Structural Equation Modeling

Structural equation modeling is an advanced statistical technique that has many layers and many complex concepts. Researchers who use structural equation modeling have a good understanding of basic statistics, regression analyses, and factor analyses. Building a structural equation model requires rigorous logic as well as a deep knowledge of the field’s theory and prior empirical evidence. This article provides a very general overview of structural equation modeling without digging into the intricacies involved. Structural equation modeling is a collection of statistical techniques that allow a set of relationships between one or more independent variables and one or more dependent variables to be examined. Both independent and dependent variables can be either continuous or discrete and can be either factors or measured variables. Structural equation modeling also goes by several other names: causal modeling, causal analysis, simultaneous equation modeling, analysis of covariance structures, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. When exploratory factor analysis is combined with multiple regression analyses, the result is structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM allows questions to be answered that involve multiple regression analyses of factors. At the simplest level, the researcher posits a relationship between a single measured variable and other measured variables. The purpose of SEM is to attempt to explain â€Å"raw† correlations among directly observed variables. Path Diagrams Path diagrams are fundamental to SEM because they allow the researcher to diagram the hypothesized model, or set of relationships. These diagrams are helpful in clarifying the researcher’s ideas about the relationships among variables and can be directly translated into the equations needed for analysis. Path diagrams are made up of several principles: Measured variables are represented by squares or rectangles.Factors, which are made up of two or more indicators, are represented by circles or ovals.Relationships between variables are indicated by lines; lack of a line connecting the variables implies that no direct relationship is hypothesized.All lines have either one or two arrows. A line with one arrow represents a hypothesized direct relationship between two variables, and the variable with the arrow pointing toward it is the dependent variable. A line with an arrow at both ends indicates an unanalyzed relationship with no implied direction of effect. Research Questions Addressed by Structural Equation Modeling The main question asked by structural equation modeling is, â€Å"Does the model produce an estimated population covariance matrix that is consistent with the sample (observed) covariance matrix?† After this, there are several other questions that SEM can address. Adequacy of the model: Parameters are estimated to create an estimated population covariance matrix. If the model is good, the parameter estimates will produce an estimated matrix that is close to the sample covariance matrix. This is evaluated primarily with the chi-square test statistic and fit indices.Testing theory: Each theory, or model, generates its own covariance matrix. So which theory is best? Models representing competing theories in a specific research area are estimated, pitted against each other, and evaluated.Amount of variance in the variables accounted for by the factors: How much of the variance in the dependent variables is accounted for by the independent variables? This is answered through R-squared-type statistics.Reliability of the indicators: How reliable are each of the measured variables? SEM derives reliability of measured variables and internal consistency measures of reliability.Parameter estimates: SEM generates parameter estimates, or coefficients, for each path in the model, which can be used to distinguish if one path is more or less important than other paths in predicting the outcome measure.Mediation: Does an independent variable affect a specific dependent variable or does the independent variable affect the dependent variable though a mediating variable? This is called a test of indirect effects.Group differences: Do two or more groups differ in their covariance matrices, regression coefficients, or means? Multiple group modeling can be done in SEM to test this.Longitudinal differences: Differences within and across people across time can also be examined. This time interval can be years, days, or even microseconds.Multilevel modeling: Here, independent variables are collected at different nested levels of measurement (for example, students nested within classrooms nested within schools) are used to predict dependent variables at the same or other levels of measurement. Weaknesses of Structural Equation Modeling Relative to alternative statistical procedures, structural equation modeling has several weaknesses: It requires a relatively large sample size (N of 150 or greater).It requires much more formal training in statistics to be able to effectively use SEM software programs.It requires well-specified measurement and conceptual model. SEM is theory driven, so one must have well-developed a priori models. References Tabachnick, B. G. and Fidell, L. S. (2001). Using Multivariate Statistics, Fourth Edition. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Kercher, K. (Accessed November 2011). Introduction to SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). http://www.chrp.org/pdf/HSR061705.pdf

Personal Narrative A Look Back - 1667 Words

