DETERMINANTS IN MODELLING EARLY SCHOOL DROPOUT

Research in international business and management (IM) is highly complex, contextual, and spans various subfields and related theoretical lenses. These characteristics pose research challenges that require utilizing sophisticated research designs and methodologies. This paper and our focused issue on ‘The use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and complementary methods in IM research’ further clarify whether and how researchers using PLS-SEM can address (some of) the challenges in IM research. We explain how researchers can benefit from the (advanced) capabilities that PLS-SEM offers; either as a stand-alone method or in triangulation efforts that leverage complementary approaches. In addition, we review the IM literature for PLS-SEM applications and evaluate whether and how researchers are already using these approaches. We identify some room for improvement when it comes to the application of both more advanced PLS-SEM capabilities and the triangulation of PLS-SEM with qualitative data analyses, and techniques such as fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses and necessary condition analyses. For better guidance, we refer to PLS-SEM application examples in which the methodological advances are used.

<p>Structural equation modeling (SEM) depicts one of the most salient research methods across a variety of disciplines, including educational management. Recent research advocates the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) as an attractive tool in action research. The purpose of this paper is to systematically examine how PLS-SEM has been applied in action research with the aim of investigating the effect of teacher’s leadership styles (transformational and transaction) and student’s motivational factors (intrinsic and extrinsic) on student engagement for implementation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in classrooms as well as explore the mediating role of motivational factors of student between the relationship of teacher’s leadership styles and student engagement. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study featuring a self-administrated questionnaire among the students of some selected schools in Bangladesh. The transactional leadership style of teachers influences student engagement, intrinsic, and extrinsic motivation while the transformational leadership style of teachers influences the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of the student. Both motivational factors mediated the relationship between leadership styles and student engagement. This study contributes to the literature by providing teachers with the updated guidelines for action research by using PLS-SEM. The study also suggests the way for increasing student engagement for CLT implementation in classrooms.</p>

The growth of the technological epoch is marked by increasingly rapid technological advances that have given rise to increasingly competitive business competition. The phenomenon that occurs due to the increasingly sophisticated technological era causes companies to try to find ways and innovations for the sustainability of their businesses, especially in the banking sector. Lack of technological access to banking is one of the problems that causes a lack of public literacy to follow the development of digitalization in order to increase customer loyalty. Therefore, it is necessary for banking efforts to start following the development of digitalization and improving its performance in order to increase customer loyalty and attract customers so that they can maximize their profits. The purpose of this study was to examine whether 1) customer trust can affect customer loyalty. 2) customer satisfaction can affect customer loyalty. 3) customer experience can affect customer loyalty. 4) service quality can affect customer loyalty. Data were obtained using a questionnaire method and processed using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the sample was selected using the non-probability sampling method on 140 digital bank customer respondents in Jakarta with convenience sampling techniques. The results of this study indicate that customer satisfaction, customer experience, and customer quality have a significant influence on customer loyalty, while customer trust does not have a significant influence on customer loyalty. Peningkatan pada era teknologi ditandai dengan kemajuan teknologi yang semakin pesat memunculkan adanya persaingan bisnis yang semakin kompetitif. Fenomena yang terjadi akibat era teknologi yang semakin canggih menyebabkan perusahaan berusaha mencari cara dan inovasi untuk keberlanjutan usahanya terutama di bidang perbankan. Kurangnya akses teknologi ke perbankan merupakan salah satu masalah yang menyebabkan kurangnya literasi masyarakat untuk mengikuti perkembangan digitalisasi agar dapat meningkatkan loyalitas pelanggan. Oleh sebab itu, perlunya upaya perbankan untuk mulai mengikuti perkembangan digitalisasi dan memperbaiki kinerjanya agar dapat meningkatkan loyalitas pelanggan dan menarik hati pelanggan sehingga dapat memaksimalkan keuntungannya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk meneliti apakah 1) kepercayaan pelanggan dapat memengaruhi loyalitas pelanggan. 2) kepuasan pelanggan dapat memengaruhi loyalitas pelanggan. 3) pengalaman pelanggan dapat memengaruhi loyalitas pelanggan. 4) kualitas layanan dapat memengaruhi loyalitas pelanggan. Data diperoleh dengan menggunakan metode kuisioner dan dioleh menggunakan Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), sampel dipilih dengan menggunakan metode non-probability sampling pada 140 responden nasabah bank digital di Jakarta dengan teknik convenience sampling. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kepuasan pelanggan, pengalaman pelanggan, dan kualitas pelanggan memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan, sedangkan kepercayaan pelanggan tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan.

