Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become a standard approach for analyzing complex inter-relationships between observed and latent variables. Researchers appreciate the many advantages of PLS-SEM such as the possibility to estimate very complex models and the method’s flexibility in terms of data requirements and measurement specification. This practical open access guide provides a step-by-step treatment of the major choices in analyzing PLS path models using R, a free software environment for statistical computing, which runs on Windows, macOS, and UNIX computer platforms. Adopting the R software’s SEMinR package, which brings a friendly syntax to creating and estimating structural equation models, each chapter offers a concise overview of relevant topics and metrics, followed by an in-depth description of a case study. Simple instructions give readers the “how-tos” of using SEMinR to obtain solutions and document their results. Rules of thumb in every chapter provide guidance on best practices in the application and interpretation of PLS-SEM.

The Second Edition of Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling offers a straightforward and practical guide to PLS-SEM for users ready to go further than the basics of A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, Third Edition. Even in this advanced guide, the authors have limited the emphasis on equations, formulas, and Greek symbols, and instead rely on detailed explanations of the fundamentals of PLS-SEM and provide general guidelines for understanding and evaluating the results of applying the method. A single study on corporate reputation features as an example throughout the book, along with a single software package (SmartPLS 4.0) to provide a seamless learning experience. The approach of this book is based on the authors’ many years of conducting research and teaching methodology courses, including developing the SmartPLS software. The preparation of the book, especially this new edition, is based on the authors’ desire to communicate the PLS-SEM method to a much broader audience from management and marketing to engineering, geography, medicine, political and environmental sciences, psychology, and beyond. The Second Edition includes a new chapter on the necessary condition analysis (NCA) and covers the most recent developments in PLS-SEM, with detailed guidelines for estimating and validating higher-order constructs and nonlinear effects as well as more insights on multigroup and latent class analyses using FIMIX-PLS and PLS-POS. The book is aimed at researchers and practitioners who seek to gain comprehensive knowledge of more advanced PLS-SEM methods.

This edited volume brings together some of the best papers from the 2022 Conference on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), held at the Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj, Romania. The volume seeks to expand the current research on PLS-SEM and promote the method’s application in the scientific community. It gathers research from scholars in many different fields who work on the advancement of PLS-SEM and who apply the method to explain and predict behavioral phenomena. Researchers today can draw on a wide array of different PLS-SEM-based algorithms, complementary methods, and model evaluation metrics. Tying in with these developments, the first part of this book documents methodological advances of PLS-SEM, which extend the researchers’ current toolbox of methods. The following parts demonstrate state-of-the-art applications of PLS-SEM in various fields such as consumer behavior, hospitality, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. Special emphasis is placed on studies that apply complementary methods to offer a more nuanced analysis of the research questions.

Now in its second edition, this edited book presents recent progress and techniques in partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM), and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in PLS-PM research. Like the previous edition, the book is divided into three parts: the first part emphasizes the basic concepts and extensions of the PLS-PM method; the second part discusses the methodological issues that have been the focus of recent developments, and the last part deals with real-world applications of the PLS-PM method in various disciplines. This new edition broadens the scope of the first edition and consists of entirely new original contributions, again written by expert authors in the field, on a wide range of topics, including: how to perform quantile composite path modeling with R; the rationale and justification for using PLS-PM in top-tier journals; psychometric properties of three weighting schemes and why PLS-PM is a better fit to mode B; a comprehensive review of PLS software; how to perform out-of-sample predictions with ordinal consistent partial least squares; multicollinearity issues in PLS-PM using ridge regression; theorizing and testing specific indirect effects in PLS and considering their effect size; how to run hierarchical models and available approaches; and how to apply necessary condition analysis (NCA) in PLS-PM. This book will appeal to researchers interested in the latest advances in PLS-PM as well as masters and Ph.D. students in a variety of disciplines who use PLS-PM methods. With clear guidelines on selecting and using PLS-PM, especially those related to composite models, readers will be brought up to date on recent debates in the field.