She had a solid reputation as a crisp, vivid writer of short stories set in Louisiana, where she had lived for 14 years (A Look Back). I wrote many of my stories about experiences in my life. I always loved to read and learn new things as a child. As I grew older, there were many hard times and that helped me to be the lady I was. Some of my stories were very well known, and others not so much. My rough childhood, mother, and family friends influenced me to write; the short stories and novels I wrote were influenced by my favorite authors which caused me to write about controversial topics. I was born on the 8th of February in 1850, in St. Louis, Missouri. I was born to my parents, Thomas and Eliza O Flaherty, and I was the third†¦show more content†¦My years after graduation weren t that exciting, until I got married. In 1870, I married a man named Oscar Chopin. He was a wealthy Creole cotton factor. I moved with him to New Orleans and we had 6 six children; Jean, Oscar, G eorge, Fredrick, Felix, and Leila. I pursued the schedule of a Southern Aristocrat. This was demanding both social and domestic at the time. My family was hit with financial difficulty in 1880. This caused our growing family to move in with my father-in-law. He lived in a small town in Natchitoches Parish which was located in Louisiana s Red River bayou region. While we were there, my husband supervised and inherited the plantations his father owned. My husband insisted on taking over the managerial responsibilities after his father passed in 1883. With my husband taking over the responsibilities it brought me to meet many different parts of the community. These included the French-Acadian, Creole, and Natchitoches Parish sharecroppers who were workers on the plantations. Impressions taken from these people were gathered and later influenced my fiction (Katherine Chopin). Oscar died in 1882 of swamp fever. For over a year, I took over running the general store and the plantation (W yatt). I sold everything in 1884 and went to live with my mother back in St. Louis. A year later, my mother passed away leaving me and my children. I began to write to support my family (Wyatt). I began to write short stories after family friends found the

SWOT Analysis and Recommended Policies †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the SWOT Analysis and Recommended Policies. Answer: Introduction The headquarters of the organization are located in Hobart Tasmania. There are about 800 workers working in the organization. The organization provides complete life cycle and process to the salmon, by the help of which, the phase of reproduction gets completed with a fast speed and output generated are also correct in the definite manner. The best feature of the Tassal is that it assists in providing assistance for managing the best quality Salmon for the consumers as the consumers are identified as their main priority. To manage sustainability aspects and to bring specific well-being for the better tomorrow, the organization is making best possible efforts as well (World Ocean Review, 2017). The methodology and working structure of the organization is considered quite different in comparison to the other organizations. Before using Salmon, the basic requirement of the organization is to feed them and make them appropriate for the consumptions of the customers. To define the success of the organization, some of the most important achievements identified in the organization are shown below: In the year 2010, the organization is identified with the availability of the fresh canned products related to Salmon. Apart from this, the wide range of beauty products are also provided. In 2011, the community services get improved by providing services for the breast cancer (Government, 2016). In 2012, the organization is benchmarked with fish farming and other services related to it. Apart from this, various achievements are also noticeable in different years as well. As it is identified that the organization possesses a renowned structure for the development on an international as well as on local level. The organization is involved in various community services too. The cyclic process for the production of Salmon is identified on an organizational level. The organization generally focuses on the 5 Ps strategy which is mainly identified as the people, product, planet, process and profit. By focusing on these aspects, the organization is capable in managing sustainability as well as the market values of Salmon may also get raised simultaneously. The diagram for showing these aspects is also shown below with specific explanation: International market in contrast to Australia The international market for fishing is growing with a rapid speed. The market is full of opportunities and approximations. The growth ratio is continuously increasing in a well-focused and approachable manner as well. The growth aspects are very sharpened and flexible for the whole fish industry (Smith, 2016). But, if the Salmon are considered on separate basis, the industry and international growth of the business will become quite slow. Though the Tassal is offering wide range of Salmon and the strategy related to the sustainability is also well focused, but still the management on an Australian level is quite difficult (Fitzgerald, 2013). The process of cultivation and breeding of Tassal is very long and time taken too. So, for managing the aspects on the international level, the major steps should be planned in a definite manner. For providing the most suitable platform for an improvement, the platform should also be defined in a specific mode as well (Horvat, 2014). The practice of sustainability is identified as one of the most specific feature which may help in securing the environment as well as support for the development of the organization (FRDC, 2014). The practices for sustainability in the organization are highly appreciated. The organization covers the phase of sustainability in a totally different manner. For managing sustainability, the health of Salmon is considered on the highest priority. The Salmon for the organization is