Theory Building and Theory Testing in Business and Management – Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modelling (PLS-SEM)

Date/Time
Date(s) - 23/09/2019 - 25/09/2019 All Day

Location
Alliance Manchester Business School

Audience:
Doctoral Students, Early Career Researchers

Application for bursary now closed.

Editorials on what constitutes a strong journal article repeatedly stress the importance of theory in addition to rigor and relevance. While one does not build theory from scratch, there are different ways to approach theory building.

Day 1 of this workshop explores what theory is and what it is not, the types of theories, and the different stages of the theory building process. We will also introduce you to a range of software tools that can support the initial theorizing and research question development process. Furthermore, we look at different ways to operationalize initial concepts.

Day 2 and 3 of this workshop look at Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), which has recently received considerable attention in a variety of disciplines, including marketing (Hair et al 2011, according to Google scholar the most-cited article ever published in JMTP; Hair et al. 2012a, according to Google scholar the most-cited JAMS article since 2012), strategic management (Hair et al. 2012a, according to Google scholar the most-cited LRP article since 2012), and management information systems (Ringle et al. 2012, according to Google scholar the second-most cited MIS Quarterly article since 2012).

The goal of PLS-SEM is the explanation of variances (prediction-oriented character of the methodology) rather than explaining covariances (theory testing via covariance-based SEM). The application of the PLS-SEM method is of particular interest if the premises of covariance-based SEM are violated and the assumed relations of cause-and-effect are not sufficiently explored. An additional advantage of the PLS-SEM method is the unrestricted incorporation of latent variables in the path model that either draws on reflective or formative measurements models.

The workshop will focus on the following main topics:

  • Research question development and theorizing, theory building, concept development and operationalization of constructs (VosViewer, NVivo and Endnote software)
  • Introduction to state-of-the-art of PLS-SEM using the SmartPLS 3 software: Foundations of PLS-SEM and how to apply it by means of the SmartPLS 3 software.

NARTI Bursary

NARTI are able to offer up to 10 bursaries that will cover the full course fee cost. Please note that travel, accommodation and meals will have to be covered personally. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please return the attached application by no later than Friday 31st May 2019, ensuring that you include a summary of why you wish to be considered for a bursary. Please only apply for a bursary if you are able to participate in the full duration of the workshop. If you are selected to receive a bursary and you do not participate in the full course, you will be asked to cover the full cost of the course fee. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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