INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING (PLS-SEM) USING STATA

PLS-SEM, also referred to as partial least squares path modelling, is an alternative approach to SEM which is being increasingly used in social sciences, psychology, business administration and marketing. PLS-SEM can be viewed as a component-based SEM alternative to the covariance-based structural equation modelling, which can be described as a factor-based SEM technique. As such, the PLS-SEM approach provides researchers with a multivariate statistical technique that can readily be used to estimate exploratory or/and complex SEM models. Although there are several stand-alone specialized PLS-SEM software packages available, this course introduces participants to the PLS-SEM methodology through the user-written Stata package, plssem, developed by the course instructors.

The course is of particular interest to researchers and professional working in social sciences, psychology, business administration, marketing and management. Due to its introductory nature, it is however, also accessible to individuals, regardless of their respective disciplines or fields, who need to acquire the requisite toolset to apply the PLS-SEM methodology to their own data. During the course, theoretical concepts are reinforced by applied case study examples, in which the course tutor discusses current research issues, highlighting potential pitfalls and the advantages of individual techniques.

Participants are expected to have previously followed a basic course in statistics. More specifically, a working knowledge of linear regression analysis is required. Previous exposure to Stata or other statistical software packages would also be an advantage.

COURSE OUTLINE

09:00-09:45 What is PLS-SEM?

10:00-10:45 PLS-SEM specification and estimation

11:00-11:45 Practical session: pls-sem commands and model specification

12:00-12:45 PLS-SEM assessment and interpretation

12:45-14:00 Lunch

14:00-14:45 Practical session: advanced examples with assessment and interpretation

15:00-15:45 Mediation with PLS-SEM

16:00-16:45 Practical session: simple and complex mediation models

The course will be held at Villa La Stella, Via Iacopone da Todi, 12, Florence on the10th May 2024.

Full-Time Undergraduate, Masters, Ph.D Students*: € 245,00
Others: 375,00

*To be eligible for student prices, participants must provide proof of their full-time student status for the current academic year. Our standard policy is to provide all full-time students, be they Undergraduates or Masters students, access to student participation rates. Part-time master and doctoral students who are also currently employed will, however, be allocated “other” status.

Fees are subject to VAT (applied at the current Italian rate of 22%). Under current EU fiscal regulations, VAT will not however be applied to companies, Institutions or Universities providing a valid tax registration number.

The number of participants is limited to 15. Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Course fees cover: i) teaching materials – copies of lecture slides, databases and Stata programs specifically developed for the course; ii) a temporary licence of Stata valid for 30 days from the day before the course commences.

Individuals interested in attending the training course should contact TStat Training to ask for a registration form. The completed application should then be returned to TStat by the 30th of April 2024.