identified similar to other animals that possess right of surviving with a healthy life system. It is necessary to look after their surviving practices. For making the sustainability appreciable, the organization also open their farms outside the city. This will help in solving two purposes, the first purpose is the survival of the salmon in fresh water which will help in improving their existing numbers and the second purpose is preventing environment as well. These sustainable practices may be helpful in providing definite aspects related to the organization (Commonwealth of Australia , 2015). Role of planning and strategy The planning and strategy for the survival of salmon is precise and accurate. The organization possesses its specific sustainability strategy and planning. For managing the planning, various researchers and scientists have come up with their planned approach as well. The food and nutrition of the salmon is managed with specific sources and definite food habits. To provide suitable nutrition to the fishes, the food elements are assorted from different resources. Tassal also have specific Fish management plans which aids in providing the best breed of the salmon (Ryan, 2016). The strategy of the organization to breed and consume is based on 3 years plan. In three-year plan, for the first one and half year, salmon is survived in the fresh water and in second phase i.e. the second one and half year, the salmon survives in the sea. This innovative strategy adapted by the organization helps in creating the positive impact on the cultivation of salmon. The life cycle of the Salmon is defined below with help of suitable diagram. The role of planning is also considered as equally important. According to Mr. Rockliff, in the processing of planning, definite aspects for surviving of the salmon fish will be planned. There are various methods and techniques which helps in providing assistance for the breeding and cultivation (Zhao Fan, 2015). The planning may also assist in protecting the marine and install the basic amenities related to the organizational requirement as well. Human resource management The Human resource management or the developmental aspects related to the human resource is identified as one of the aspect which helps in providing specific improvement on the organizational level. The only aim of the organization is not only to make more money; apart from this, the organization is also focusing on prevention of life of salmon and maintains sustainability too. Likewise, in the country named as Tanzania, the fishing industry is expanding with a very fast rate. The human resource department provides efficient aspects related to the recruitment and management for the team. By this, specific aspects related to the organization can be managed on a large scale. The different tasks which are managed with the help of human resource development are identified below: The methods of cultivation related to the salmon are identified by the Human resource department of the organization. The department will aid in providing assistance for the new strategy and innovation associated with the organization. The hiring and recruiting of suitable team members for managing the process is also identified with the help of human resource team. This team will also help in providing specific assistance for organizing definite mentoring sessions for the new hires. The scientists and researchers are also hired for the growth and development of the organization as well. Apart from this, the human resource department also helps in managing marketing and sales ideas for the organization. By managing the marketing ideas, the sales of Salmon can also get increased easily. Apart from this, the new innovations may also be identified for the sale of salmon (Araya Krishnan, 2014). The international expansion and identification of the most developed factor will be helpful in generating more revenue for the organization. The expansion strategy for the salmon may also be identified with the help of the human resource team. Other than this, there are various marketing aspects which are identified at an initial level. The human resource team helps in providing specific assistance as well. The leadership aspects of the organization are improved and specific. Through the process of leadership, variations in leading actual concepts are identified. The leadership is considered as one of the major factor in improving the life cycle and process related to the cultivation of salmon. In fact, to manage the leadership on the international level, specific programs also get introduced in the organization. Apart from this, other aspects related to the leadership may also be identified through which the employees and team members can coordinate with each other in a specific manner. To manage the aspect related to the sustainable development and to follow the sustainable practice in the organization, it is essential to manage specific sources in an organized form. The sustainable practices and the development of new innovations is considered as the primary requirement related to the organization. To pursue all these perspectives, the proper leadership aspect is essential (Developme nt, 2010). The leaders are recruited for the specific teams and procedure. The purpose for recruiting these candidates is to maintain the process related to the salmon industry. The major changes which are observed in the leadership program are identified after the year 2010 in the organization. The organization plans for the specific approach for the leadership as well. Controlling the value chain and technology To manage the value chain and technology related to the organization, various efforts are planned. For making easier production, it is required that the organization plans definite strategy in a well approached manner. The