This textbook presents a basic introduction to structural equation modeling (SEM) and focuses on the conceptual steps to be taken in analysing conceptual models.

A Beginner’s Guide to Structural Equation Modeling, fifth edition, has been redesigned with consideration of a true beginner in structural equation modeling (SEM) in mind. The book covers introductory through intermediate topics in SEM in more detail than in any previous edition. All of the chapters that introduce models in SEM have been expanded to include easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidelines that readers can use when conducting their own SEM analyses. These chapters also include examples of tables to include in results sections that readers may use as templates when writing up the findings from their SEM analyses. The models that are illustrated in the text will allow SEM beginners to conduct, interpret, and write up analyses for observed variable path models to full structural models, up to testing higher order models as well as multiple group modeling techniques. Updated information about methodological research in relevant areas will help students and researchers be more informed readers of SEM research. The checklist of SEM considerations when conducting and reporting SEM analyses is a collective set of requirements that will help improve the rigor of SEM analyses. This book is intended for true beginners in SEM and is designed for introductory graduate courses in SEM taught in psychology, education, business, and the social and healthcare sciences. This book also appeals to researchers and faculty in various disciplines. Prerequisites include correlation and regression methods.

Essential Database Skills--Made Easy! Learn standard database design and management techniques applicable to any type of database. Featuring clear examples using both Microsoft Access and Oracle, Databases: A Beginner's Guide begins by showing you how to use Structured Query Language (SQL) to create and access database objects. Then, you'll discover how to implement logical design using normalization, transform the logical design into a physical database, and handle data and process modeling. You'll also get details on database security, online analytical processing (OLAP), connecting databases to applications, and integrating XML and object content into databases. Designed for Easy Learning Key Skills & Concepts--Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter Ask the Expert--Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips Try This--Hands-on exercises that show you how to apply your skills Notes--Extra information related to the topic being covered Self Tests--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledge

This book discusses the best research roadmaps, strategies, and challenges in data-centric approach of artificial intelligence (AI) in various domains. It presents comparative studies of model-centric and data-centric AI. It also highlights different phases in data-centric approach and data-centric principles. The book presents prominent use cases of data-centric AI. It serves as a reference guide for researchers and practitioners in academia and industry.

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Databases brings the elements of a database together using easy to understand language, perfect for the true beginner. It not only gives specific hands on practice, but also provides an overview of designing, maintaining and using a database. This book covers what databases are used for, why databases are important, why the design of the database is important, database normalization, keys to solid database design, differences in types of databases, and indexes--what they are, how we use them, and why they are important.

Welcome to the world of data analysis! In today's data-driven era, the ability to effectively analyze and derive insights from data has become a vital skill for individuals and organizations across various domains. This book aims to serve as your comprehensive guide to understanding and performing data analysis, from the fundamental concepts to the practical applications. Chapter 1 introduces you to the fascinating realm of data analysis. We delve into the importance of data analysis in decision-making processes and highlight its role in gaining valuable insights and making informed choices. Understanding the power of data analysis sets the foundation for your journey ahead. Chapter 2 focuses on data entry, a crucial step in the data analysis process. We explore different methods and techniques for entering data accurately, ensuring the reliability and integrity of your dataset. Effective data entry practices are essential for obtaining meaningful results. In Chapter 3, we explore the different types of data analysis. Whether it's exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, or prescriptive analysis, you will gain an understanding of each type and when to employ them in various scenarios. This chapter equips you with the knowledge to choose the appropriate analysis technique for your specific needs. To lay the groundwork for your data analysis journey, Chapter 4 familiarizes you with the basic terminology commonly used in the field. From variables and observations to measures of central tendency and variability, this chapter ensures you have a solid grasp of the foundational concepts necessary for effective data analysis. Chapter 5 focuses on setting up your data analysis environment. We guide you through the process of installing the necessary software and configuring your data workspace. Creating an optimal environment is crucial for seamless and efficient data analysis. Data preprocessing takes center stage in Chapter 6. We delve into the essential steps of data cleaning, transformation, and handling missing values. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to prepare your data for analysis, ensuring its quality and usability. In Chapter 7, we explore the exciting world of data exploration and visualization. Understanding the distribution of data and identifying relationships between variables are key aspects of uncovering meaningful insights. We delve into creating various charts and graphs to visually represent data, aiding in its interpretation and analysis. Chapter 8 introduces you to statistical analysis techniques. Descriptive statistics help us summarize and describe data, while inferential statistics enable us to make inferences and draw conclusions about populations based on sample data. Additionally, hypothesis testing allows us to validate our assumptions and test specific predictions. Predictive analytics takes the spotlight in Chapter 9. We explore techniques such as linear and logistic regression, decision trees, and clustering algorithms. These techniques empower you to make predictions and forecasts based on historical data, providing valuable insights for decision-making. Chapter 10 is dedicated to machine learning, an exciting field within data analysis. We introduce the fundamentals of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms. Understanding these concepts opens doors to more advanced data analysis techniques and applications. Ethics in data analysis takes center stage in Chapter 11. We delve into the critical considerations of privacy concerns, data bias, and fairness in data analysis. Ethical data practices are crucial to ensure the responsible and ethical use of data in analysis. Chapter 12 explores the wide-ranging applications of data analysis. We delve into the domains of business analytics, healthcare analytics, sports analytics, and social media analytics, highlighting how data analysis drives insights and informs decision-making in these fields. Finally, Chapter 13 serves as a conclusion and sets you on the path for further learning and development. We recap the key concepts covered in the book, provide tips for advancing your data analysis skills, and discuss future trends and innovations in the field. We hope this book serves as a valuable resource in your data analysis journey. Whether you are a student, professional, or data enthusiast, we believe that understanding and applying data analysis.