The objective of this research is to identify the effect of work load on job stress among sandwich generations in Jabodetabek with compensation as the mediating variable. This quantitative research was conducted based on the gaps between previous studies regarding the effect and the direction of the relationship between work load and job stress, in addition to the increasing ratio of stress experienced by the said generations in Indonesia following the COVID-19 pandemic. The research population is employees categorized as sandwich generation who live and work in Jabodetabek, from which 220 people were selected as the respondents. The data was harvested via questionnaires and was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) in SmartPLS version 3.2.9. This study finds that (1) work load positively and significantly influences job stress, (2) work load negatively and significantly affects compensation, (3) compensation negatively and significantly influences job stress, and (4) work load positively and significantly impacts job stress with the mediation of compensation. Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh beban kerja terhadap stres kerja bagi sandwich generation di Jabodetabek dengan kompensasi sebagai variabel mediasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Penelitian ini didasari pada research gap yang terdapat pada penelitian-penelitian terdahulu mengenai pengaruh dan arah hubungan beban kerja terhadap stres kerja. Selain itu dilatarbelakangi dengan adanya fenomena peningkatan rasio dan stres yang dialami sandwich generation di Indonesia pascapandemi COVID-19. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah karyawan yang bekerja dan bertempat tinggal di area Jabodetabek dan berstatus sebagai sandwich generation. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 220 responden dengan kuesioner sebagai media pengumpulan data responden. Metode analisis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) dengan menggunakan program SmartPLS versi 3.2.9. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) beban kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap stres kerja, (2) beban kerja berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap kompensasi, (3) kompensasi berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap stres kerja, serta (4) beban kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap stres kerja yang dimediasi oleh kompensasi.

The current generation of structural equation modeling (SEM) is loosely split in two divergent groups - covariance-based and variance-based structural equation modeling. The relative newness of variance-based SEM has limited the development of techniques that extend its applicability to non-metric data. This study focuses upon the extension of general linear model techniques within the variance-based platform of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This modeling procedure receives it name through the iterative PLS‑SEM algorithm's estimates of the coefficients for the partial ordinary least squares regression models in both the measurement model and the overall structural model. This research addresses the following research questions: (1) What are the appropriate measures for data segmentation within PLS‑SEM? (2) What are the appropriate steps for the analysis of rank-ordered path coefficients within PLS‑SEM? and (3) What is an appropriate model selection index for PLS‑SEM? The limited type of data to which PLS-SEM is applicable suggests an opportunity to extend the method for use with different data and as a result a broader number of applications. This study develops and tests several methodologies that are prevalent in the general linear model (GLM). The proposed data segmentation approaches posited and tested through post hoc analysis of structural model. Monte Carlo simulation allows demonstrating the improvement of the proposed model fit indices in comparison to the established indices found within the SEM literature. These posited PLS methods, that are logical transfers of GLM methods, are tested using examples. These tests enable demonstrating the methods and recommending reporting requirements.

The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) training on academic staff’s intentions to adopt PLS-SEM software in their future research work. Our original contribution to knowledge is the application of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to study faculty intention to adopt SEM data analysis software in an under-researched context of developing country Higher Institution of Learning (HIL). Building upon the TAM, we developed a research model that conceptualises PLS-SEM training as an external variable that affects the technology adoption process. The research model was tested using data from 34 faculty members who fully participated in a PLS-SEM training workshop at the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of University of Education, Winneba. The data was analysed using SmartPLS 2.0 for PLS-SEM analysis. The findings indicate that PLS-SEM training has a positive impact on faculty members’ intentions to use the PLS-SEM software in future research. Moreover, the findings confirm the applicability and efficacy of the TAM framework that it can predict about 86% of faculty members’ intention to adopt data analysis software. This paper is one of the initial studies into the adoption of SEM data analysis software by the research community in developing countries HIL context. Despite its limitations, the paper offers important theoretical and managerial contributions. It contributes to the literature in the area of adoption of SEM data analysis software in the information systems literature.

