structural equation modeling

The purpose of this study is to explore the concepts and dimensions of social media literacy and examine its impact on users' acceptance of social commerce. Social commerce, as a technology-based innovation in the field of e-commerce business models, is a type of online commerce equipped with social constructs, and the development of this new paradigm requires examining the factors affecting its acceptance and use by customers. Over the past two decades, more than 100 factors affecting the acceptance of social commerce have been examined and confirmed. The most commonly used of these factors include trust, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, emotional support, informational support, attitude, mental norms, perceived behavioral control, beliefs, expected performance, expected effort, social influence, facilitating conditions, mutual understanding, motivation, expectations, interaction, social presence, user satisfaction, normative expectations, sociability skills, and social relationships. One of the factors that can affect the willingness to accept social commerce is the level of users' social media literacy, which has not been examined in previous studies. In this study, the effect of the social media literacy factor in the statistical population of Iranian users is examined.

The present research method is based on positivism and inductive approach, and has a developmental-applied orientation. This research is a quantitative and field research conducted in a survey format and aims to explain and predict the effect of social media literacy on the intention and use of social commerce. In this research, first, the deep and comprehensive concepts of social media literacy are discussed, and then a comprehensive analysis of the concepts and models related to social media literacy, including the integrated multidimensional model, the SDT autonomy model, the skill-based and process-oriented model, the CSML and PSML models, the SoMeLit model, and the SMILE model, is conducted. The purpose of examining these models is to identify the dimensions of social media literacy. Based on the research objective, the effect of social media literacy on the willingness to accept social commerce was investigated with the four social, informational, technical, and privacy dimensions of the PSML model. The statistical population studied is the users of 7 widely used social media in Iran, including Instagram, Rubika, Telegram, WhatsApp, Eitaa, Bale, and iGap, who can be potential customers of social commerce. The collected survey data were analyzed based on structural equation modeling-partial least squares.

Based on the results obtained, the effect of the three technical, social and privacy dimensions of social media literacy on the willingness to accept social commerce in the statistical population of Iranian users was confirmed. Considering the application of structural equation modeling-partial least squares, the validity and reliability of the measurement model was examined with VIF, Cronbach's alpha, rho_A, CR, factor loadings, AVE and reliability of explicit variables, cross-sectional loadings, Fornell-Larker criterion, AVE criterion, HTMT criterion and all the indices were confirmed. On the other hand, the structural model was evaluated using the criteria of variance inflation factor (VIF), coefficient of determination (R2), and path coefficients.

 The results of this study confirm the effect of social media literacy on the acceptance of social commerce by Iranian users. Based on the literature study, the research model was created as a constitutive-reflective model. Four factors of the technical dimension of social media literacy, the information dimension of social media literacy, the privacy dimension of social media literacy, and the social dimension of social media literacy were created as components of the willingness to accept social commerce. On the other hand, the willingness to accept social commerce was modeled with some reflective factors. Based on the survey conducted in the target statistical population, the effect of the three factors of the social dimension, the technical dimension, and the privacy dimension of social media literacy on the willingness to accept social commerce was confirmed, and a determination coefficient of 0.728 was obtained for the dependent factor. One of the important limitations of this study was the novelty of the subject of social media literacy and the limited models for its investigation and measurement. In addition, the subject of social media literacy as a factor affecting the acceptance of social commerce had not been investigated in any similar study. In this study, the Tamplin model was used to measure social media literacy. It is recommended that other models of social media literacy be used in future research. In addition, the issue of social media literacy as a cornerstone of the correct use of social media can also be examined as an influential factor in research related to the use of various social media.

Manpower of any society is the eternal and active capital of production, creation, material prosperity and achieving spiritual goals and human excellence and other factors of capital and technology are considered as ancillary components. Using the meta-hybrid method, and for this purpose, by searching the databases between 2002 and 2020 and after their step-by-step evaluation, 65 final articles were finally approved, which led to the identification of 4 dimension of institutional socialization tactics (9 collective items, 16 formal items, 7 delegated items, 6 permanent items, 5 consecutive items, 7 fixed items), The consequences of socialization (4 items of task control, 3 items of role transparency, 9 items of social cohesion, 12 items of persistence in the organization), the dimension of proactive tactics (6 items of feedback, 4 items of information, 3 items of public socialization, 2 items of relationship building with the boss), the dimension of proactive consequences (3 items of feedback, 3 items of information, 3 items Relationships with colleagues, 4 items of relationship with the boss), and the identified variables are considered in terms of model level, type, basis and scope of focus, and finally recommended in order to help the organization's employees who are looking for ways to support managers. Considering the existing conditions and acceptance and role-playing within the organization, the variables extracted in the present study should be considered.

