A Structural Equation Modeling Based Approach for Identifying Key Descriptors in Microstructural Materials Design

Author(s):  
Yichi Zhang ◽  
Daniel W. Apley ◽  
Wei Chen

In design of advanced heterogeneous materials system, microstructures play an important role as a link between processing and material properties. An accurate and efficient representation of material microstructures is necessary. Our prior work applied a supervised ranking algorithm to identify key microstructure descriptors, however the approach falls short in identifying redundancy in descriptors and is not reliable when the training sample size is small. In this paper, we propose a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based approach to identify significant microstructure descriptors based on either correlation functions (CF) or material properties, or both. By building a reflective structural model, we are able to deal with high correlations among all candidate descriptors, gain more insights into their relations, and identify latent factors for categorizing microstructure features. The proposed approach begins with an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for grouping and reducing descriptors to determine the proper structure of microstructure descriptors as indicators of latent factors. The SEM analysis is then applied to identify the key descriptors using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) algorithm. The nanodielectric system with epoxy-nanosilica is used as an example to illustrate and validate the proposed approach. The potential use of identified key microstructure descriptors for optimal design of microstructural materials is discussed.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhmad Habibi ◽  
Mohd Faiz Mohd Yaakob ◽  
Amirul Mukminin ◽  
Muhaimin Muhaimin ◽  
Lantip Diat Prasojo ◽  
...  

PurposeThe current study aimed to develop and validate a scale to model factors affecting digital technology access for instructional use. The scale was mainly used to assess the structural model. Besides, tests of difference were addressed regarding digital technology access for instructional use based on gender, teaching experience and school location.Design/methodology/approachThe authors implemented a survey design in this study. A scale based on prior studies was developed, validated and piloted. The pilot study data were computed for an exploratory factor analysis. Further, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and t-test procedures were used for the main data analysis (n.2677). The authors also included the importance-performance map analysis to extend of the results of the PLS-SEM.FindingsThe findings of the study successfully assessed the validity and reliability of the scale. All hypothetical relationships in the structural model were positively significant. The t-test results show that teaching experience and school location were significantly different regarding instructional use access; however, an insignificant difference emerged based on gender.Practical implicationsFailure in technology integration is possible if policies have not been carefully prepared. Therefore, users' perception is an essential factor in determining technology integration, including access to digital technology.Originality/valueThis research has the potential to enhance the understanding of access to digital technology in the context of developing countries by the elaboration of the proposed model's instrument development and validation, path analysis assessment and difference test examination with a large sample size. Also, the current study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about digital technology access that the model can facilitate a valid and reliable foundation for future researchers interested in conducting similar types of research.


Author(s):  
Isnaeni Agustin Widhiaswara ◽  
Harry Soesanto

This study aims to analyze the effect of perceived usefulness, perceived of ease of use, perceived risk , trust and purchasing decisions for GoFood in the city of Semarang. Respondents in this study are consumers who make food purchases through GoFood. Data collected through Google Form containing questionnaires filled out by 125 respondents. The analytical method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis carried out with the AMOS program. The results of hypothesis testing with SEM show that: 1. Perceived usefulness has a significant effect on trust, 2. Perceived of ease of use has a significant effect on trust, 3. Perceived risk has a significant effect on trust, 4. Trust has a significant effect on purchasing decisions, 5. Perceived usefulness has a significant effect on purchasing decisions, 6. Perceived of ease of use has a significant effect on purchasing desicion, 7. Perceived risk has a significant effect on purchasing decisions.


Author(s):  
João Corrêa ◽  
João Turrioni ◽  
Carlos Mello ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
Carlos da Silva ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a measurement model that evaluates the Brazilian hospital accreditation methodology (ONA), based on a multivariate model using structural equation modeling (SEM). The information used to develop the model was obtained from a questionnaire sent to all organizations accredited by the ONA methodology. A model was built based on the data obtained and tested through a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using the LISREL® software (Scientific Software International, Inc., Skokie, IL, USA). Four different tests were performed: Initial, calibrated, simulated, and cross-validation models. By analyzing and validating the proposed measurement model, it can be verified that the selected factors satisfy the required criteria for the development of a structural model. The results show that leadership action is one of the most important factors in the process of health services accredited by ONA. Although, leadership, staff management, quality management, organizational culture, process orientation, and safety are strongly linked to the development of health organizations, and directly influence the accreditation process.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 4017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaigham Ali ◽  
Fangwei Zhu ◽  
Shahid Hussain

