scholarly journals An Empirical Investigation of Software Customization and Its Impact on the Quality of Software as a Service: Perspectives from Software Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1677
Author(s):  
Abdulrazzaq Qasem Ali ◽  
Abu Bakar Md Sultan ◽  
Abdul Azim Abd Ghani ◽  
Hazura Zulzalil

Although customization plays a significant role in the provision of software as a service (SaaS), delivering a customizable SaaS application that reflects the tenant’s specific requirements with acceptable level of quality is a challenge. Drawing on a pr-developed software customization model for SaaS quality, two fundamental objectives of this study were to determine whether different software customization approaches have direct impacts on SaaS quality, and also to assess the construct reliability and construct validity of the model. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 244 software professionals with experience in SaaS development. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the construct reliability, construct validity, and research hypotheses. The measurement model assessment suggested that the six-construct model with 39 items exhibited good construct reliability and construct validity. The findings of the structural model assessment show that all customization approaches other than the integration approach significantly influence the quality of SaaS applications. The findings also indicate that both configuration and composition approaches have positive impacts on SaaS quality, while the impacts of the other approaches are negative. The empirical assessment and evaluation of this model, which features a rich set of information, provides considerable benefits to both researchers and practitioners.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259226
Author(s):  
Tahir Ahmad ◽  
Amy Van Looy

When emerging technologies transform an organization’s way of working, explorative business process management (BPM) becomes a new challenge. Although digital innovations can boost process efficacy and business productivity, employees do not necessarily accept the implied work changes. We therefore looked at the increased digitalization efforts during the COVID-19 lockdowns, during which employees were forced to drastically rethink work by heavily depending on technology for communication and almost all business tasks. This global setting allowed us to scrutinize disruptive work changes and how employees can cope with disruptive work adaptations. We also looked into the explorative skillset needed to adapt to these changes. To theorize about an explorative BPM acceptance model, eleven hypotheses were supported based on a solid theoretical foundation. We followed a quantitative research design using partial least squares for structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) at the university administration settings in two regions, including purposive sampling. Data analysis covered both a measurement model assessment and structural model assessment. Our findings reveal that employees’ perceived work modalities, feeling creative and feeling flexible are more promising features than perceived influence and attitude related to explorative work and skill development. We also offer novel insights into explorative business process management (BPM) skills, and which skills are more productive in uncertain or dynamic working conditions. This research is a learning path for managers struggling with flexible or competitive business environments, and more specifically to facilitate employee willingness.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Rezazadeh ◽  
Mahsa Mahjoub

Today’s rapidly changing business environment has impelled companies to cooperate with their competitors gaining more competitive advantages by achieving win-win situation. Thereby, building alliances as one of the cooperative strategies has been adopted by many enterprises, consequently attracting great attention of numerous scholars. Nevertheless, the alliance literature seems to lack studies in the domain of entrepreneurship. Accordingly, this paper aims to extend entrepreneurship into the field of alliances highlighting two phenomenal concepts: alliance entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation. Hence, the relationship between these two constructs together with the mediating role of knowledge transfer between alliance partners are investigated. We used Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique under two sections of measurement model and structural model assessment in order to analyze data. The results gathered from Iran’s automotive industry confirmed the positive significant impact of alliance entrepreneurship on partners’ entrepreneurial orientation and the mediating effect of knowledge transfer


Author(s):  
João Corrêa ◽  
João Turrioni ◽  
Carlos Mello ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
Carlos da Silva ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a measurement model that evaluates the Brazilian hospital accreditation methodology (ONA), based on a multivariate model using structural equation modeling (SEM). The information used to develop the model was obtained from a questionnaire sent to all organizations accredited by the ONA methodology. A model was built based on the data obtained and tested through a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using the LISREL® software (Scientific Software International, Inc., Skokie, IL, USA). Four different tests were performed: Initial, calibrated, simulated, and cross-validation models. By analyzing and validating the proposed measurement model, it can be verified that the selected factors satisfy the required criteria for the development of a structural model. The results show that leadership action is one of the most important factors in the process of health services accredited by ONA. Although, leadership, staff management, quality management, organizational culture, process orientation, and safety are strongly linked to the development of health organizations, and directly influence the accreditation process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Gabriel C. W. Gim ◽  
Wen-Sing Cheah

