
PLS-SEM, also referred to as partial least squares path modelling, is a type of SEM, which is being increasing used in social sciences, psychology, business administration and marketing. In a nutshell, PLS-SEM can be viewed as a component-based SEM alternative to the covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) which can be described as a factor-based SEM technique. As such, the PLS-SEM approach provides researchers with a multivariate statistical technique that can readily be used to estimate exploratory or/and complex SEM models. Although there are several stand-alone specialized PLS-SEM or PLS-PM software packages available, this course introduces participants to the PLS-SEM methodology, through the user-written Stata-package, plspm, developed by the course instructors themselves.