structural equation modeling (sem)

Problem statement: 

Considering the river channelization and the establishment of flood control structures, individuals’ perceptions of river ecological processes and environmental safety have been disrupted. A lack of proper understanding of flood risk leads to decreased adaptability in communities and increased damage and casualties during floods. Therefore, nowadays, flood risk management, in addition to structural solutions, has incorporated non-structural measures, such as flood risk perception. In this regard, it is essential to determine the role of related disciplines in non-structural approaches.

This research aims to explain the role of urban design in non-structural measures of flood mitigation by modeling the factors influencing flood risk perception and flood-adaptive behaviors. It assesses the impact of perceptual factors of the urban environment (perceived qualities, sense of place, and vision of nature) in the context of Iran.

The overall approach of the study is quantitative and is categorized as cross-sectional survey research. It began with deductive reasoning based on the theoretical foundations. Following an analysis of the theoretical literature, the impact of perceptual factors of the environment on flood risk perception was identified, and a conceptual model was developed. To assess the research model within the context of Iran, 221 questionnaires were completed in the Zibadasht neighborhood around the Kan River. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS software and structural equation modeling methods.

According to the results obtained in the Zibadasht neighborhood, urban design can play a significant role in improving flood risk perception by adjusting the perceived qualities of the environment and enhancing individuals’ place attachment to the Kan River. In addition, strengthening the place identity of individuals in relation to the Kan River is one of the factors influencing flood-adaptive behaviors in this area.

This study investigates the factors impacting academic satisfaction among architecture students at Tabriz Islamic Art University, developing a model that captures the multidimensional nature of this construct. Adopting a descriptive correlational design, the research sampled 170 graduate students using a structured electronic questionnaire consisting of 87 items rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to identify and validate key influencing factors. Ten critical factors were identified: personal characteristics, psychological factors, perceptions, emotional intelligence, educational services, non-educational services, environmental psychology, economic and entrepreneurship factors, personal growth, and social culture. Educational services, cultural-social factors, and emotional intelligence were found to be the most significant determinants of academic satisfaction, while economic factors had the least influence. This study highlights the need for deeper understanding academic experiences in architecture and offers practical implications for enhancing educational practices and institutional policies, serving as a vital resource for universities aiming to improve student satisfaction

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a fundamental approach to enhancing stakeholder participation and sustainability in smart cities, as it increases access to information, improves communications, and enhances transparency in urban decision-making processes. In this regard, the aim of the research is to investigate the role of ICT in advancing urban sustainability amidst rapid urban population growth and the implementation of smart projects in Tehran. The research method is descriptive-analytical and falls within the path analysis branch. Data collection tools include standardized questionnaires on ICT, smart urban sustainability, stakeholder participation, and urban resilience. The target population consists of all urban experts, with a sample size of 70 determined using the snowball sampling method. Structural Equation Modeling (PLS) is utilized for data analysis. Descriptive results indicate that the mean for ICT variables (3.72) is at a semi-stable level, while smart urban sustainability (3.72), stakeholder participation (3.86), and urban resilience and adaptation (3.8) are determined at a stable level. Inferential results suggest that the impact of ICT on stakeholder participation with a significant coefficient (2.41), the impact of ICT on smart urban sustainability with a significant coefficient (4.706), the impact of stakeholder participation on smart urban sustainability with a significant coefficient (4.766), the mediating role of stakeholder participation in the relationship between ICT and smart urban sustainability with a significant coefficient (2.130), and the impact of urban resilience and adaptation on smart urban sustainability with a significant coefficient (3.363) which are all greater than 1.96, are confirmed. Therefore, the concept of this study facilitates optimizing the influence of the urban environment based on ICT and creates sustainable and resilient communities that meet the needs and priorities of all members of society.

