FAU-NIM Workshop Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM): Foundations
You are a doctoral researcher at FAU and you are interested in learning how to use the PLS-SEM method in your own research applications?Apply now for the workshop “Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM): Foundations” led by the renowned Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Marko Sarstedt.
- 26.02.206 (09:00 –17:00) & 27.02.2026 (09:00 –16:00)
in presence at NIM | Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions, Steinstr. 21 90419 Nürnberg
This two-day workshop is designed to familiarize with the potentials of using PLS-SEM in research. PLS is a composite-based approach to SEM, which aims at maximizing the explained variance of dependent constructs in the path model. Compared to other SEM techniques, PLS enables researchers to estimate very complex models with many constructs and indicator variables. Furthermore, PLS-SEM allows to estimate reflective and formative constructs and generally offers much flexibility in terms of data requirements. The workshop introduces participants to the state-of-the-art of PLS-SEM using the SmartPLS 4 software.
The objectives of this course are to provide a methodological introduction into the PLS-SEM approach (the nature of causal-predictive modeling, analytical objectives, some statistics) and the evaluation of measurement and structural model results. More specifically, participants will comprehend the following topics:
- Fundamentals of PLS-SEM,
- Model set up and estimation,
- Assessment and reporting of measurement model results,
- Assessment and reporting of structural model results, particularly focusing on the prediction-oriented results assessment,
- Importance-performance map analysis (IPMA),
- Mediation analysis, and
- Outlook on advanced techniques such as necessary condition analysis.
Target group: Doctoral candidates at FAU interested in learning how to use the PLS-SEM method in their own research applications. A basic knowledge of multivariate statistics and SEM techniques is helpful, but not required.
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Marko Sarstedt is a chaired professor of marketing at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (Germany) and an adjunct research professor at Babe-Bolyai-University Cluj-Napoca (Romania). His main research interest is the advancement of research methods to further the understanding of consumer behavior.
Terms and conditions: The workshop is part of the format “Doctoral Deep Dive Workshop” organized within the framework of the FAU-NIM collaboration. The NIM, Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions, regularly invites FAU doctoral candidates to a one- to two-day workshop aimed at deepening (methodological) knowledge in a specific research area or on specific topics under the guidance of experts and getting to know the NIM.
Are you interested in participating in the workshop? If so, please submit a brief motivation letter to lea.k.huber@fau.de with a maximum of 250 words outlining your motivation for attending the workshop and the added value for your doctoral project by December 14, 2025. After reviewing all applications, NIM will inform you whether you have been granted a spot in the workshop.