scholarly journals Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzeng Yih Lam ◽  
Douglas A. Maguire

Forest ecosystem dynamics are driven by a complex array of simultaneous cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding this complex web requires specialized analytical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The SEM framework and implementation steps are outlined in this study, and we then demonstrate the technique by application to overstory-understory relationships in mature Douglas-fir forests in the northwestern USA. A SEM model was formulated with (1) a path model representing the effects of successively higher layers of vegetation on late-seral herbs through processes such as light attenuation and (2) a measurement model accounting for measurement errors. The fitted SEM model suggested a direct negative effect of light attenuation on late-seral herbs cover but a direct positive effect of northern aspect. Moreover, many processes have indirect effects mediated through midstory vegetation. SEM is recommended as a forest management tool for designing silvicultural treatments and systems for attaining complex arrays of management objectives.

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 146735842110440
Author(s):  
Legy Clara Joseph ◽  
Vasanthi Soundararajan ◽  
Satyanarayana Parayitam

This article aims to explore the relationships between destination attractions, tourists’ awareness of eco-tourism and facilities, level of perceived service, opportunities and problems, and tourist satisfaction in backwater tourism in Kerala, India. Using a structured survey instrument, we gathered data from 586 tourists. A conceptual model was developed and tested after checking the psychometric properties of the instrument. We tested the measurement model using the Lisrel package (structural equation modeling), and Hayes (2018) process macros were used to test the moderation hypotheses. The results confirm that (i) attraction and opportunities are positively related to tourist satisfaction, (ii) perception of service positively moderates the relationship between attraction and tourist satisfaction, (iii) perception of service (first moderator) and awareness (second moderator) interact to influence the relationship between attraction and tourist satisfaction, and (iv) problems negatively moderate the positive relationship between opportunities and tourist satisfaction. The implications for the literature on tourism and hospitality and practicing managers are discussed.


Assessment ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1731-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saundra M. Tabet ◽  
Glenn W. Lambie ◽  
Shiva Jahani ◽  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

The researchers examined the factor structure and model specifications of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) with confirmatory tetrad analysis (CTA) using partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of adult clients ( N = 298) receiving individual therapy at a university-based counseling research center. The CTA and PLS-SEM results identified the formative nature of the WHODAS 2.0 subscale scores, supporting an alternative measurement model of the WHODAS 2.0 scores as a second-order formative–formative model.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nebojsa S. Davcik

Purpose – The research practice in management research is dominantly based on structural equation modeling (SEM), but almost exclusively, and often misguidedly, on covariance-based SEM. The purpose of this paper is to question the current research myopia in management research, because the paper adumbrates theoretical foundations and guidance for the two SEM streams: covariance-based and variance-based SEM; and improves the conceptual knowledge by comparing the most important procedures and elements in the SEM study, using different theoretical criteria. Design/methodology/approach – The study thoroughly analyzes, reviews and presents two streams using common methodological background. The conceptual framework discusses the two streams by analysis of theory, measurement model specification, sample and goodness-of-fit. Findings – The paper identifies and discusses the use and misuse of covariance-based and variance-based SEM utilizing common topics such as: first, theory (theory background, relation to theory and research orientation); second, measurement model specification (type of latent construct, type of study, reliability measures, etc.); third, sample (sample size and data distribution assumption); and fourth, goodness-of-fit (measurement of the model fit and residual co/variance). Originality/value – The paper questions the usefulness of Cronbach's α research paradigm and discusses alternatives that are well established in social science, but not well known in the management research community. The author presents short research illustration in which analyzes the four recently published papers using common methodological background. The paper concludes with discussion of some open questions in management research practice that remain under-investigated and unutilized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy L. Gnacinski ◽  
Barbara B. Meyer ◽  
Carly A. Wahl

The purpose of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of the RESTQ-Sport-36 for use in the collegiate student-athlete population. A total of 494 collegiate student-athletes competing in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, or III sanctioned sport completed the RESTQ-Sport-36 and Brief Profile of Mood States (POMS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures were used to compare first order to hierarchical model structures. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis (χ2[528] = 1129.941, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.050; CFI = 0.929) and exploratory structural equation modeling analysis (χ2[264] = 575.424, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.013; CFI = 0.963) indicated that the first order 12-factor structure demonstrated the best fit of all models tested. Support was not observed for the fit of any hierarchical model. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between stress and recovery subscales and mood states, thus supporting the construct validity of the abbreviated RESTQ measurement model. The current findings provide support for the measure’s use in this population and give pause as it relates to the scoring and interpretation of hierarchical factors such as Total Stress and Total Recovery. Overall, the current results indicate that the RESTQ-Sport-36 may be a useful tool for collegiate student-athlete training load and competition monitoring.


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