Today, in order to increase efficiency, effectiveness, reduce costs and improve the performance level of organizations in accordance with the expectations of stakeholders, the performance evaluation system of organizational units is considered important not only in the private sector, but also in the public sector and has become a fundamental challenge for managers. Considering the significant role that defense research and education centers play in the development of the defense industry and as a result the improvement of deterrence, measuring and evaluating their performance in achieving this goal has become increasingly important and the existence of an efficient system for evaluating the performance of these units. In the defense sector, it is an undeniable necessity. Although the evaluation of the performance of these units is done to some extent, the investigations show that the deficiencies in the current system of evaluating their performance are one of the most important reasons for not using it in practice. Therefore, the current research aims to provide a model to evaluate the performance of defense educational and research centers based on multi-dimensional approaches, from their function in meeting defense needs to performance in the axes of interest of various stakeholders. First, by reviewing the previous researches, the evaluation criteria were identified, and then by forming a focus group consisting of 15 experts’ managers and faculty members of defense educational and research centers, these native criteria and some new criteria were added.

Considering the necessity of flexibility in the supply chain to manage uncertainties, this research aims to design and explain a flexibility process model for the financial supply chain in Iran's car leasing industry. 

The research method is a mixed-methods exploratory approach. First, 21 qualitative interviews were conducted. Using grounded theory, a financial supply chain flexibility model for Iran's automotive leasing industry was developed, comprising 24 sub-categories within six main categories. Next, 260 questionnaires were distributed and completed in automotive leasing companies in Iran. Structural equation modeling was then employed to conduct a path analysis of the hypotheses concerning the relationships among the model dimensions, and the validation of the model was assessed in the study.

Based on the data analysis, the causal conditions of flexibility include "expectations related to customers," "factors related to suppliers," and "motivations related to financing." The contextual factors contain "legal-regulatory factors," "financial-economic factors," "environmental factors," and "cultural-social factors." The intervening factors of financial supply chain flexibility include "ownership and shareholders of leasing companies," "communication and IT-related factors," "industry systems and infrastructure," and "transportation and logistics." The phenomenon of financial flexibility in the supply chain was defined as "financing solutions," "effective communication of supply chain elements," "factors related to the ability to credit," and "proper risk management." Additionally, the strategies for the flexibility of the financial supply chain cover "innovation and development of new products," "development of sales network and after-sales services," "development of training and service skills," and "development of cooperation between supply chains." The consequences of financial flexibility in the supply chain of leasing companies encompass "increasing the production of automotive products," "increasing the level of access to services," "easier access to financial resources," "improving the circulation of financial information," and "increasing the efficiency of the supply chain." In the quantitative part of the research, based on the results of structural equation modeling and path analysis, it was found that intervening factors affect the antecedents and strategies of flexibility. The antecedents of flexibility have an impact on attention to flexibility. Besides, dimensions such as contextual factors, attention to flexibility, and intervening factors significantly affect strategies for financial flexibility in the supply chain, which ultimately affect the consequences of financial flexibility.

To enhance the flexibility of the financial supply chain, it is advisable for companies to draw insights from successful product development experiences. Additionally, efficient management of after-sales services, building trust and establishing effective communication with customers, and upgrading employees' knowledge, experience, and skills to align with industry developments are essential factors for fostering financial flexibility in the leasing industry.

The aim of this study is to propose a model to determine and explain the antecedents and consequences of online customer experience in social media.

This research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative section, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts in the field of digital marketing and analyzed using content analysis and MAXQDA software. In the quantitative section, a questionnaire based on the qualitative model was distributed among 384 social media users who were customers of online stores. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 3 software.

The results showed that environmental factors, customer retention, product purchase, customer-centricity, and product significantly impacted the online customer experience, while ease-of-use did not have a significant effect. Additionally, the model developed in the qualitative section successfully explained the relationships between the variables and was deemed suitable for practical application in digital businesses.

This study demonstrated that various factors such as environment, customer-centricity, and purchase processes play a crucial role in enhancing the online customer experience. Organizations can improve customer experience by focusing on these factors and refining their digital strategies, which in turn can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. The findings also highlight the importance of personalized services and engagement with customers in digital platforms.

The objective of this study is to design and validate a human capital governance model with an efficient management approach in Iran’s public organizations, particularly in the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade (IMIDRO). 