This study aims to identify the variables that influence customers’ decision-making process regarding credit uptake at a rural bank in Kepulauan Riau. The variables are service quality, requirements, relationship, promotion, and interest rate. Using a quantitative research design, the primary data collection method employed in this study is survey questionnaires. The sample consists of 170 rural bank customers in Kepulauan Riau, selected through purposive sampling. Service quality refers to the level of customer satisfaction with the bank’s services. Requirements assess the ease of meeting credit documentation and eligibility criteria. Relationships explore the trust and rapport established between customers and the bank. Promotions evaluate the marketing efforts employed by the bank. Interest rates reflect the cost of borrowing. The collected data will be analyzed using the Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method by using SmartPLS 3.3.0. The findings will offer valuable insights to rural banks, aiding their understanding of the factors that influence customers’ credit decision-making process. The study will serve as a foundation for developing strategies aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction, improving service quality, and bolstering the bank’s competitive position in the market.
 Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi variabel yang memengaruhi proses pengambilan keputusan nasabah dalam mengambil kredit di Bank Perkreditan Rakyat (BPR) di Kepulauan Riau. Variabel tersebut berupa kualitas layanan, persyaratan, relasi, promosi, dan suku bunga. Dengan menggunakan desain penelitian kuantitatif, metode pengumpulan data utama yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuesioner survei. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 170 nasabah BPR di Kepulauan Riau yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Kualitas layanan mengacu pada tingkat kepuasan nasabah terhadap layanan bank. Persyaratan mengevaluasi kemudahan pemenuhan dokumen dan kriteria kelayakan kredit. Relasi menggali kepercayaan dan hubungan antara nasabah dan bank. Promosi mengevaluasi upaya pemasaran yang dilakukan oleh bank. Suku bunga mencerminkan biaya pinjaman. Data yang terkumpul akan dianalisis dengan metode Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) dengan software SmartPLS 3.3.0. Temuan penelitian ini akan memberikan wawasan berharga bagi BPR, membantu pemahaman mereka tentang faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi proses pengambilan keputusan kredit nasabah. Penelitian ini akan menjadi dasar untuk mengembangkan strategi yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kepuasan nasabah, meningkatkan kualitas layanan, dan memperkuat posisi kompetitif bank di pasar.

The objective of this research is to identify and analyze the effects of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, and user innovativeness on attitude and intention to use internet-based fund loans. The sample of this study is people in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, selected through non-probability sampling. The data was harvested via online questionnaires and was analyzed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4. This study finds that perceived ease of use does not significantly influence attitude, that perceived usefulness significantly affects attitude, that trust does not have any significant impact on attitude, that user innovativeness significantly influences attitude, and that attitude significantly impacts the intention to use internet-based fund loans. Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, user innovativeness terhadap attitude dan niat dalam menggunakan pinjaman dana berbasis internet. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada lingkup sampel penduduk di wilayah DKI Jakarta dengan mendistribusikan kuesioner secara online. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik pengambilan sampel non-probability sampling dan teknik analisis data menggunakan metode Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) melalui aplikasi SmartPLS 4. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu perceived ease of use tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap attitude. Sedangkan perceived usefulness berpengaruh signifikan terhadap attitude. Selanjutnya trust tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap attitude dan user innovativeness berpengaruh signifikan terhadap attitude. Terakhir, attitude berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat dalam menggunakan pinjaman dana berbasis internet.