Essential Skills--Made Easy! Learn how to create data models that allow complex data to be analyzed, manipulated, extracted, and reported upon accurately. Data Modeling: A Beginner's Guide teaches you techniques for gathering business requirements and using them to produce conceptual, logical, and physical database designs. You'll get details on Unified Modeling Language (UML), normalization, incorporating business rules, handling temporal data, and analytical database design. The methods presented in this fast-paced tutorial are applicable to any database management system, regardless of vendor. Designed for Easy Learning Key Skills & Concepts--Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter Ask the expert--Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips Try This--Hands-on exercises that show you how to apply your skills Notes--Extra information related to the topic being covered Self Tests--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledge Andy Oppel has taught database technology for the University of California Extension for more than 25 years. He is the author of Databases Demystified, SQL Demystified, and Databases: A Beginner's Guide, and the co-author of SQL: A Beginner's Guide, Third Edition, and SQL: The Complete Reference, Third Edition.

The best way to learn anything is by doing. The author uses a friendly tone and fun examples to ensure that you learn the basics of application development. Once you have read this book, you should have the necessary skills to build your own applications.If you have no experience but want to learn how to create applications in HTML5, this book is the only help you'll need. Using practical examples, HTML5 Web Application Development by Example will develop your knowledge and confidence in application development.

Make the most of FileMaker Pro 13–without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to create FileMaker Pro databases that perform well, are easy to manage, solve problems, and achieve your goals! Even if you’ve never used FileMaker Pro before, you’ll learn how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. FileMaker Pro has never, ever been this simple! Who knew how simple FileMaker® Pro 13 could be? This is the easiest, most practical beginner’s guide to using the powerful new FileMaker Pro 13 database program...simple, reliable instructions for doing everything you really want to do! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: • Get comfortable with the FileMaker Pro environment, and discover all you can do with it • Create complete databases instantly with Starter Solutions • Design custom databases that efficiently meet your specific needs • Identify the right tables, fields, and relationships; create new databases from scratch • Expand your database to integrate new data and tables • Craft layouts that make your database easier and more efficient to use • Quickly find, sort, organize, import, and export data • Create intuitive, visual reports and graphs for better decision-making • Use scripts to automate a wide variety of routine tasks • Safeguard databases with accounts, privileges, and reliable backups • Share data with colleagues running iPads, iPhones, Windows computers, or Macs • Take your data with you through FileMaker Go • Master expert tips and hidden features you’d never find on your own • And much more...

Written in plain English and based on successful client engagements, Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives: A Conceptual Approach introduces new and veteran data modelers, financial analysts, and IT professionals to the fascinating world of financial derivatives. Covering futures, forwards, options, swaps, and forward rate agreements, finance and modeling expert Robert Mamayev shows you step-by-step how to structure and describe financial data using advanced data modeling techniques. The book introduces IT professionals, in particular, to various financial and data modeling concepts that they may not have seen before, giving them greater proficiency in the financial language of derivatives—and greater ability to communicate with financial analysts without fear or hesitation. Such knowledge will be especially useful to those looking to pick up the necessary skills to become productive right away working in the financial sector. Financial analysts reading this book will come to grips with various data modeling concepts and therefore be in better position to explain the underlying business to their IT audience. Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives—which presumes no advanced knowledge of derivatives or data modeling—will help you: Learn the best entity–relationship modeling method out there—Barker’s CASE methodology—and its application in the financial industry Understand how to identify and creatively reuse data modeling patterns Gain an understanding of financial derivatives and their various applications Learn how to model derivatives contracts and understand the reasoning behind certain design decisions Resolve derivatives data modeling complexities parsimoniously so that your clients can understand them intuitively Packed with numerous examples, diagrams, and techniques, this book will enable you to recognize the various design patterns that you are most likely to encounter in your professional career and apply them successfully in practice. Anyone working with financial models will find it an invaluable tool and career booster. What you’ll learnYou will learn how to: Recognize and identify financial derivatives Reuse data modeling patterns and apply them to create something new Data model simple and complex options Data model SWAPS Data model futures and forward contracts Who this book is for Data modelers, financial analysts, IT professionals, and anyone with an interest in data modeling and business analysis. Table of Contents Introduction Notation Financial Contracts Primer Modeling Forward Contracts Modeling Futures Contracts Modeling Options Advanced Options Modeling – Designing Trading Strategies Swaps and Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) Finishing Thoughts