cyclic procedure and well managed aspects are required for identifying best possible ways for controlling the value chain. According to Ryan for value chain, the simple steps are planned on a beneficial level (Ryan, 2016). Some of the aspects related to the value chain are defined below: Management of sales mix to increase the sale and optimize returns. Successful management of Dec Coste Food. The De Coste food is identified as one of the famous food for the common people in Australia. Best practices related to the sustainability which may help in providing methods of improvement and development (FRDC, 2017). The other aspects are also identified to manage the value chain procedure for the organization. The value chain will be helpful in improving the existing scenario associated to the organization. For the usage of technology, specific assistance which is provided to the organization related to the best use of the services and softwares defined for further management of the procedures. The technology for cultivation and breeding will be utilized on a large scale. In fact, the new techniques are identified for the storage of Salmon. The canned and packed food products are identified with the help of cultivation of the salmon as well. The technical contribution is identified as one of the major contribution through which the organization can improve in a definite manner. Future Strategies The planning of future strategies is identified as the major priority. To manage future strategy, the specific steps should be planned in a correct direction. The ideas can be generated from previous data and information related to the organization as well. The strategies are helpful in providing platform for the growth and development in a specific manner. The first strategy is related to the increment of sale of Salmon. Still, the Salmon is out of reach from the rural areas. The common customers from these areas are not capable to consume these products. For the expansion of the sale and to make product reachable for consumers, the strategy is required to be managed and maintained in the correct direction (Carlyon Salmon, 2017). The second strategy which should be planned is related to the expansion of the organization on international basis. This international expansion will aid in opening doors for increasing the sales of salmon on a wide level. As the organization is capable in defining the packed and canned products, so it could become possible to manage selling of the products on an international level as well. The third strategy related to the organization is the maintenance of sustainability and continuous improvement in aspects related to the sustainability. These aspects of sustainability may be helpful in providing assistance for the improvement and management as well. The strategy related to these aspects will assist in defining the suitable image related to the organization. Other than this, the contribution in community will also help in clarifying the image of the organization (Villalba, 2016). By identifying the strategies and sustainability practices from the above sources, it can be concluded that the future of Salmon industry is bright and specific. The only requirement is the explanation of the specific industry and planning should also be appropriate (Araya Krishnan, 2014). It is recommended that the ideas from various sources should be generated in a definite manner. Apart from this, it is also recommended that for international marketing and sales of products, it is essential to promote a product on the wide level too. The strategic planning is considered as the key source for an improvement. References Araya, T. Krishnan, M., 2014. SWOT analysis and recommended policies and strategies of Eritrean fisheries. Carlyon, P. Salmon, G., 2017. Salmon wars: EPA halts Tassal's dredging plan after Huon Aquaculture's objections, Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-03/huon-aquaculture-seeks-legal-halt-to-macquarie-harbour-dredge/8493708 Commonwealth of Australia , 2015. Australias seafood trade, Available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/fisheries/aus-seafood-trade.pdf Development, M. o. L. a. F., 2010. Fisheries sector development programme, Available at: https://www.tanzania.go.tz/egov_uploads/documents/FSDP_sw.pdf Fitzgerald, M., 2013. Successful strategies for sustainable salmon. FRDC, 2014. How does the size of the Australian seafood industry compare to others around the world?, Available at: https://www.ruraltraininginitiatives.com.au/home/programs/seafood FRDC, 2017. National seafood industry leadership program, Available at: https://www.ruraltraininginitiatives.com.au/home/programs/seafood Government, A., 2016. Aquaculture industry in Australia, Available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/fisheries/aquaculture/aquaculture-industry-in-australia Horvat, P., 2014. Building a seafood marketing plan, Available at: https://www.frdc.com.au/stories/Pages/16-Building-a-seafood.aspx Ryan, M., 2016. Tassal MD CEO on FY2016 results and growth outlook, Available at: https://www.tassal.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Market-Briefing-Tassal-MD-on-FY16-and-outlook.pdf Smith, M., 2016. Fish on ice as Tassal farm plan reviewed, Available at: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/fish-on-ice-as-tassal-farm-plan-reviewed/news-story/cd56cbcd1814932bae23470a17c6324d Tassal Team, 2017. Tassal official website. [Online] Available at: https://www.tassal.com.au/about-us/ Villalba, L., 2016. Corporate Partnerships: the new (and right) path to sustainability, Available at: https://cbey.yale.edu/our-stories/corporate-partnerships-the-new-and-right-path-to-sustainability World Ocean Review, 2017. Toward more sustainable fisheries. [Online] Available at: https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-1/fisheries/sustainable-fishing-industry/ Zhao, C. Fan, X., 2015. Tassel Removal Positively Affects Biomass Production Coupled with Significantly Increasing Stem Digestibility in Switchgrass, Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120845

