conversion of cultivated land.

Functionality and Quality of Life within the Speech-Language Pathology Assessment Context: Analysis from the Structural Equation Modeling Perspective

Introduction: Quality of life and functionality are relevant in an approach based on the biopsychosocial model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of clinical, sociodemographic, and functionality aspects on the quality of life of children and adolescents undergoing speech-language evaluation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study conducted with 84 Brazilian children and adolescents. The Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0™ were applied, and data were collected on sex, complaints, SPL diagnostic hypothesis, as well as on the Body Functions, Activities and Participation, and Environmental Factors components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis, with a 5% significance level applied to the final models. Results: Male sex and clinical-care variables had a direct and negative influence on functionality in the first two models (p < 0.05). Activities and Participation had a positive direct effect on self-reported quality of life (p = 0.031; β = 0.282) and parent/caregiver-reported quality of life (p = 0.003; β = 0.387). Parent-reported quality of life was negatively influenced by complaints of orofacial motricity alterations, while self-reported quality of life was positively influenced by the diagnostic hypothesis of speech disorders. Conclusion: The results show that sex and clinical-care complaints negatively influenced functionality, while Activities and Participation positively influenced quality of life. The use of structural equation modeling proved to be an important strategy for analyzing ICF and quality of life in SLP practice.

Scan it - get it: A study on the socio-demographic characteristics of consumers using qr codes

The present study examined the usage of QR codes among consumers from different demographic groups (gender, generation, marital status, work, income, education, experience with QR codes, QR code usage frequency, QR code risk perception) within the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). An online survey was used in the research methodology. A total of 556 individuals aged 18 and above residing in Türkiye were included in the study. The data obtained were utilized to analyze the effect of the perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment dimensions of the TAM on QR code usage attitude and intention to use, accomplished through the use of structural equation modeling. The findings showed that user experience and security perception influence QR code usage. Additionally, the study demonstrated that perceived enjoyment positively affects the intention to use QR codes, whereas perceived usefulness has no effect on the intention to use QR codes. It is imperative to develop security measures, conduct awareness studies, and enhance consumers' perceptions of trust in QR codes to facilitate the widespread acceptance of QR codes.

PROCRASTINATION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN BUSINESS STUDENTS

This integrative review article analyzes the relationship between academic procrastination and academic performance among students of Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, and Tourism, using articles from the SPELL repository of ANPAD published between 2014 and 2023. It is observed that scientific 2 production varied over the years, with greater interest in 2020 and 2023, possibly reflecting the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most articles are written by groups of three or four authors and focus on Accounting students and those combining Business Administration and Accounting, indicating a gap in studies on Business Administration and Tourism students. The predominance of quantitative studies and the frequent use of structural equation modeling highlight a preference for methods that analyze complex relationships between variables. It is concluded that academic procrastination is a crucial area of research with significant practical implications, suggesting the need for future research with more varied approaches and diversified samples to enrich the understanding of the phenomena.

Influence of Normal Quality and Functional Quality of the Business Environment on Business Environment Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Perceive Value of the Business Environment and Government Credibility

Background and Aims: This section could benefit from a clearer and more structured presentation of the research problem, methodology, results, and conclusion. Currently, the sentences are lengthy and the sequence of ideas is somewhat unclear. To improve this, the research objectives and methodology should be presented more distinctly, followed by a concise summary of the findings and their implications. For example, instead of immediately diving into specific details about customer satisfaction theory and service quality, it would be beneficial to start by outlining the broader significance of the study. This section could be shortened without losing important information. It is currently too wordy, particularly in its description of the theoretical background and methodology. The details about the theoretical frameworks used (e.g., customer satisfaction model service quality theory and new public service theory) could be briefly summarized, focusing instead on their relevance to the study. Methodology: The methodology could be described more succinctly. For example, mentioning the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) and AMOS software to analyze the data is important, but the details about the software and the number of participants in the quantitative study could be integrated more smoothly. The focus should be on explaining why these methods were chosen and how they contributed to achieving the research objectives. Results: The section on findings could be expanded to highlight the key contributions of the study. The results about the functional quality of the business environment having a greater impact than the normal quality on business environment satisfaction should be explained more clearly in terms of their practical implications. Additionally, the mediating role of perceived value and government credibility should be highlighted as major contributions to the literature on business environment satisfaction. The use of language could be simplified while still maintaining an academic tone. Phrases like "compared with 'the normal quality of business environment,' 'the functional quality of business environment' has the greatest impact on 'business environment satisfaction'" could be rewritten in a more fluid and reader-friendly way. Simplifying complex clauses would enhance readability and engagement. Conclusion: The findings highlight that functional quality has a greater impact on business environment satisfaction than normal quality, with perceived value and government credibility acting as key mediators. Simplifying the language and clearly presenting these findings would improve comprehension while emphasizing the study's practical implications.

