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Introducing WarpPLS: Nonlinear PLS-SEM Path Modeling Software

  • 1.  Introducing WarpPLS: Nonlinear PLS-SEM Path Modeling Software

    Posted 02-08-2010 22:39
    In conjunction with faculty at Texas A&M International University and Georgia State University, we introduce WarpPLS: nonlinear (in addition to linear) partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) software. We are disseminating WarpPLS software and conducting live online training workshops as a service to quantitative SEM researchers. We are conducting live, globally-available, eight-hour, synchronous, 'hands on,' interactive, audio- and video-supported online academic workshops using WarpPLS on March 19-20 @ 6 PM - 10 PM EST (GMT-5), and again on April 2-3 @ 9AM - 1PM EST (GMT-5). Each workshop combines 'how-to' instruction on PLS-SEM techniques at both the introductory and more advanced levels with numerous live, 'hands on' exercises and associated data sets using WarpPLS. These live, interactive workshops are available and accessible from any location on Earth with an Internet connection. Faculty and students are invited to attend. No travel is required to participate.

    WarpPLS can have a major impact on published SEM research for the following reason: Virtually all PLS-SEM software estimates SEM path coefficients as linear combinations of the predictive latent variables. However, often the structural model path coefficients are better estimated as some combination of nonlinear (in addition to linear) relationships among the predictive latent variables. Thus, existing linear PLS-SEM software is incapable of estimating these 'true' nonlinear path relationships.

    WarpPLS can estimate 'S' path coefficients, 'U' path coefficients, as well as linear path coefficients. In addition, WarpPLS has a number of other unique features compared to existing PLS-SEM software available today (see www.warppls.com). These include the calculation and output of overall SEM model goodness-of-fit (GoF) indices which enable the direct comparisons of two or more models for the best overall fit. No other existing PLS-SEM software available today offers the calculation and output of overall GoF indices.

    The registration fee for faculty/practitioners is $250 USD and for students $175 USD (using the discount code 'student4' when registering). Included in the registration fee is a year-long, fully-featured version of WarpPLS software (non-workshop participants pay $65 USD for a year-long license). There is much more information (including registration details) about the workshops at the websites:

    (1)     https://www.regonline.com/WarpPLS-march-19-20-2010 (6PM-10PM EST) (please copy and paste URL into browser address bar) and

    (2)     https://www.regonline.com/WarpPLS-april-2-3-2010 (9AM-1PM EST) (please copy and paste URL into browser address bar).

    Please note that a significant portion of workshop revenues are returned to the WarpPLS development team at TAMIU to promote the continued development of this important SEM research data analysis software.

    In addition to participating in the live workshop, participants also receive: (1) all workshop slides, materials, 'hands-on' exercises and data sets; (2) WarpPLS software to use with their own data and research projects; (3) relevant citations and other literature; and (4) complete audio- and video- recordings of the workshop sessions (available at no extra charge for an extended period after the workshop is concluded).

    The workshop is presented using the award-winning Elluminate Live ! eDistance learning platform. All that is required to participate is a fast, reliable Internet connection (not dial-up) and a set of inexpensive headphones with a microphone. There is no cost for participants to use the Elluminate Live ! platform. The WarpPLS workshops are accessible from any location on Earth with an Internet connection.

    Questions may be addressed to ghubona@cis.gsu.edu    . There is also more information available at pls-sem.com (please copy and paste URL).

    Geoffrey S. Hubona
    Associate Professor
    Computer Information Systems
    J. Mack Robinson College of Business
    Georgia State University
    Atlanta, Georgia