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Introduction: This study examined the effects of circular economy practices on the integrated waste management industry, drawing on the stakeholder theory. This study examined how the performance of Ghanaian waste management companies is affected by circular economy strategies, particularly upcycling and was recovery. Methods: About 7,190 firms registered with the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) formed the population of the study, out of which the sample yielded 524 valid responses, which was analysed using PLS-SEM and Partial Correlation Analysis. PLS was adopted because it integrates factor and route analyses into significantly more rigorous statistical processes. In addition, the Partial Correlation network structure was adopted to explain how the nodes or variables are related to one another. Results: The results demonstrate that upcycling has a favorable and considerable impact on the economic performance (β = 0.475, t = 4.495, p = 0.000), social performance (β = 0.403, t = 3.132, p = 0.002), and corporate governance performance (β = 0.455, t = 3.670, p = 0.000) of the firms. Furthermore, waste recovery improved the performance of waste management companies in terms of performance, specifically economic performance (β = 0.333, t = 3.183, p = 0.001), environmental performance (β = 0.583, t = 4.641, p = 0.000), social performance (β = 0.402, t = 3.157, p = 0.000), and corporate governance performance (β = 0.250, t = 2. 024, p = 0.048) indices. Discussion: Finally, circular economy practices have a substantial impact on firms' financial stability and investment readiness. It was concluded that waste management companies that excel in undertaking circular economy activities such as remanufacturing, trash recycling, and refurbishing are more likely to draw clients who want green activities in addition to their current needs. Additionally, these actions increase efficiency, which lowers operational expenses and improves governance-related concerns, including management training on these procedures and implementation of policies in compliance with the law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explores metaverse adoption among higher education institutions (HEIs) in the light of a theoretical framework to empower future perspectives of the metaverse as a learning platform. Even though this technology was just recently introduced to the higher education sector, very few attempts have been made to evaluate its impact. The purpose of this research is to analyze the elements that influence the continuous intention (CI) to utilize the metaverse technology in learning. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and the self-determination theory (SDT) are both included in this study. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to students attending private universities in order to obtain the data that was needed for the proposed model. Using a hybrid approach that consists of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, which combines a linear PLS model with compensation and a nonlinear ANN model without compensation, the effect of CI on using the metaverse as a learning platform is investigated. This approach was chosen because it contains both of these types of models. When it comes to explaining the use of metaverse technology among students attending higher education institutions in Egypt, the research findings suggested that autonomy and perceived usefulness (PU) are major determinants. Nevertheless, the continuing intention was unaffected by the perceived ease of use (PEOU) of the product. Furthermore, according to the data provided by the ANN model, the most significant predictors are relatedness, PEOU, autonomy, and PU. It has been determined that the results obtained from the PLS-SEM and ANN modes are identical. Additionally, both theoretical and practical implications are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically explores the underlying factors influencing students' choice of private education providers in a developing country. Hence, this research aims to contribute to the existing literature by enhancing the understanding of university choice among students, satisfaction, and loyalty, particularly within the context of African private universities, including Nigerian private universities. The study employed a survey research design to collect primary data from 190 respondents selected from a prominent private university in Nigeria. The university was chosen due to the increasing demand for American curriculum-based institutions in Nigeria. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), which facilitates the examination of relationships within a model and enables the simultaneous testing of theoretically hypothesized connections among constructs. The study's results indicated that both marketer-controlled and marketer-non-controlled factors have direct and positive effects on university attributes. Additionally, marketer-controlled factors positively influenced both satisfaction and student loyalty toward their chosen university. However, this study did not confirm a direct relationship between marketer non-controlled factors and satisfaction or loyalty. Practical implications suggest that private education providers should focus on refining university attributes and enhancing identification through effective communication. Sustained investment in student activities, university reputation, academics, and other crucial aspects of the university system is necessary. Leveraging influential alumni referrals for admissions can attract applicants among other strategies. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study on this matter to be carried out in private education providers in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Parental satisfaction is essential for evaluating pediatric care quality and influences healthcare practices and performance. Pediatric patients frequently experience anxiety, affecting their and their parents' satisfaction. Nurses play a key role in reducing anxiety and improving care interactions. Meeting parents' expectations shapes long-term outcomes and impacts the hospital's reputation. While instruments such as the Child ZAP (Zufriedenheit in der Arztpraxis) provide comprehensive measures of satisfaction, their use in Indonesia has not been explored. This study aimed to validate the Child ZAP and offer insights to improve pediatric care quality in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 139 mothers whose children were older than 5 years and received treatment at private hospitals. Structured questionnaires were analyzed using partial least squared-structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 4, and a disjoint two-stage method was used to test dimensionality. Results: All hypotheses were significant (p<.05), demonstrating strong support. All Child ZAP dimensions, treated as lower-order constructs, effectively measured parents' satisfaction as a higher-order construct. Overall parental satisfaction significantly influenced behavioral intention and mediated its relationship with Child ZAP. The mother's and the child's age served as moderating factors. The research model exhibited strong predictive power, underscoring pediatric nurses' pivotal role in improving communication among parents, physicians, and children to ensure quality care. Conclusion: The Child ZAP instrument effectively evaluates parental satisfaction by examining how children interact and communicate with medical staff. It assesses doctors' engagement with children and their communication skills, highlighting nurses' essential role in providing family-centered pediatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper applies the prototype willingness model (PWM) and incorporates components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), along with deterrence factors, to understand the behavioral intentions, willingness, and recidivism behaviors of individuals penalized for drunk driving. It explores psychological and social factors influencing repeat offenses, focusing on attitudes, subjective norms, prototypes, and deterrence. The PWM outlines two pathways—reasoned (based on intentions) and social reactive (based on willingness). The model helps predict risky behaviors like drunk driving. Thirteen hypotheses are proposed in this study to examine how various factors, such as attitudes, subjective norms, and deterrence, influence willingness, intentions, and behavior. Surveys were conducted among individuals attending road safety classes after being penalized for drunk driving. A total of 1156 individuals participated in the survey, with 855 valid responses collected. The results indicate that behavioral willingness had a stronger impact on recidivism than intention. On the other hand, subjective norms did not significantly affect the intent to reoffend, but attitudes, deterrence, and PBC did. The findings suggest that focusing on behavioral willingness, deterrence, and educational interventions could help reduce repeat drunk driving offenses. The paper offers insights for policymakers to improve prevention strategies, by focusing on the psychological motivators of repeat offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significant increase in studies on AI applications in many aspects of life, its applications in mental health services still require further studies. This study aimed to test a proposed structural model of the relationships between AI use, therapeutic alliance, and job engagement by PLS-SEM. The descriptive method was applied. The sample consisted of (382) mental health service providers in Saudi Arabia, including 178 men and 204 women between 25 and 50 (36.32 ± 6.43) years old. The Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire, the Therapeutic Alliance Scale, and the Job Engagement Scale were applied in this study. The results showed the structural model's predictability for using AI and the therapeutic alliance in predicting job engagement and explaining the causal relationships between them compared to the indicator average and linear models. The study also found a strong positive overall statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the use of AI on therapeutic alliance (0.941) and job engagement (0.930) and a positive overall average statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the therapeutic alliance on job engagement (0.694). These findings indicated the importance of integrating AI applications and therapeutic alliance skills into training and professional development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article seeks to examine how structural alignment (SA) and guided governance (GG), key components of team management (TT), mediate the connection between talent management (TM) and the competitive performance (CP) of hotels. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative methodology by administering surveys to 330 hotel executives in Egypt to gather the necessary data. To examine the research hypotheses, partial least squares-structural equation modeling was utilized. Findings: Talent management mindset (TMM) and talent management strategy (TMS) are closely connected to team management (TT) and CP. Both SA and GG play a considerable role in mediating the relationship between TM and CP. Additionally, the impact of strategic incentives (SI) moderator in shaping the connection between TM and CP has been validated. Research limitations/implications: This research is part of a small collection of studies that examines TM, TT and CP in a practical manner. The scope of this study is focused on luxury hotels located in Egypt. It contributes to the field by expanding our understanding of TM, TT and the multifaceted nature of a hotel's CP, an important but often overlooked concern, particularly within the Egyptian context. Additionally, it suggests numerous possibilities for further investigation in the future. Originality/value: This study is among the initial research works that emphasize a moderated mediated model of TM, TT, SI and hotels' competitive performance in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In recent years, hybrid work has become a new working model. Using the job demands-resources, the conservation of resources and social role theories, we investigate gender disparities in the impact of social support at work and perceived organisational support on shaping various aspects of the hybrid work experience. We further explore whether compassionate leadership is effective in generating these forms of support. Design/methodology/approach: Our study is based on data collected from 310 Singaporean white-collar professionals through a two-wave method and analysed using PLS-SEM. Findings: The results reveal that while compassionate leadership is essential in today's hybrid work environment, men and women perceive differences in the effectiveness of support mechanisms on various dimensions of the hybrid work experience. Originality/value: This research represents a pioneering effort in elucidating the potential of compassionate leadership in fostering various resources within organisations. Compassionate leadership, characterised by empathy, care and concern for employees, is shown to be instrumental in generating additional forms of resources beyond the conventional metrics. These additional resources may include emotional support, trust and a sense of belonging among employees, which are crucial for their well-being and performance. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on leadership and organisational behaviour by shedding light on the significance of compassion in leadership and the intricate dynamics of hybrid work arrangements. It underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and empathetic leadership style to navigate the challenges of contemporary work structures effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Applying the Innovation Resistance Theory, this study aims to examine the effects of contextual and trait stressors on consumer engagement and wellbeing in the context of service robots. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 560 users who interacted with a service robot at a library and a museum. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0. Findings: The findings show the significant negative effects of perceived intrusion on consumer engagement and wellbeing. In addition, technology anxiety exhibited a significant positive effect on consumer engagement and wellbeing, whereas consumer engagement predicted wellbeing. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of consumer engagement as a key mediator between the stressors and wellbeing. Practical implications: The findings equip service managers with the necessary information to effectively integrate service robots in an inclusive manner that resonates with consumer engagement and wellbeing. Originality/value: This research uses field data to empirically validate the effects of contextual and trait stressors on consumer resistance to service robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study empirically examined four value attributes (e.g. conditional value, functional value, epistemic value and price consciousness) influencing young customers' attitudes, word-of-mouth (WOM) and continuous usage intentions. Subjective norm was positioned as the moderator, while WOM was identified as the mediator. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected data from 252 Chinese young customers using purposive sampling technique and utilized PLS-SEM to examine the interrelationships among variables. Findings: The findings confirmed that the four value attributes (i.e. conditional value, functional value, epistemic value and price consciousness) significantly influence young consumers' attitudes toward pre-made dishes (PMDs). Additionally, attitudes and WOM positively influence continuous usage intention, with WOM acting as a mediator between attitudes and continuous usage intentions. Furthermore, subjective norm partially moderates the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) model. Practical implications: PMDs manufacturers should take into account the consumption values and price consciousness of young customers when developing marketing campaigns. Subjective norm and WOM continue to be key factors in enhancing continuous intention. Originality/value: This study expands the applicability of the VAB model, the theory of consumption value (TCV), and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), enriching the literature on PMDs by examining four value attributes and moderating factors influencing continuous usage intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The urgency to address climate change and its devastating consequences has never been more pressing. As societies become increasingly aware of the detrimental impact of traditional housing on the planet, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly housing solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation and reduced carbon emissions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence customers' priority toward eco-friendly house purchasing intention. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected 386 data using a quantitative research strategy and purposive sampling method. This study uses a hybrid analysis technique using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approaches to identify the influencing factors. Findings: The PLS-SEM analysis found that attitude toward the eco-friendly house, subjective norms, performance expectancy, environmental knowledge and environmental sensitivity have a positive influence on eco-friendly house purchasing intention. However, perceived behavioral control and willingness to pay were found to have insignificant effect on customers' intention to purchase eco-friendly houses. The fsQCA results further revealed complex causal relationships between the influencing factors. Practical implications: This research will not only contribute to academic knowledge but also provide practical guidance to real estate developers, policymakers and individuals looking to make environmentally responsible choices. By understanding the factors that influence consumers' intentions to purchase eco-friendly houses, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Originality/value: This study has used a hybrid analysis technique, combining PLS-SEM and fsQCA, to enhance the predictive accuracy of eco-friendly house purchase intentions among individuals residing in densely populated and highly polluted developing countries, such as Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: New-age technologies are driving brand digitalization and influencing consumer retail experiences and consumption patterns. Although past research addresses users'/consumers' acceptance of these technologies in retail, it refrains from thoroughly studying interaction and engagement. Stemming from the technology acceptance model, the purpose of this paper is to empirically study the practicality of the technology-enabled engagement process comprising stages of interaction, psychological engagement, value-in-use and behavioral engagement during consumers' interactions with augmented reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning based virtual try-on services. Design/methodology/approach: Data from an online survey conducted in China of 339 consumers who experienced the virtual-try-on service is analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings: The results support the technology-enabled engagement process of brand virtual try-on services. Perceived ease of use and usefulness are robust antecedents of the framework during the interaction stage. Emotional