The third edition of A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) guides readers through learning and mastering the techniques of this approach in clear language. Authors Joseph H. Hair, Jr., G. Tomas M. Hult, Christian Ringle, and Marko Sarstedt use their years of conducting and teaching research to communicate the fundamentals of PLS-SEM in straightforward language to explain the details of this method, with limited emphasis on equations and symbols. A running case study on corporate reputation follows the different steps in this technique so readers can better understand the research applications. Learning objectives, review and critical thinking questions, and key terms help readers cement their knowledge. This edition has been thoroughly updated, featuring the latest version of the popular software package SmartPLS 3. New topics have been added throughout the text, including a thoroughly revised and extended chapter on mediation, recent research on the foundations of PLS-SEM, detailed descriptions of research summarizing the advantages as well as limitations of PLS-SEM, and extended coverage of advanced concepts and methods, such as out-of-sample versus in-sample prediction metrics, higher-order constructs, multigroup analysis, necessary condition analysis, and endogeneity.

"A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), by Hair, Hult, Ringle, and Sarstedt, provides a concise yet very practical guide to understanding and using PLS structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). PLS-SEM is evolving as a statistical modeling technique and its use has increased exponentially in recent years within a variety of disciplines, due to the recognition that PLS-SEM's distinctive methodological features make it a viable alternative to the more popular covariance-based SEM approach. This text includes extensive examples on SmartPLS software, and is accompanied by multiple data sets that are available for download from the accompanying website (www.pls-sem.com). "--Publisher's website.

This book pulls together robust practices in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) from other disciplines and shows how they can be used in the area of Banking and Finance. In terms of empirical analysis techniques, Banking and Finance is a conservative discipline. As such, this book will raise awareness of the potential of PLS-SEM for application in various contexts. PLS-SEM is a non-parametric approach designed to maximize explained variance in latent constructs. Latent constructs are directly unobservable phenomena such as customer service quality and managerial competence. Explained variance refers to the extent we can predict, say, customer service quality, by examining other theoretically related latent constructs such as conduct of staff and communication skills. Examples of latent constructs at the microeconomic level include customer service quality, managerial effectiveness, perception of market leadership, etc.; macroeconomic-level latent constructs would be found in contagion of systemic risk from one financial sector to another, herd behavior among fund managers, risk tolerance in financial markets, etc. Behavioral Finance is bound to provide a wealth of opportunities for applying PLS-SEM. The book is designed to expose robust processes in application of PLS-SEM, including use of various software packages and codes, including R. PLS-SEM is already a popular tool in marketing and management information systems used to explain latent constructs. Until now, PLS-SEM has not enjoyed a wide acceptance in Banking and Finance. Based on recent research developments, this book represents the first collection of PLS-SEM applications in Banking and Finance. This book will serve as a reference book for those researchers keen on adopting PLS-SEM to explain latent constructs in Banking and Finance.

In the industry of global tourism, a pressing issue surfaces—the need to comprehend the transformative convergence of cultural exploration, gastronomic wonders, and adventurous escapades. As the world undergoes a shift in how travelers engage with diverse destinations, scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts are confronted with a profound challenge. It is in this pivotal moment that this book serves as a resource to explore the challenges and opportunities within Cultural, Gastronomy, and Adventure Tourism Development. The complexities of this issue beg scholarly investigation, urging us to unravel the intricacies that define the future of tourism. This book dissects the intricate connections between cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and the thrill of adventure within the tourism landscape. With the objective is to unravel the symbiotic relationships between these elements, it showcases how they harmonize to craft unforgettable and enriching travel experiences. Including the work of scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts, which all contribute to the diverse insights included within its pages that delve into the dynamic interplay between cultural immersion, gastronomic exploration, and adventurous pursuits. Through rigorous examination, we aim to shed light on the profound impact these elements have on shaping tourism development globally.

Ten chapters discuss key aspects of advanced PLS analysis and its practical applications, covering new guidelines and improvements in the use of PLS-PM as well as various individual topics.