Decoding determinants of pro-environmental behaviors of higher education students: insights for sustainable future

Purpose The investigation of pro-environmental behaviors (PEB) among college students is essential for future sustainability endeavors. Existing research seldomly concentrated on college students and their PEB. This study aims to address the gap in understanding PEB among college students. Design/methodology/approach This study constructed an integrated model combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory, with the novel addition of environmental risk perception. Through an empirical study involving 844 college students, this research analyzed the data with the structural model. Findings The authors identified that environmental values, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and risk perception play crucial roles in shaping PEB. This study also revealed age-related differences, highlighting that older students might be less influenced by attitudes and subjective norms due to more established habits. Findings underscore the importance of fostering PEB through environmental education, promotion of low-carbon lifestyle choices and incentives. This investigation not only enriches the theoretical framework for PEB but also offers practical insights for policymakers and educators to enhance sustainable practices among the youth. Research limitations/implications Though the authors offer valuable findings, this research has two key limitations: the use of observational data for hypothesis testing, which weakens causal inference, and the collection of data through questionnaires, which may be biased by social desirability. Respondents of self-report tend to behave in the socially desired ways. Consequently, they usually exaggerate their pro-environmental intention or PEB. To comprehend the influencing aspects more thoroughly, future research should consider incorporating experimental methods and objective data, such as digitalized data. Practical implications The findings provide valuable evidence for guiding college students’ PEB, including strengthening environmental education, promoting of low-carbon fashion and providing incentives for PEBs. Originality/value First, the authors examine the internal factors influencing PEB among Chinese university students within the “dual-carbon” initiative framework. Second, this research pioneers the use of structural equation modeling to merge TPB and VBN theories, offering a predictive model for university students’ PEB. Third, the authors introduce “environmental risk perception” as a novel variable derived from both TPB and VBN, enhancing the model’s explanatory power.

The Effect of Promotion, Reference Group, Brand Reputation and Motivation on the Decision to Choose a High School of Administrative Science in Southern Kalimantan with Electronic Word of Mouth (E-Wom) as an Intervening Variable

With Electronic Word of Mouth (Z) acting as an intervening variable, this study attempts to examine the impacts of promotion (X1), reference group (X2), brand reputation (X3), and motivation (X4) on the decision to pick (Y) the College of Administrative Sciences in South Kalimantan. Students from private universities in South Kalimantan, such as STIA Bina Banua Banjarmasin, Amuntai, and Tabalong, participate in the study. The sample size is 477, and the population is made up of 5,536 enrolled students from 2017 to 2021. Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Path Analysis via Smart-PLS, the study comes to the conclusion that e-WoM is greatly impacted by motivation, brand reputation, and promotion, while e-WoM and reference groups have an impact on decision-making.

The Relationship between IT Integration, Organizational Culture, and Supply Chain Performance

IT integration plays an important role in boosting supply chain performance (SCP) in today’s dynamic organizational environment. It becomes easier for real-time data sharing, collaboration, and communication among supply chain participants. However, the prevailing organizational culture has a considerable impact on how effective IT integration exists, as it can either help or hinder the adoption and exploitation of IT integration. The relationship between SCP, organizational culture, and IT integration is examined in this study. Measurement model assurance and research hypothesis examination are accomplished through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM). 90 manufacturing firms are surveyed for this research online. This analysis employs regression analysis and an ANOVA test that confirms the significant correlation between IT integration, organizational culture, and SCP. The results and findings show that supply chain performance and IT integration are positively correlated, highlighting the fact that the impact of IT integration is increased by an encouraging organizational culture that values adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning. (β=0.50,0.45,0.35,and 0.30,p&lt;0.001) provide strong evidence in favor of hypotheses 1–4. The study finds that SCP is greatly improved by successful IT integration, but the effectiveness of the integration is heavily dependent on an organizational culture that encourages flexibility and teamwork.