The transaction cost (TC) escalation is the pervasive problem in the construction industry, which is continuously a threat to maintaining the life cycle cost of projects. Researchers have described the reality of risk for economic transactions. This study has taken the risk as a phenomenon to explore its influence on ex-post TC in construction projects. A questionnaire survey was undertaken from industry professionals to assess the risk of ex-post TC escalation in public-sector construction projects. In total, 475 surveys were conducted in Pakistan and used in the analysis. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and the measurement and structural model was validated to determine the influence of risk on ex-post TC. The final SEM results show that internal and external risk, including sub hypothesized risks, positively influence TC. The weight of relative importance shows technical risk (23.82%) and environmental risk (22.88%) as significant sub-contributors from internal and external sources, respectively. This study recommends substantial investment in human capacity development to reduce the deficiencies in the ex-ante phase of the projects that help to reduce the risk of ex-post TC escalation. It also suggests the adoption of strict policies on contingency claims, and recommends nontraditional ways of monitoring to overcome the risk of ex-post TC. This study’s results provide valuable information for industry professionals and practitioners to maintain life cycle costs as a contribution to sustainable construction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30
Author(s):  
Lisda Rahmasari

This study aimed to find out the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, innovation and marketing capabilities on competitive advantage. The research population comprised Fish Processing Business in Semarang City. The sample was selected by means of the purposive sampling technique. The sample was 100 companies. The data were collected by a questionnaire, interviews, and documentation. This research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis technique using AMOS 24.0 analysis tool. The test results using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis techniques indicate that the model is in accordance with population data. The results of the study showed that entrepreneurship oriented , innovation and marketing capabilities had a significant positive effect on competitive advantage. Used by analyzer for example validity test, test reliabilitas, and hipotesis test use modelling equation structural (SEM).


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
I KADEK TEGUH PRADANA ◽  
NI KETUT TARI TASTRAWATI ◽  
I PUTU EKA NILA KENCANA

This research is aimed to determine the factors that significantly influence consumer perception in buying imported fruits using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The study use 164 data obtained from questionnaire, which respondents were aged 18 years old or above, from Gianyar Regency, had bought and had felt imported fruits. The study use 4 latent variables (perception, product, personal, culture) with 19 measured variables. The results showed that consumer knowledge about imported fruits (product) and culture about the use of imported fruits in traditional ceremonies (culture) were significantly influence consumer perception about consumption of imported fruit (perception).


Author(s):  
Ho Yin Wong ◽  
Jason Sit ◽  
Jia-Yi Hung

The aim of this chapter is to act as a point of reference for researchers, especially new users, who would like to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to perform business analytics. SEM is a multipurpose statistical modeling technique that can be applied in various business disciplines and is a useful tool to conduct business analytics. This chapter explains some common terminologies in the SEM literature and states general steps of performing SEM analysis along with an integration of the wide range of views and empirical findings on the topic. The chapter discusses the assumptions of SEM analysis, followed by a three-stage process of conducting, which includes assumptions, specification, evaluation, and modifications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Cheng ◽  
Liebing Cao ◽  
Huihui Zhong ◽  
Yining He ◽  
Jiahong Qian

Adopting the empowerment perspective of leadership, this study proposes and examines the mediating model that leader encouragement of creativity affects innovation speed through strengthening employees’ engagement in the creative process. Using a sample of 245 participants in China, the results from structural equation modeling (SEM) suggest that the impact of leader encouragement of creativity on innovation speed is significantly mediated by creative process engagement, and positively moderated by organizational ambidexterity at the same time. Additionally, the results from fuzzy-set comparative qualitative analysis (fsQCA) with the same data set reveal that the aforementioned factors have a holistic effect on enhancing innovation speed. The results of fsQCA reinforce and refine the findings of the SEM analysis concerning the limits and conditions for how leader encouragement of creativity affects innovation speed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document