This study employed a mixed-method approach. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposefully selected human resource managers using grounded theory until theoretical saturation was achieved. The proposed model was then validated through the distribution of questionnaires among 380 managers and employees in public organizations. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). 

The results indicate that efficient human capital governance can significantly improve the performance of public organizations. Interview findings and coding analysis revealed that increasing team interactions, improving individual competencies, and optimizing human capital utilization are key success factors in human capital governance. Additionally, the proposed model was confirmed through structural equation modeling. 

The human capital governance model with an efficient management approach can lead to improved organizational performance and the achievement of developmental goals. By creating strong management mechanisms, the model activates human capital capabilities, enhancing productivity and efficiency in public organizations. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for improving human capital governance in other public and private organizations as well.

The aim of this study is to develop a competency model for jobs at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a subsidiary of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. 

This mixed-methods research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Initially, qualitative data were collected through library studies and thematic analysis. Based on this data, a questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative information, which was distributed among 90 employees and managers of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The collected data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling. 

The results of the analysis showed that the proposed competency model had a good fit, with all structural paths being statistically significant. Both technical and managerial competencies played a crucial role in improving employee performance and safety. The model’s goodness-of-fit index was calculated at 0.413, indicating a strong fit. 

This study concluded that developing a multidimensional competency model, including technical, managerial, and communication skills, can lead to improved efficiency and safety in nuclear power plants. Implementing such models in recruitment, training, and employee evaluation processes can positively impact organizational productivity.

This research aims to design and test the success model of e-learning in the educational industry. This study was conducted using the qualitative approach of grounded theory and the quantitative approach of structural equation modeling. Experts, management university professors, managers of e-learning institutes, and experts formed the statistical community, 8 of these people were selected as a statistical sample in the qualitative section and 70 of these people were selected in the quantitative section. To perform the aforementioned analysis, MAXQDA software version 2020 was used in the qualitative section and structural equation modeling software using Smart PLS version 4 software was used in the quantitative section. Qualitative findings showed that the causal conditions of the e-learning success model consisted of 33 primary codes and 6 sub-categories; background conditions included 24 primary codes and 5 sub-categories; the intervening conditions consisted of 36 primary codes and 8 sub-categories. E-learning success model strategies consisted of sub-categories of geographical business development, the role of planning in electronic education, the need to take advantage of today's achievements, the use of e-learning to reduce costs, cultural factors, and e-learning, e-learning requirements, business strategy, designing the basic platform of electronic education, e-learning success requirements, and the ability of electronic educational businesses. Moreover, the findings showed the consequences of the success model of e-learning including the benefits of e-learning, interaction in electronic learning environments, the role of e-learning in educational businesses, community and e-learning, the potential of e-learning, e-learning and business, and its recommendation for electronic education. Quantitative findings also showed that the research model is well-fitted.

Given the dependencies of key economic sectors, the global steel demand is expected to increase. Therefore, pursuing multiple strategies and aligning with global market developments is essential to enhance and achieve competitiveness in this industry. One of the development approaches in the steel industry, like other technology-based industries adapting to advancements in new technologies, is using a technology transfer approach. This industry is one of the largest and most important industries in the world and plays a very important role in many economic sectors. It can be significantly recognized in global markets as one of the main and powerful players by improving its competitiveness. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the competitiveness model in the steel industry with a technology transfer approach.

This research is applied considering its objective and follows a descriptive survey methodology for data collection. The statistical population of this research includes managers and employees of companies active in the country's steel industry. The data collection tool in this research was a questionnaire distributed randomly among the population. Ultimately, 384 questionnaires suitable for data analysis were collected. The gathered data were analyzed through the structural equation approach and with the help of Smart-PLS software. The model validation in this research was formed comprehensively with an interpretive-structural modeling approach.

The results showed that among the influencing factors, internal factors have the highest impact on competitiveness, while among the contextual factors, political and legal factors have the most significant effect. Additionally, the strategy of investment and cooperation was identified as the most effective for improving competitiveness, potentially yielding important economic, social, and organizational benefits for companies in the steel sector. Consequently, it is suggested that these companies enhance the selection and purchasing power of domestic and foreign customers by diversifying their product offerings, including related and complementary products, to cater to a wide range of needs within the industry.

