Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with latent variables has become a quasi-standard in investigating complex causal relationships in business and social research. Recently, PLS Path Modeling has encountered increasing popularity across many scientific disciplines as an easy, yet powerful, estimation technique for structural equation models. It is characterized by robustness, prediction orientation and its capability to estimate formative measurement models.

This seminar provides a profound introduction to PLS Path Modeling. Participants will learn how to apply PLS Path Modeling by means of the SmartPLS software. The seminar contains several SmartPLS examples and exercises. This seminar covers the following topics:

• An introduction to structural equation modeling (SEM) and PLS Path Modeling
• Formative vs. reflective measurement models in SEM
• The PLS algorithm in a nutshell
• Measurement model evaluation and interpretation of PLS results
• Significance testing by means of bootstrapping blindfolding
• Assessing predictive capability through blindfolding
• Goodness of Fit in PLS
• Analyzing mediating effects

Additionally, we offer an introduction into empirical research and statistics on the first day of the seminar. So even if the last contact with statistics was some time ago, we will refresh this knowledge, and allow to follow the whole course with ease.

For a detailled overview over the topics covered please consult the preliminary agenda.

This seminar is designed for practicing business professionals, and for full-time faculty and students who are engaged in, or interested in, current techniques to perform Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using PLS Path Modeling. To receive the academic discount, a participant must currently be a full-time faculty member, or a student at a college or university. Knowledge about uni- and bivariate analysis is recommendable, although it can easily be refreshed on the first day of the course. A basic knowledge of SEM techniques is helpful, but not required.