and cognitive aspects contribute to the psychological engagement and value-in-use stages that convert into positive e-word of mouth and buying intentions about the brand in the behavioral engagement stage. Originality/value: The research contributes to the technology acceptance model, information systems and technology marketing literature by testing a novel technology-enabled engagement process, which previously lacked empirical validation. Specifically, it uses technology acceptance model constructs as antecedents of the technology-enabled engagement process framework, with behavioral intentions in the form of e-word of mouth and buying intentions as precedents. It also provides insights into brands' virtual try-on services in online retail environments. Practical implications for brand managers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to redefine approaches to metrics in service marketing by examining the utility of partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) for assessing service quality, with a focus on the airline industry. Design/methodology/approach: Using the Airline Passenger Satisfaction data set from Kaggle platform, this study applies PLS-SEM, facilitated by ADANCO software and XAI techniques, specifically using the SHapley Additive exPlanations TreeExplainer model. This study tests several hypotheses to validate the effectiveness of these methodological tools in identifying key determinants of service quality. Findings: PLS-SEM analysis categorizes key variables into Delay, Airport Service and In-flight Service, whereas XAI techniques rank these variables based on their impact on service quality. This dual-framework provides businesses a detailed analytical approach customized to specific research needs. Research limitations/implications: This study is constrained by the use of a single data set focused on the airline industry, which may limit generalizability. Future research should apply these methodologies across various sectors to enhance a broader applicability. Practical implications: The analytical framework offered here equips businesses with the robust tools for a more rigorous and nuanced evaluation of service quality metrics, supporting informed strategic decision-making. Social implications: By applying advanced analytics to refine service metrics, businesses can better meet and exceed customer expectations, ultimately elevating the societal standard of service delivery. Originality/value: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on artificial intelligence interpretability in business analytics, presenting an innovative methodological guide for applying PLS-SEM and/or XAI in service marketing research. This approach delivers actionable insights, not only in the airline sector but also across diverse business domains seeking to optimize service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-smart agricultural technology (CSAT) has been recognized as an effective agricultural technology for mitigating or eliminating climate change damages to agricultural production. The adoption of CSAT by Chinese farmers has also increased significantly, driven by the government. However, the range of technologies adopted is very limited to several types, such as piped irrigation, high-yielding seeds, and organic fertilizers. In this study, four reasons for the adoption of CSAT were summarized through a literature review and semi-structured interviews, and antecedents and outcomes were conceptualized through the Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) model and the concept of willingness to pay (WTP). The data from 308 farmers' cooperatives were analyzed and it was found that three reasons—policy/government support, recommendations from opinion leaders, and extension services—have positive significant impacts on the willingness of farmers' cooperatives to adopt CSAT. However, perceived usefulness was also observed to have no significant impact on the willingness of farmers' cooperatives to adopt CSAT because the significant level of the t-value was only 1.767. In addition, the value of openness to change was proved to have significant positive effects on policy/government support, recommendations from opinion leaders, extension services, and perceived usefulness, whereas it had no impact on willingness to adopt CSAT. However, reasons for the adoption (policy/government support, recommendations from opinion leaders, and extension services) were confirmed to have a mediating effect between the value of openness to change and willingness to adopt CSAT, which means that the value of openness to change can indirectly affect the willingness to adopt CSAT by influencing the views of farmers' cooperatives on the variables of reasons for the adoption of CSAT. More widespread, diverse, and multi-level CSAT adoption requires in-depth publicity and promotion and multi-channel recommendations, both at the government level and at the technology company level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange theory to investigate how streamer- and product-centered signals influence customers' likelihood of making an impulsive purchase in the live-streaming commerce context. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was designed and distributed to the target respondents in China using purposive sampling. A total of 735 valid responses were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: Both streamer-centered signals, i.e. streamer credibility and streamer interaction quality, were discovered to significantly influence product-centered signal, i.e. product information quality. Additionally, streamer interaction quality was found to have a significant impact on streamer credibility. Furthermore, it was observed that customer engagement played a significant mediating role in the relationship between product information quality and impulsive buying tendency. Moreover, the paths between product information quality and customer engagement, as well as the connection between engagement and impulsive buying tendency, were found to be moderated by guanxi orientation. Originality/value: Despite the prevalence of impulsive purchases in live-streaming commerce, few studies have empirically investigated the impact of streamer and product signals on influencing customers' impulsive purchase decisions. Consequently, to the best of our knowledge, this study distinguishes itself by offering empirical insights into how streamers use reciprocating relationship mechanisms to communicate signals that facilitate impulsive purchase decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]