Factors affecting the intention to prepare for flash floods in the Philippines

Factors affecting the intention to prepare for flash floods in the Philippines

Accounting Information System and Financial Reporting Quality of Quoted Service Companies in Nigeria

AIS is seen as a significant organizational mechanism but it can only be of benefit to organizational operations, including the Quality of Financial Reporting (QFR) produced if the right factors are well integrated and operated harmoniously. Therefore, the study examined AIS and QFR of listed service companies in Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data was employed through a questionnaire which was administered on 256 respondents. Variables used included Information Quality (IQ), Service Quality (SERVQ), faithful representation, relevance, understandability and timeliness. The study adopted the use of structural equation modeling for data analysis. The findings revealed that IQ has a significant effect on QFR while SERVQ has no significant and negative effect on QFR. It is therefore recommended that organizations should ensure that they maintain good information quality which should start from the point of data collection from different sources to the point of final preparation of the financial reports.

A conceptual analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic opportunities and challenges: a case study based on higher educational institutions in Bangladesh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenges associated with using artificial intelligence (AI) in academic research and suggest various preventive measures that can be taken to address these issues and transform them into opportunities.Design/methodology/approachTo develop measurement items and constructs, the authors collected 248 responses through an online survey. These responses were then used to establish the structural model and determine discriminant validity through the use of structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4.0.9.9. Additionally, the authors used SPSS (Version 29) to create graphs and visual representations of the challenges faced and the most commonly used AI tools. These techniques allowed them to explore data and draw meaningful conclusions for future research.FindingsThis research shows that AI has a positive impact on higher education, improving learning outcomes and data security. However, issues such as plagiarism and academic integrity can destroy students. The study highlights AI’s potential in education while emphasizing the need to address challenges.Practical implicationsThis paper emphasizes the preventive measures to tackle academic challenges and suggests enhancing academic work.Originality/valueThis study examines how AI can be used to personalize learning and overcome challenges in this area. It emphasizes the importance of academic institutions in promoting academic integrity and transparency to prevent plagiarism. Additionally, the study stresses the need for technology advancement and exploration of new approaches to further improve personalized learning with AI.

Stakeholder pressure and SMEs sustainability information disclosures: why perceived benefits and sustainability knowledge matter

Purpose Sustainability research has become important than ever, due to the visible effects of business operations on the environment, and the increasing green consciousness among the various stakeholder groups. These stakeholder groups mount pressure on organizations, to inculcate sustainable practices in their operations. In light of the stakeholder-resource-based view, this paper aims to examine the direct effect of stakeholder pressure on sustainability information disclosures. The mediation effect of perceived benefits in the nexus amidst stakeholder pressure and sustainability information disclosures was also assessed. Lastly, the paper assessed the moderation effect of sustainability knowledge in the nexus between perceived benefits and sustainability information disclosures. Design/methodology/approach This research is quantitative in nature. Structured questionnaire was deployed as the data collection tool. Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana formed the population. Data set from 258 Ghanaian small and medium enterprises was analyzed by the use of structural equation modeling. Findings Contrary to expectation, the study revealed that the effect of stakeholder pressure on sustainability information disclosures is positive, but statistically insignificant. The nexus between stakeholder pressure and sustainability information disclosures was revealed to be fully mediated by perceived benefits. Lastly, sustainability knowledge was revealed to positively moderate the relationship amidst perceived benefits and sustainability information disclosures. Originality/value This paper contributes to sustainability literature by demonstrating how stakeholder pressure influences sustainability information disclosures in the context of small and medium enterprises in an emerging economy.

EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BRAND IMAGE AND PERCEIVED QUALITY TO CUSTOMER LOYALTY THROUGH SATISFACTION AND TRUST

This research aims to evaluate interconnection between brand trust, brand image, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and perceived quality among 350 reputable brands customers. Thus, study proposes the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine these constructs and their relationship in the context of customer loyalty. The analysis of internal consistency reveals that all constructs are highly reliable with Cronbach’s Alpha values greater than 0.70. Validity analysis, using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT), ensures distinctiveness amid constructs. SEM results show significant positive effects: brand trust and brand image both enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, while the perceived quality positively influences both satisfaction &amp; loyalty. Moreover, customer satisfaction mediates the impact of brand image and perceived quality on customer loyalty. Additionally, the study examines moderating variables, finding that some significantly affect customer loyalty. These findings provide actionable insights for the managers in manufacturing SMEs, emphasizing importance of building brand trust and image, ensuring high perceived quality and fostering the customer satisfaction to cultivate the customer loyalty.

Remote employee work performance in the meta COVID-19 era: evidence from Greece

PurposeBy drawing on the reciprocity norm and the employee engagement theory, the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of workplace characteristics (e.g. individual, job, group and organizational levels) on remote employee work performance (i.e. task, adaptive and proactive) and to examine the potential role of work engagement.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a phased investigation in a branch of a multinational telecommunication company located in Greece. The research was carried out from September 2022 to December 2022. Firstly, 364 exclusively remote employees completed questionnaires examining work-related characteristics (i.e. change self-efficacy, work autonomy and perceived organizational support (POS)) as well as their work engagement. Consequently, their supervisors evaluated their work performance. The research model was tested with the use of structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe research findings suggest that change self-efficacy, work autonomy, support from supervisors and organizational support positively influence employee work engagement as well as that work engagement mediates the relationship among change self-efficacy, support from supervisors, organizational support and employee work performance (i.e. task and adaptive). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that if organizations manage to influence positively their employees’ work engagement by providing them with the necessary conditions and support (i.e. individual, group and organizational levels), they may increase their work performance in changing and complex times.Originality/valueThe research findings provide new insights into how workplace characteristics and work engagement may influence employee performance during turbulent times. The originality of this study lies in the finding that employees’ work engagement mediates the relationship among change self-efficacy, support from supervisors, organizational support and employee work performance (i.e. task and adaptive). Further, the study refers to exclusively remote employees, and it was conducted in the meta coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Resilient green infrastructure: Navigating environmental resistance for sustainable development, social mobility in climate change policy

Resilient green infrastructure: Navigating environmental resistance for sustainable development, social mobility in climate change policy

THE ROLE OF SELF EFFICACY IN IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE SUPPORTED BY ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

This study aims to find out the influence of organizational culture, career development development, and self-efficacy on employee performance. The population in this study is all employees of the Tirta Darma Ayu Indramayu Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) which totals 146 people, with a sample of 110 people. The method used in this study uses one of the saturated sampling techniques. To analyze the data, the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in model creation as well as hypothesis testing in PLS 3.0 statistical software. The two main parameters built are to test the validity of the construct (convergent and discriminatory validity) and the internal consistency of the construct (reliability). After that, perform bootstrapping tests to get the test results for each hypothesis. The results of this study show that the Self-efficacy Variable (X1) partially has a positive or significant effect on the performance of employees (Y) at the Indramayu Regional Drinking Water Company. The Organizational Culture Variable (X2) partially has a positive or significant effect on the performance of employees (Y) at the Indramayu Regional Drinking Water Company The Career Development Variable (X3) partially has a positive or significant effect on the performance of employees (Y) at the Indramayu Regional Drinking Water Company.

Revolutionizing education: unleashing the power of social media in Saudi Arabian public universities

This study examines the influence of social media on learning and education inside higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. This study attempts to utilize the e-learning acceptance model (e-LAM) in order to identify some of the variables that impact Saudi students’ inclination to utilize social media for educational purposes at higher learning institutions in Saudi Arabia. The e-LAM draws on a number of different theoretical viewpoints in order to present a more comprehensive picture of the variables that encourage the use of social media in learning and education in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions while students are enrolled in universities. The study’s survey was completed by 369 undergraduates’ participants enrolled in various academic programs and different educational levels. With the use of structural equation modeling, the analysis was carried out in order to investigate the correlations that existed between the variables that were stated in the conceptual model. Social media adoption intentions in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions were found to be significantly related to performance and self, supporting hypotheses 3 and 4, while communication functionality (COM) and effort (E) were found to be not significant towards Saudi Arabian students’ intentions to adopt social media, thus rejecting hypotheses 1 and 2.