Urban resilience, a prominent theory in the realm of urban planning, plays a significant role in bridging the gap between theory and practice in this field. Numerous scholars of urban planning have investigated resilience in their studies and they are exploring its meaning to be used in planning operations and in governance institutions. This surge of attention to the study of new concepts by planners has led to innovation, and finally, their tendency to improve the current conditions in cities. In this study, among the possible natural disasters in Karaj, the flood is chosen because of its importance and the considerable attention to it. It should be noted that the threat of flooding in Karaj deserves due attention because this city is located near the Karaj River and dam, and there is a possibility of river overflow and inundation, which could cause huge damages to urban facilities. In addition, any danger related to the Karaj River and dam could affect the water supply to Tehran, making this disaster more important. Therefore, it is essential to identify and extract the dimensions and elements of urban resilience, and a research in this field requires deep investigation. In this regard, this study seeks to identify the elements and dimensions of urban resilience against flood in Karaj city using theme analysis approach and quantitative evaluation by Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) method. This study is an applied research in terms of purpose, and a mixed methods research that conducted content analysis on the qualitative data collected by systematic review. This study used a Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) method in quantitative research with factor analysis approach. The population of qualitative research consisted of 161 national and international papers published in reliable scientific journals from 2002 to 2022, which included the keywords of ‘Urban Resilience’ and ‘Urban Resilience against Flood’. These papers were selected as samples by a judgmental sampling and were analyzed to get a general idea of effective dimensions and elements of urban resilience to flood in Karaj city. For this purpose, qualitative research, and in particular, content analysis was conducted. In addition, the population of quantitative research included senior and middle managers, operating officers of urban planning who worked in the ministry of road and urban development, faculty members and academicians, experts, practitioners and employees of research centers, as well as PhD students of urban planning field. Of which 400 were selected as sample by convenience sampling method, using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The instruments of collecting data in qualitative research were a checklist, and in quantitative research, a researcher-made questionnaire whose reliability was estimated at 0.844 based on the Cronbach’s alpha. The questionnaire included 60 items that were organized in a five-point Likert scale. In order to evaluate validity and reliability, the questionnaire was sent to the elites and the final version was designed after confirming the content validity index and ratio. The electronic link of the questionnaire was sent to the sample group, who completed and returned it via internet. For data analysis, MASQDA 13.28 and Smart PLS 3.2 were used. Goodness of fit (GOF=0.818) showed that the model fitted well with data. The results confirmed presence of social (β=0.925), economic (β=0.731), institutional/organizational (β=0.863), physical/structural (β=0.797), infrastructure/physical (β=0.946) and environmental (β=0.611) dimensions and their elements in the model of urban resilience to flood (P<0.01). Moreover, the results suggest that infrastructure/physical dimension has the most effect on urban resilience to flood and the elements and sub-elements of this significant dimension are provided in this study. It should be noted that the outputs of coding process need much attention, as they lead to the extraction of initial concepts. One of these concepts is ‘Increased urban capacities’ which was missed completely in the literature of urban resilience despite the considerable attention to this concept in engineering sciences such as civil and mechanical engineering. In fact, the researchers of this study believe that this concept involves some elements that imply that a city can cope with a natural or man-made disaster, if it is organized by elements of urban resilience. In other words, if the city maintains its function during the disaster, it can achieve a state that is better than the conditions of before the disaster.

Today, planning with emphasis on the ecological dimension is an integral pillar of sustainable urban development, during which urban development based on ecological approach seeks to achieve a healthy city by reducing the environmental impact of economic activities and maximizing social relations. This research has a descriptive-analytical nature with a descriptive-analytical nature by measuring the indicators of the ecological city in urban development and has prioritized and modeled the dimensions affecting the ecological urban development in Bandar Abbas. According to the results of the analysis, the index of "urban landscape" and "urban health" as an independent variable with a factor load of 94.0 and 88.0, respectively, the most impact and the index of urban space pollution with 47.0 - the least importance on the structure of urban development Ecological as a dependent variable. Also, the index of "influence on nature and environment" with a coefficient of 79.0, sustainable transportation with a coefficient of 75.0, and sense of belonging with a coefficient of 74.0 have the third to fifth positions, respectively. The variables of social participation and access to urban services are also ranked sixth and seventh with a coefficient of 63.0 and 51.0, respectively. The values of the statistics extracted from the theoretical model of the research all indicate that the model fits well and appropriately, and the items selected to measure the Bandar Abbas development model based on the ecological city approach had the necessary validity.and the items selected to measure the Bandar Abbas development model based on the ecological city approach had the necessary validity.and the items selected to measure the Bandar Abbas development model based on the ecological city approach had the necessary validity.and the items selected to measure the Bandar Abbas development model based on the ecological city approach had the necessary a a validity.