Abstract: By leveraging digital technology, Laporkitong enhances transparency and accountability, as well as facilitates public participation in the oversight and enforcement processes related to land use and natural resource management. The Laporkitong website functions as an online reporting application aimed at documenting instances of spatial planning violations in the West Papua Province. The lack of public knowledge about the Laporkitong application has led to numerous issues. Therefore, an analysis of the adoption of the Laporkitong application is necessary. This study aims to investigate the influence of Perceived Quality, Perceived Control, and Perceived Ease of Use factors as determinants of the residents' willingness to use the Laporkitong application, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and DeLone and McLean IS Success (IS D&M) theories. As many as 160 valid respondents are gathered based purposive sampling technique and evaluated using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results inform that all seven hypotheses are accepted with the R-square of the intention to use is 0.273 indicationg 27.3% variance of the model can determine the outcome. Further discussion and conclusion regarding the implication of theoretical and practical contribution are also discussed. Keywords: laporkitong; perceived control; perceived ease of use; perceived quality; technology acceptance model Abstrak: Dengan memanfaatkan teknologi digital, Laporkitong meningkatkan transparansi dan akuntabilitas, serta memfasilitasi partisipasi publik dalam proses pengawasan dan penegakan terkait penggunaan lahan dan pengelolaan sumber daya alam. Website Laporkitong berfungsi sebagai aplikasi pelaporan online yang bertujuan untuk mendokumentasikan pelanggaran perencanaan tata ruang di Provinsi Papua Barat. Minimnya pengetahuan masyarakat terhadap aplikasi Laporkitong menyebabkan banyak permasalahan. Maka dari itu perlu dilakukan analisis mengenai adopsi pada aplikasi Laporkitong. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki pengaruh faktor Kualitas yang Dirasakan, Kendali yang Dirasakan, dan Kemudahan Penggunaan yang Dirasakan sebagai penentu keinginan penduduk untuk menggunakan aplikasi Laporkitong, dengan menggunakan Model Penerimaan Teknologi (TAM) dan teori Kesuksesan Sistem Informasi (IS D&M) DeLone dan McLean. Sebanyak 160 responden valid dikumpulkan berdasarkan teknik purposive sampling dan dievaluasi menggunakan Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa semua tujuh hipotesis diterima dengan R-square niat untuk menggunakan adalah 0,273, menunjukkan bahwa 27,3% variasi model dapat menentukan hasilnya. Diskusi lebih lanjut dan kesimpulan mengenai implikasi kontribusi teoritis dan praktis juga dibahas. Kata kunci: laporkitong; pengendalian yang dirasakan; kemudahan penggunaan yang dirasakan; kualitas yang dirasakan; model penerimaan teknologi

This research is carried out to known factors that affect Warehouse Receipt System performance using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The research was conducted in PT. Tjipinang Jaya Food Station located in Alas Pecah hamlet, Geneng village, Geneng sub-district, Ngawi regency, East Java Province. Sampling method for this research is using Cohen Approach with a total sample of 38 people and farmers as the respondent. PLS-SEM is used to determine the factors that significantly affect the performance of WRS. There are several steps that must be fulfilled to get a good model, there are model evaluation for inner model and outer model, parameter estimation and hypothesis test. The result from the analysis is there are 12 valid in discriminant and convergent and reliable indicators. The inner model evaluation showed that the goodness of model is 40,2% and it was a moderate model with strong effect size for WRS service variable and weak effect size for WRS socialization and government commitment. The model also has good predictive relevance because it has Q-square value above 0 it is 0,160. Based on hypothesis testing of the outer model all 12 valid indicators affected each latent variable. Inner model evaluation showed that factor that significantly affect Warehouse Receipt System performance are Warehouse Receipt System service and Warehouse Receipt System socialization, government commitment does not significantly affect Warehouse Receipt System performance because its hypothesis testing is accepted by the H0.

Occupational diseases can be caused by work, work tools, materials, processes, or the work environment. Efforts to control risk factors during the production process in the manufacturing industry are important. These efforts are carried out by monitoring and measuring the work environment for environmental prevention and management. Technical control, administrative control, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are some efforts to maintain their health condition and protect workers from health problems and adverse effects caused by work. This study wants to figure out the modeling of occupational safety and health factors, individuals, and the work environment that can cause occupational diseases in workers by using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The sample size in this study was 50 workers (respondents). The analysis used is Chi-Square and PLS-SEM. The results showed a significant relationship between the PPE use, years of service, air dust levels, illness history, and noise factor with the incidence of occupational diseases. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between occupational safety and health factors (PPE use and noise factor) with occupational diseases, between individual factors (years of service and illness history) with occupational diseases, and between work environment factors (air dust levels) and occupational diseases. In suggestion, a control over workplace environmental parameters that exceeded the threshold value is required, such as dust, noise, lighting, temperature, and humidity levels. Further research on other risk factors that can affect the incidence of occupational diseases is required, such as gas parameters, ventilation, and the application of occupational safety and health management systems.

