Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)In view of its essential role in knowledge creation, multivariate data analysis prevails the social sciences literature. The field tourism is not an exception, specifically widely adoption structural equation modeling (SEM), a technique, by researchers over past decade. While there are two major types SEM including covariance-based (CB-SEM) and variance-based (PLS-SEM), former dominated previous research. However, increasing use PLS-SEM research has been witnessed recent years. This upward trend likely to persist near future given growing popularity other domains like marketing, strategic management, management information system, as specified preface book. Indeed, PLS-SEM, relative CB- SEM, provides more flexibility handling data. For instance, well-suited for accommodating small sample sizes complex model, fortesting model containing both formative reflective constructs, single-item measures. To this end, timely introduction book A (PLS-SEM) helps stand at front edge technique make effective analysis. Additionally, illustrates application with free downloadable software namely SmartPLS which extend research.Authored Hair, Hult, Ringo, Sarstedt, consists eight chapters. equip readers basic PLS- Chapter 1 delineates meaning relationship analysis, followed description elements Then explained. Finally, distinguished from counterpart CB-SEM while characteristics conditions where adequate than vice versa discussed. step 2 firstly explicates concepts specification mediation, moderation, higher-order models. measurement explained special focus differences between After that, issues that need be addressed after collection chapter ends creating illustrated. With established 3 focuses estimation. explains algorithm underpinning estimation statistical properties method, well options parameter settings running algorithm. Following about interpretation results final section execution SmartPLS.Based estimation, empirical measures models derived, evaluation takes place. 4 exhibits steps beginning. Thereafter, according three criteria internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, discriminant illustration SmartPLS. 5 assessment respect collinearity, significance relevance indicators. also elucidates bootstrapping used examine estimates SEM. An follows. 6 continues topic focusing model. …

European Journal of Tourism Research

Hair, J. F. Jr., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M. (2014). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1-4522-1744-4. 307 pp.