Historical natural heritage with spiritual and tangible values play an important role in maintaining the natural structure and cultural identity of settlements. Such heritage is typically regarded as an agenda to interact with the nature. The present research relies on research methods that examine human interaction with human-made and natural environments. Henceforth, it looks into the issue of place attachment, as a second-level factor, and its relationship with the satisfaction of visitors. Place attachment is presumed to affect the individual's behaviors in the protection of historically important elements. This study is of correlation-analysis type. To this end, structural equation modeling was used to reveal the hypothetical relationship model between the main variables of the study. The study also makes use of a 152-person sample consisting of visitors of Kandovan historical natural village and second order factor analysis to test a model. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the dimensions of place attachment variable, and structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the effect of place attachment on satisfaction.. Additionally, General linear and multiple correlation analyses were employed to reveal the relationship of different variables and their impacts on one another. The results of second order factor analysis revealed that the four dimensions of place attachment bear significant value in uncovering the place attachment variable. Moreover, the results obtained from structural equation modeling indicate positive and significant effect of place attachment dimensions on place satisfaction of visitors. The goodness–of-Fit indices also show an appropriate goodness of fit of theoretical model with experimental observations. The main theoretical aspect is related to inserting the four dimensions of place attachment in a single model. The important finding that was observed was that respective officials should take into consideration the visitor's attachment by investing in features, infrastructures, influential factors, and distinguished activities of the village as evidence indicates the influence of place attachment dimensions. Accordingly, the study suggests that this might be achieved via providing information (for example, in form of pamphlets, information table, tour leaders, and websites), which permits the visitors to play a role in maintaining the village historical natural heritage. The findings also show that place identity and emotional connection with the place significantly increases place attachment. Consequently, durable measures in historical natural villages might be improved among visitors by promoting place attachment and encouraging responsible actions.In turn, it may confirm the advantages obtained from attempts of the village tourism management in promoting the influential factor and suitable directing of investment on strategies, which lead to more attachment for visitors. The influential factors promoting strategies could range from on-site attractions marketing and post-visit interpretation with the purpose of ensuring revisits. Besides, catagorizing visitors based on their satisfaction of the place could also be important to the officials. They might collect visitor's satisfaction and demographic data through surveys. This type of data makes it possible for officials to know about the characteristics of the visitors who are highly satisfied of the place. By using these types of data, it would become possible to start persuasive agenda to encourage visitors to take part in programs and projects of maintaining the village historical and natural heritage. This is, in fact, a successful process as it could motivate visitors to revisit the place. Additionally, giving information to the visitors in the place (via leaflets for example) about their participation in maintaining the heritage might be beneficial for to the officials and even the local society. Such a strategy might guide first-time and more than one-time visitors and be in line with both groups benefits. The present study findings might significantly contribute in the rural tourism programs and function positively for further related studies.

Statistics and reports from the countries have strong film industry shows the Impact of film industry growth, activities and services on national economics. Development of this industry on the one hand providing dynamic employment and GDP growth and on the other hand influence indirectly on related industries such as the media and television, advertising, hardware and software industries, tourism and so on. Development of information technology, digital products and internet has had a significant role in the film Trade growth in the last two decades. The company's value chain, identify all the activities conducted by the company and related to strategic issues, in other words The activities performed by them competitive advantage with lower costs or improve quality, is provided. Usually, each of the business must be having a value chain. value chain analysis describes the activities within and around an organization, and relates them to an analysis of the competitive strength of the organization. therefore, it which value each particular activity adds to the organizations products or services. this idea was built upon the insight that an organization is more than a random completion of machinery, equipment, people, and money. only if this things are arranged into systems and systematic activities it will become possible to produce something for which customers are willing to pay price. porter argues that the ability to perform particular activities and to manage linkages between these activities a source of competitive advantage, porter distinguishes between primary activities and support activities, the primary activities are: Inbound Logistics: relationships with suppliers and include all the activities required to receive, store, and disseminate inputs. Operations: are all the activities required to transform inputs into outputs, Outbound Logistics: all the activities required to collect, store, and distribute the output. Marketing and Sales: activities inform buyers about products and services, induce buyers to purchase them, and facilitate their purchase. Service: all the activities required to keep the product or service working effectively for the buyer after it is sold and delivered. Secondary activities are: Procurement: is the acquisition of inputs, or resources, for the firm. Human Resource management: all activities involved in recruiting, hiring, training, developing, compensating and dismissing or laying off personnel. Technological Development: pertains to the equipment, hardware, software, procedures and technical knowledge brought to bear in the firm's transformation of inputs into outputs. Infrastructure: serves the company's needs and ties its various parts together, it consists of functions or departments such as accounting, legal, finance, planning, public affairs, government relations, quality assurance and general management The aim of this study identifies film value chain in Iran and its impact on sales growth. The sample of the study, film Industry experts in Tehran was a good experience in this field, and in the first half of the period 1392 to collect opinions of the people. For data analysis, expletory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) in Lisrel software was used. The results showed that among main activities, input logistic and Supplies Materials in main activities have most impact on sales growth.

