INTRODUCTION
Nowadays most researches done in commercial sector are quantitative in nature. In a demanding industry such as the food and beverage, the need for critical decision making in split-second can make dramatic changes in productivity and financial performances. Therefore information must be concise, current and complete. Since the last decade, the arena of research has evolved dramatically and radically. In the midst of this evolution, the ever-demanding need for information transfer becomes more vital. Therefore appropriate data mining techniques and approaches are essential. Hence this professional workshop is established.
THE AIM
The aim of this professional workshop is to enable participants to plan, design, implement, analyse and document research studies based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SPSS AMOS. It must be stressed that other conventional SPSS techniques and approaches that can complement SEM in AMOS are also highlighted. It is also the aim to enable participants to relate the new skills they acquired to the industry they engage in. Therefore the synergy between theory, application and practice is very much the core essence of this professional workshop.
WHAT IS SEM
SEM is now one of the most popular model analysis techniques. SEM encompasses model analysis techniques such as covariance structure analysis, latent variable analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis and linear structural relation analysis. Generally, SEM is used to estimate multiple and interrelated dependence relationship and the ability to represent unobserved concepts in these relationships and account for measurement error in the estimation process. SEM is useful when estimating a series of separate, but interdependent, multiple regression equations simultaneously in a specified structural model.
WHY SPSS AMOS
There are many applications in the market today that can estimate SEM. SPSS AMOS is by foremost one of the more popular applications. While many other applications condemn users to many complicated functions like macros and basic programming languages, SPSS AMOS uses a very user-friendly interface to allow easy handling and utilisation.
THE PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP
The professional workshop is divided into two levels, ie Level 1 for beginners and Level 2: intermediates. Each level has three modules. These modules are designed based on three important aspects, ie Theory, Application and Practice. Each workshop commences with Module 1 (Theory), Module 2 (Application) and concludes in Module 3 (Practice). The details of these levels follow:
Module 1: Theory
10.00 am – 12.00 pm
- What is SEM
- An introduction of the theoretical aspects of SEM
- Path diagram
Module 2: Application
12.01 pm – 1.00 pm
- Introduction to AMOS
- Introduction to AMOS Graphics
- Getting use to AMOS Graphics functions
LUNCH
1.01 pm – 2.00 pm
Module 2: Application (Continuation)
2.01 pm – 4.00 pm
- Developing and analysing a simple Analysis
- Working on some examples
- Understanding and analysing your findings
- Semantics to learn while analysing
Module 3: Practice
4.01 pm – 5.00 pm
- White Papers in SEM
- Designing a research based on organisation needs and requirements
- Common problems, NO-NOs and suggested solutions in SEM
- Documenting report papers based on SEM
- Questions & Answers session
Table 1 shows the details of the SPSS AMOS Level 1 professional workshop
Module 1: Theory
10.00 am – 12.00 pm
- Developing a structural and measurement model
- Equating structural model and measurement model – learning to design a framework mathematically
Module 2: Application
12.01 pm – 1.00 pm
- Designing a good SEM research design plan – steps elucidated
- Using the plan with AMOS
- Other useful methods completing AMOS
LUNCH
1.01 pm – 2.00 pm
Module 2: Application (Continuation)
2.01 pm – 4.00 pm
- Reinforcing the need for conventional SPSS with AMOS
- Working on some more examples
- Understanding and analysing your findings (GFIs etc)
- More semantics to learn while analysing
- Problems with your findings and how to solve them
Note: This module is more advanced than the module previously described in Level 1
Module 3: Practice
- pm – 5.00 pm
- Looking at real practical examples and interpreting them
- Problems and Solutions in SEM
- Developing strategies and policies based on findings
- Looking at possibilities of designing a research based on the organisation needs and requirements
- Questions & Answers session
Note: This module is more advanced than the module previously described in Level 1
Table 2 shows the details of the SPSS AMOS Level 2 professional workshop
EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In completion of this professional workshop, participants are expected to be able to launch their own research based on SEM using SPSS AMOS. It is hoped that participants can design and formulate a specific framework based on their organisation’s needs and requirements. Participants can choose to take Level 2 only should they think they already have initial knowledge in SEM and AMOS in Level 1. However participants are encouraged to engage in all the two levels in order to incorporate the gist of this workshop.
AMOS has the capacity to encompass other programming tools such as Visual Basic, C++, scripting facility, SAS, FORTRAN and Delphi. However this workshop WILL NOT facilitate participants to learn to programme AMOS with these programming tools.
Programme scope, delivery arrangements and suitability are confirmed during enquiry.