Using social exchange theory and equity theory, this paper examined the relationship between the four dimensions of pay satisfaction and organisational trust among Malaysian employees. The four dimensions of pay satisfaction are pay benefit satisfaction, pay level satisfaction, pay raise satisfaction,and pay structure and administration satisfaction. Questionnaires were distributed to Malaysians working in several industries. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess both the measurement and structural model. Results from the structural model revealed that pay benefit satisfaction, pay raise satisfaction, and pay structure and administration satisfaction were positively related to organisational trust. To complement the standard structural model assessment, robustness checks were performed on the structural model in terms of non-linear effects, endogeneity, and unobserved heterogeneity. The checks concluded that there were no issues with regards to nonlinear effects and unobserved heterogeneity. However, the endogeneity test indicated that pay structure and administration satisfaction could be endogenous. Importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was also performed to gauge the importance and performance of each dimension of pay satisfaction against organisational trust. The IPMA results revealed that pay structure and administration satisfaction was the most important factor yet it attained the lowest score on performance indicating that organisations in Malaysia should make an improvement to their pay structure and administration satisfaction.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M. Awad ◽  
Alaa A. Amro

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the cluster in the leather and shoes sector for improving the competitiveness of the firms. Toward this end, the study is organized to examine the impact of clustering on competitiveness improvement. The influence of competitive elements and performance (Porter’s diamond) and balanced score card was utilized. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of 131 respondents was chosen during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate the research model. This approach was chosen because of its ability to test casual relationships between constructs with multiple measurement items. Researchers proposed a two-stage model-building process for applying SEM. The measurement model was first examined for instrument validation, followed by an analysis of the structural model for testing associations hypothesized by the research model. Findings The main findings show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between improvements of performance and achieve competitiveness and also reveal that the Palestinian shoes and leather cluster sector is vital and strong, and conclude that clustering can achieve competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Research limitations/implications Future research can examine the relationship between clustering and innovation. The effect of clustering using other clustering models other than Porter’s model is advised to be used for future research. Practical implications The relationships among clustering and competitiveness may provide a practical clue to both, policymakers and researchers on how cluster enhances economic firms such as a skilled workforce, research, development capacity, and infrastructure. This is likely to create assets such as trust, synergy, collaboration and cooperation for improved competitiveness. Originality/value The findings of this study provide background information that can simultaneously be used to analyze relationships among factors of innovation, customer’s satisfaction, internal business and financial performance. This study also identified several essential factors in successful firms, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies to encourage and foster competitiveness.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Xie ◽  
Shu-Sha Angie Guan ◽  
David Boyns

The student recreation center (SRC) promotes quality of life among college students. Grounded in self-determination theory, this study examined the relationship between SRC use and subjective vitality using a sample of 540 students at a large state university in the United States. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that use of fitness and group sport facilities both had a positive relationship with subjective vitality, which were mediated by competence need satisfaction, relatedness need satisfaction, and perception of physical health. Implications of the study findings were discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kambiez Talebi ◽  
Jahangir Yadollahi Farsi ◽  
Hamideh Miriasl

This study has investigated the effects of strategic alliances on the performance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of the industry of automotive parts manufacturers. Questionnaires have been distributed among 400 senior managers of SMEs of the industry of auto parts manufacturers based on stratified random sampling. The data has been analyzed using structural equation modeling software and PLS2 software in two segments of measurement model and structural model. In the first segment, technical features of the questionnaire were tested in terms of reliability and validity. Moreover, in the second segment, t-test was used to test research hypotheses. The results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between the dimensions of strategic alliances, including new opportunities, entrepreneurial and innovative capabilities, social capital, and internationalization of business, and competitive advantage with the performance of SMEs.


InFestasi ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 321
Author(s):  
Jullie J. Sondakh