Swot Analysis on the Apparel Industry Essay Example

Swot Analysis on the Apparel Industry Paper Strengths Demand Driven Industry (more than 4000 units for textiles alone) Strong presence in local market Availability of cheaper labor Geographically situated at ideal location (near end users) Most setups are self employed and have simpler management structure Weaknesses Obsolete technology machinery and equipment used for manufacturing Availability of raw material and inconsistent raw material prices Unskilled labor (only 1% workers have certificate / diploma from technical training institutions) Absence of research and development culture Lack of synergies between Govt. support institutions and practical market. Lack of standardization and quality control Non-sophisticated marketing sense. (branding grading) Unorganized vendor base Limited access to information (availability of finance, technological know how Govt. regulations) Energy costs Opportunities Import substitution. Pakistan imports machinery worth approximately US $ 600 million annually for textiles only. Free trade agreements like SAFTA and Pakistan’s recent attempt to get included in ASEAN. Lesser sophisticated African markets. Research and development and reverse engineering Threats Competition from countries like India China, which have more advanced engineering technology base. Lagging in technology, hence producing substandard goods that hamper consumer perception about local engineering products. Non-organized manufacturing and vendor base and unhealthy competition. Uncertainty in inputs costs Allowance of duty free textile machinery. Increasing duties on import of machinery / tools used in manufacturing of textile machinery and parts High dependence on single supplier of raw material i. e. Pakistan steel Non-existence of research and development culture lily to widen technology gap more and more with the passage of time. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis on the Apparel Industry specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis on the Apparel Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis on the Apparel Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer SWOT ANALYSIS- MAS holding chairman GARMENT INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES Q: Could you provide a SWOT analysis of the garment industry today? A: STRENGTHS: The ‘Sri Lanka’ brand†¦ People understand international business, and adopt ethical and reliable business practices. Manufacturing good-quality products, not providing a sample which is great and the bulk quantity of a different standard. Compliance with health and safety standards. English-language skills in comparison to China, where just a few people may speak English in the entire factory – and if they are not available, you can’t get anything out of them. Well-disciplined, literate and skilled workforce. WEAKNESSES: Being slightly behind other countries in Not having a supply chain and proper textile infrastructure. Not having dedicated zones that provide utilities, such as electricity, at competitive rates. Not having a base for other supply-chain services. No technical and design skills. No proper merchandising skills. OPPORTUNITIES: With pressure on China, lots of buyers, retailers and brands are looking for alternatives to China. Sri Lanka has a tremendous opportunity to position itself as an outstanding alternative in active wear, children’s wear, casual wear and intimate apparel. THREATS: We have to be careful about being competitive internationally – not only in comparison to countries such as India, Vietnam and Indonesia. I believe there is another way of looking at this: we can’t view ourselves in isolation. We have to look at ourselves in relation to the rest of South Asia and see how we can leverage on each other’s strengths to perform well as a region. If we attempt to play in the huge global arena by ourselves, it will be a daunting challenge. Janaka Boteju – Sri Lanka Apparel exporters association Sri Lanka Apparel Industry Strengths Reputation of being a quality apparel manufacturer for the mass market. Compliance with International Labour regulations. Relatively disciplined and skilled labour and a trainable work force. Reputed International Customer base. On-time delivery of standard â€Å"all- season† products. Weaknesses Isolation from trade partners and heavy dependence on local buying agencies. Lack of geographical diversification in terms of its overseas markets. In-sufficient international and bi-lateral trade agreements to support the industry. Increasing cost of labour compared with other countries in the south Asian region Inadequate focus on developing backward integration linkages to support the industry. Non-existence of product design and new product developments. Non-existence of a Sri Lankan brand identity. Low productivity of labour, inefficient use of machinery and manufacturing processes. The relatively high cost of utilities. Opportunities Sri Lanka to become a total service provider for the global apparel industry. Promote Sri Lanka as a socially responsible manufacturer of apparels. Transition to products that require a high labour content. The positive impact of the government’s peace initiative Threats Rapidly changing trends in the retailing industry. The former socialist countries and the East European nation are potential to become major suppliers for the EU Market. Global formation of bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade blocks. New entrants to the industry. Emergence of efficient international shipping hubs in the Asian region.