The petrochemical industry is not in a favorable condition in this regard, and the volume and lines of products and derivatives in the industry are limited despite the available potential. Support from official, governmental, and legislative institutions for stakeholders and investors in the steel sector is crucial. By providing appropriate facilities and subsidies, these institutions can encourage and motivate active and potential investors to expand their production activities. Additionally, it is essential to reduce cumbersome and discouraging laws related to investment and exports. One of the most important drivers for increasing competitiveness among companies in the steel industry is the presence of a supportive atmosphere and attitude from senior company managers. The industry needs to step towards attracting, transferring, and developing existing technologies. Therefore, the presence of expert and capable managers with an entrepreneurial orientation in new technologies can be a crucial factor in developing the steel industry.

To achieve their goals, organizations need to consider several factors, one of the most important of which is organizational participation. Isfahan Governorate, in line with its organizational mission, tries to provide quality services with a central program through encouraging increased participation of employees and taking advantage of their opinions and suggestions. Hence, the current research is aimed to present a model for increasing employee participation in Isfahan Governorate. To this end, 54 influencing factors regarding employee participation were extracted through the review of research literature. The intended research community consisted of all the employees and managers of Isfahan Governorate, and 21 senior managers of the organization who were recruited through convenience samling and their opinions were analyzed using the fuzzy Delphi method. The final factors were codyfied in 7 dimensions of leadership, job satisfaction, performance evaluation, clear goal setting and policy making, organizational culture, human resource measures and organizational structure. The conceptual model and the relationship of the factors were presented using the DEMATEL method. The conceptual model with the addition of employee participation as a dependent variable was quantitatively investigated using the structural equation modeling method. The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between leadership and human resources measures; leadership and organizational structure; organizational structure, goal-setting and policy-making; human resources measures and organizational culture; organizational culture and performance evaluation; goal-setting and policy-making component and performance evaluation; performance evaluation component and job satisfaction; and job satisfaction and employee participation.

The purpose of this study is to study the evaluation of high performance human resource management in the police force of Guilan province. To this end, conducting a research with a quantitative approach was on the agenda. The statistical population of the study included all heads, managers and deputies of the police force of Guilan province in the number of 160 people, of which 113 people were selected as a statistical sample using Krejcie and Morgan table. In order to analyze the data, first the model taken from the literature and research background was validated and finalized using fuzzy Delphi technique using the opinions of 10 experts. The finalized model had 3 dimensions, 16 components and 65 indicators. Then, the proposed model was evaluated using structural equation modeling technique in three stages including: measurement model fit, structural model fit and general model fit and using PLS software in Guilan police. According to the results, the rank of each of the dimensions, components and indicators in the model was determined in the police force of Guilan province and the results were reported. Police managers can use the results of this study to improve high-performance human resource management in the Gilan police force.

Investment attraction is considered one of the most important economic variables in most countries of the world, so that most of the countries' economic goals can be achieved with initiatives in this field. The aim of the current research is to provide a model of value creation with the approach of attracting and developing investment in free zones according to the conditions of Iran. In the present study, experts were interviewed in free zones using the researcher-made in-depth interview tool. Interviews were analyzed with Max Kyuda qualitative data analysis software and three-stage open, central and selective coding. The research findings include causal conditions (national factors, globalization of free zones, infrastructural and technical, depth of knowledge, culture building, quality of statistics and information), intervening conditions (political and economic factors, instability of management in free zones, competitiveness and legal system) and finally background conditions (environmental conditions in terms of territorial development of free zones, potentials of free zones, scientific potentials, geopolitical situation, scientific potentials, economic, political and international situation). The analyzes show that "achieving value creation, and value creation with the approach of investment attraction and development" is the central category and the most important value creation strategy in free zones, support for the organization of free zones, revision of laws and free zones, improvement of foreign relations, the development of the knowledge-based economy and the strengthening of competitiveness. Finally, in order to validate the designed model, the content value of each index in measuring the proposed concepts was analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Nowadays, one of the new approaches in the development of human resources is related to the empowerment of employees. The current research with the subject: evaluation of the effect of green human resources management factors on the company's economic productivity was carried out in Alborz Steel Company. The statistical sample and the statistical population coincided and the number of the statistical population was determined to be 95 people. The method used in the research is structural equation modeling. The results of the research hypothesis test showed that: teaching green principles and rules to the organization's employees, hiring employees who pay special attention to the environment, forming teams to empower the environment, encouraging employees to design green products, evaluating green performance, green rewards and cooperation with In choosing a green product, the customer improves the process of greening the supply chain and has a positive effect on economic productivity. Also, in line with the results of this research, suitable suggestions such as green training and green rewards were made to improve productivity in Alborz Steel Company and similar companies.