The meaning of the yard as residential open space has changed in the contemporary Iranian architecture, where its dignity has transformed to the public space in the sub-neighborhood. In the new urbanism according to the land limitation and economic problem, home’s space has decrease and share building has increased. This article has been conducted to investigate the possible landscape architecture measurements which could contribute to improve user’s satisfaction and therefore, the quality of space. According to the psychological aspect of satisfaction, it has different dimensions. While architectural and functional features effect on the evaluation of space, on the other hand, place perception and residence expectation influence on the habitant’s evaluation. Hence, according to the literature review, four-dimensional model, including architectural, socio-relational, functional and context features was developed in other to investigate the user’s perception and consequently, residential satisfaction. This research assumed that satisfaction is diverse across different spaces or levels of environment; therefore, satisfaction was questioned in distinctive scales. The study used data collected from questionnaire contained sections measuring participants’ perceptions of the physical environment, the social environment, aspects of residential and neighborhood satisfaction one hundred and six residents in three residential complexes in Tehran were interviewed. The selected complexes were chosen from the medium scale and high rise blocks. The path model analysis had architectural, socio-relational, and functional and context features of open space as the exogenous variables predicting residents` evaluation of open space and the level of satisfaction, namely: Favorability of place, preferability of the place and recommendatory of the place. Evaluation of sense of privacy, cohesion of space components, and consistency with the nature were asked in order to investigate the perception and satisfaction of architectural design. The criteria such as Safety and maintenance were questioned as the context features. The four categories of indicators are correlated with one another, so the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was established by simulating the complex relationship between evaluated open space indicators. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for the estimation of some implicit indicators and give subjective weights to them. At the last part, the correlation between place evaluation and satisfaction was calculated. The path model showed that overall neighborhood satisfaction was associated intensively with the spatial feature of complexes and moderately with social issues. Furthermore, people were satisfied by open spaces with more natural and green space and more hierarchies of social and private spaces. Moreover, Satisfaction with each component related to different predictors, is supporting the idea that inhabitants hold complex views of their environment. The result emphasizes the important role of designers as the creator of place. The result implies that satisfaction at the various levels differs significantly. So it is recommended to measure residential satisfaction in three scales of interior space, open space and sub-neighborhood space. As well as in the studied cases, user satisfied from these different scales sensible diverts. The results of the present study suggest that place satisfaction deserve serious consideration by practitioners and scholars devoted to improving deteriorating neighborhoods.

Urban Quality of life can be measured either by subjective indicators using surveys of residents’ perceptions and evaluations of urban life satisfaction or by objective indicators using secondary data and relative weights for objective indicators of the urban environment. The three distinct objectives of this study are to investigate the possible relationship between accessing to urban public-services, improvement in subjective accessibility and life satisfaction; to investigate the access to public trans­portation system and satisfaction with public transportation as well as life satisfaction; and finally to see the degree of influence of accessibility to urban public services on life satisfaction in Hashtgerd New Town. After reviewing the related theoretical as well as empirical literature on the public-serv­ices domain of the quality of life, 18 subjective indicators for measuring the three subjective latent sub-domains of accessibility, transportation and life satisfaction and also 14 indicators were chosen to measure the objective latent sub-domains of accessibility, transportation and life satisfaction. Hasht­gerd New Town is consisted of four Phases. This study takes place in Phase I of the Hashtgerd New Town which is the most populated phase of the town. By applying the simple random sampling tech­nique, a total number of 125 samples were identified as the total number of samples needed to under­take this study. A systematic sampling technique was applied to gather the needed data by designing a questionnaire. A factor analysis was first applied to the data to calculate the factor weights for each of the said indicators. While subjective and objective indicators of urban quality of life are rarely related to each other, in this paper, these two types of indicators were linked through Geographical Informa­tion Systems (GIS) to gather objective indicators on responders’ urban environment within the same region with regard to urban services, facilities and public transportation. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the strength of the relationship between these objective indicators and subjective indicators was examined. The obtained results show that improvement in objective urban QOL plays a very important role in improving the subjective urban QOL. Also, satisfaction as a result of objective accessibility to public urban services affects the subjective quality of life in a meaningful and positive manner which is statistically significant. It also shows that there is a statistically significant relation­ship between objective and subjective indicators of urban public services and life satisfaction in the Hashtgerd New Town. These findings indicate the importance of objective indicators of the quality of life and remind and urge the urban planners that the relationship between subjective and objective indicators of public urban services domain of quality of life plays an important role in determining life satisfaction in urban areas.