This paper aims to propose improvements to plastic waste management performance via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using a survey’s structured questionnaire and hypothesis testing. The methodology has been applied to the metropolis of Salvador, Brazil’s third most populated city, although it can be used for other cities worldwide. All the indicators, constructs, and hypotheses concerning collection, sorting, and recycling came from a literature review. The dependence of the performance on efficiency, effectiveness, the municipality’s socioeconomic aspects, and the municipality’s infrastructure was evaluated, and both academic and practitioner public representatives were surveyed. Since almost double the minimum number of respondents answered the questionnaire and the PLS-SEM statistics showed that the modeling presents consistency, the discussion is relevant. The final results show that the respondents rated the volume of processing to be slightly more significant than the market maturity for the effectiveness of plastic waste management, which in turn contributes to performance. Once the positive influence of the municipality’s infrastructure on performance has also been verified, the Deposit-Return Systems (DRSs) should be considered for improvement, in addition to an increase in the availability of selective collection systems, contributing to the growth of both the recycling rate and business profitability, reflections of performance.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between Project management leadership pattern and performance, innovation work behavior and performance, and receptiveness to innovation and performance. A quantitative research method was employed, and the analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS software version 4.0.9.9. PLS-SEM was chosen for its suitability in analyzing complex models with multiple constructs and pathways, particularly in exploratory research contexts. The study surveyed 289 Gulf project-based companies, selected through snowball sampling based on the accessibility of reliable participants who had already completed the questionnaire. PLS-SEM is especially effective for handling different sample sizes, non-normal data distributions, and both reflective and formative constructs. It also prioritizes maximizing the explained variance of dependent variables and is well-suited for testing relationships between latent constructs. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure respondents’ agreement with statements related to the variable indicators, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The data analysis included validity testing, reliability testing, significance testing, and hypothesis testing. The results indicate that Project management leadership pattern has a positive and significant relationship with performance. Similarly, innovation work behavior and receptiveness to innovation both show positive and significant associations with performance.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become vital to the competitiveness of organizations. However, there is very limited research on CSR in the context of higher education. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of CSR factors on the university competitiveness with other universities. The contribution of this study includes applying a multi-analytical methodology by applying Partial Least Squares- Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). First, PLS-SEM analysis was applied to measure which CSR factor has the most significant influence on the increased competitiveness of Saudi Arabian universities. Then, an ANN model analysis was applied to rank the relative influence of the significant CSR factors attained from the PLS-SEM analysis. The findings show that the CSR factors such as market-oriented CSR activities, society-oriented CSR activities and workforce-oriented CSR activities have a significant positive impact on increased competitiveness of Saudi Arabian universities. However, based on the ANN findings, society-oriented CSR is the most significant predictor of a university's increased competitiveness, followed by workforce-oriented CSR and finally by market-oriented CSR. The practical implications of this study provide Saudi universities to focus on society-oriented CSR to maintain and sustain their competitive advantage over other universities.

The National Education Policy – 2020 is a comprehensive and transformative reform initiative in India's higher education system, aiming to strengthen academic quality and relevance through flexibility, multidisciplinary education, and student-centric governance. However, the actual effectiveness of such policy reforms largely depends on their implementation at the institutional level and the academic realities experienced by students. In this context, the present study empirically evaluates the effectiveness of NEP–2020 implementation in higher education institutions of Uttarakhand state from a student perspective and examines its impact on student satisfaction. For the study, primary data were collected from 350 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students enrolled in government, aided, and private higher education institutions located in the hilly and plain regions of the state through a structured questionnaire. The study is based on a quantitative and cross-sectional research design and utilizes the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology to test measurement properties and structural relationships. The results confirm a high level of measurement reliability and validity. The findings of the structural model indicate that effective institutional execution of NEP–2020 is associated with improved institutional performance quality, which, in turn, has a positive and statistically significant impact on student satisfaction. The mediation analysis further clarifies that institutional performance quality acts as a key transmission mechanism between policy implementation and student satisfaction. Although the cross-sectional design limits temporal causal generalizations, the findings provide strong evidence that strengthening institutional capacity, academic resources, and student support systems is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes of NEP–2020. This study offers significant policy implications for higher education administrators and policymakers, particularly in geographically diverse, regionally challenging, and resource-constrained contexts like Uttarakhand.