Batra, S (2025) Exploring the application of PLS-SEM in construction management research: A bibliometric and meta-analysis approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(4), pp. 2697-2727. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach for construction management (CM) scholars has become the preferred approach for its capability of assessing the complex relationship and relaxed normality and sample size assumptions. This paper systematically maps the structure of knowledge about PLS-SEM in CM using bibliometric analysis. Also, the study employs meta-analysis to explore how data and model characteristics, model evaluation and advanced modeling techniques have been utilized in the CM domain. Design/methodology/approach: This study integrated two methods: bibliometric analysis on a sample of 211 articles identified using the PRISMA framework and meta-analysis on 163 articles identified based on the availability of full-length articles and relevant information. Findings: The results revealed the leading knowledge formation entities (countries, institutions, authors, sources and documents). Also, the study employs full content analysis to identify six research themes, and meta-analysis is used to explore the use of PLS-SEM based on the following criteria: (1) reasons for using PLS-SEM in CM, (2) data characteristics, (3) model characteristics and evaluation and (4) use of advanced modeling and analysis techniques. Further, the study uses regression analysis and identifies "advanced modeling and analysis techniques" as the critical feature responsible for the publication in a journal with high scientific prestige. Finally, the study presented the comprehensive guidelines to be used by construction management scholars who wish to use PLS-SEM in their research work. Originality/value: To the author's knowledge, it is the first study of this kind to use PLS-SEM in CM research. This study provides an extensive analysis of the Scopus database and an in-depth review of the data characteristics, model characteristics and use of advanced modeling techniques in CM research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bibliometric analysis; construction management; meta-analysis; PLS-SEM |
| Index terms: | modelling, partial least square, bibliometric analysis, content analysis, regression analysis, maps, publication, management research, structural equation modelling, meta-analysis, documents, sample size, journal, database, methodology |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, statistical analysis, analytical methods, research methods, professional development, data management, research dissemination and communication, spatial and geospatial analysis, research design and methodology, research evaluation and metrics |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Digital Applications, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here