<p class="Ventura-Abstract">The purpose of this research is to predict the tax payer behavioral intention of using the e-SPT through the application of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).</p><p class="Ventura-Abstract">This research used survey method to collect primary data from the population of tax payer in the city of Manado and Bitung with 156 respondents while using judgement sampling method.The data analysis is using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) that consists of two steps; the measurement model and structural model. The focus of this research is on the first step of SEM modeling, which is the measurement model by using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The purpose of this analysis is to test the validity and reliability from the indicator of the construct or latent variable researched, thus, we will obtain the fit construct or latent variable before proceeding to the next step of SEM which is the structural model.Based on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we obtained the validity test result, convergent validity, and reliability test result, construct reliability and variance extracted, from the indicator of construct or latent variable which are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards e-SPT, and behavioral intention to use e-SPT. The reliabilty and validity test result showed that there is no indicator from all the tested latent variable to be excluded for the next step of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)  which is the structural model.</p><p class="Ventura-Abstract"> </p><p class="Ventura-Abstract">Tujuan penelitian ini adalah melakukan prediksi minat perilaku wajib pajak menggunakan  e-SPT melalui penerapanTechnology Acceptance Model (TAM). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei untuk mengumpulkan data primer dari populasi yaitu wajib pajak di Kota Manado dan Bitung dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 156 responden serta penentuan sampel berdasarkan metode  judgment sampling. Teknik analisis data menggunakan pemodelan Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) yang terdiri  dari dua tahapan yaitu model pengukuran (measurement model) dan model struktural (structural model). Fokus penelitian ini adalah pada pemodelan SEM tahap pertama yaitu model pengukuran (measurement model)  melalui  analisis faktor konfirmatori (Confirmatory Factor Analysis - CFA). Analisis ini  bertujuan  untuk menguji validitas dan reliabilitas dari indikator-indikator pembentuk konstruk atau variabel laten yang diteliti sehingga diperoleh  konstruk atau variabel laten yang fit  sebelum lanjut ke tahap pemodelan SEM berikutnya  yaitu model struktural. Berdasarkan analisis faktor konfirmatori (Confirmatory Factor Analysis - CFA) diperoleh hasil uji validitas yaitu signifikansi  factor loading (convergent validity) dan reliabilitas (construct reliability dan variance extracted) dari indikator pembentuk konstruk atau variabel laten kegunaan persepsian (Perceived Usefulness), kemudahan penggunaan persepsian (Perceived ease of use), sikap terhadap penggunaan  e-SPT (Attitude towards e-SPT) dan  minat perilaku  menggunakan e-SPT (Behavioral intention to use e-SPT). Hasil uji validitas dan reliabilitas ini menunjukan bahwa tidak ada indikator dari variabel kegunaan persepsian (Perceived Usefulness), kemudahan penggunaan persepsian (Perceived ease of use), sikap terhadap penggunaan  e-SPT (Attitude towards e-SPT) dan  minat perilaku  menggunakan e-SPT (Behavioral intention to use e-SPT) yang di hilangkan pada analisis selanjutnya yaitu pemodelan Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tahap kedua  sehingga  dapat dilakukan estimasi model persamaan struktural (structural model).</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Belas ◽  
Ján Dvorský ◽  
Zdenek Strnad ◽  
Katarina Valaskova ◽  
Gentjan Çera

The aim of this article is to define important factors which determine the quality of the business environment and construct a structural model of causal relationships between quality of business environment and its determinants in small and medium sized enterprises. This model was constructed on the basis of extensive empirical research. A questionnaire was designed and delivered to SMEs operating in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The sample consists of 641 enterprises from both countries. Data were evaluated using statistical methods such as confirmation factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The structural model showed very interesting findings. The most important factors, which determine the quality of business environment are macroeconomic environment, monetary policy and interest rates and legal environment. In our model, we also pointed out the importance of political, social and technological factors. The research results pointed to the need to adjust the legislative environment in a more appropriate way, to minimize state bureaucracy and to improve media access to business environment assessment. These results are useful for the academic researchers in the area of entrepreneurship, policymakers, and non-profit institutions and organizations whose effort is to improve the business environment and boost entrepreneurship.


2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rashed ◽  
Amir Hosein Moradi Deluyi ◽  
Khadijah Daud

This study aimed to reduce the university-industry gap from the perspective of leadership and entrepreneurship. The focus of this research is to assess the influence of transformational leadership of manager on academic staff’s entrepreneurial orientation and to pave the way for identifying potential opportunities, generating new ideas in industrial relation, and to subsequently narrow the university-industry problem. In order to understand the contribution of leadership within the university–industry context, this research reviewed the effect of transformational leadership style on entrepreneurial orientation and then examined the existing relationship. The population of this study is the academic staff of a public university in Iran. A research sample of 295 academic staff was chosen by using stratified sampling technique. Technical analysis of data applied Structural Equation Modeling in two step: measurement model for testing the construct validity of questionnaires and structural model for hypothesizes testing with mathematical program. The results showed that transformational leadership was the best predictor for entrepreneurial orientation. The research findings in this study revealed that the quality of transformational leadership within an organization had an effect on the entrepreneurial orientation. One of the managerial implications of this study is to reinforce the recognition and basis of enhancing entrepreneurial orientation by transformational leadership.


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