Tutorial Installing Smartpls Software

Based on the information that contained on the smartpls websites, known that SmartPLS is a software application for (graphical) path modeling with latent variables (LVP). The partial least squares (PLS)-method is used for the LVP-analysis in this software.


In the download area, the first beta-version is accessible (free of charge). A registration is required! The following new features are presented in the new release SmartPLS 2.0 (beta):

• a completely re-engineered software application using the JAVA Eclipse Platform,

• the option to easily extend the functionality of SmartPLS by JAVA Eclipse Plug-ins, and

• a SmartPLS community to discuss all software and PLS related topics with other users and experts.

This is very useful software for do some research, especially if you want to do research in management. How to get this software? Based on information on the site, these are 4 steps how to get smartpls 2:

Step 1
Register with your TRUE IDENTITY in the SmartPLS Forum. You receive an E-Mail with your USSERNAME and PASSWORD.

Step 2
Your registration is CHECKED by the administrators. If approved (this is usually the case) your profile is ACTIVATED and you receive another E-Mail with your ACTIVATION KEY for the SmartPLS 2 software application.

Step 3
Log into the SmartPLS Forum (with your USSERNAME and PASSWORD) and get the SmartPLS 2 software application, sample data files, sample models as well as a video based user manual in the DOWNLOAD area.

Step 4
INSTALL/UNZIP the application on your computer system and START it. For the first start, you need to copy and paste your ACTIVATION KEY (that you received via E-Mail) into the SmartPLS 2 activation window.

Why register?

The SmartPLS community platform hosts different forums in order to provide information on SmartPLS and PLS-based LVP. These forums are not accessible for non registered persons. We insist on a “real world” user identity to ensure the professional and profound exchange of information.

Since summer 2010, the SmartPLS software application for PLS path modeling has more than 20,000 registered users.

If you want to register it now, kindly please click here
Till I post this article, I still try to understanding this software. One important thing before you run this application, you should have installing Java Environment on your computer or notebook. I try to search the handbook of smartpls on the internet. The best handbook of smartpls I will share it on my blog as soon as possible. Thanks

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• Describe the quantitative analysis approach
• Understand the application of quantitative analysis in a real situation
• Describe the use of modeling in quantitative analysis
• Use computers and spreadsheet models to perform quantitative analysis
• Discuss possible problems in using quantitative analysis
• Perform a break-even analysis

Introduction

• Mathematical tools have been used for thousands of years
  Quantitative analysis can be applied to a wide variety of problems
  It’s not enough to just know the mathematics of a technique
  One must understand the specific applicability of the technique, its limitations, and its assumptions

Examples of Quantitative Analyses

• Dzikri Cell company saved over $150 million using forecasting and scheduling quantitative analysis models
• XYZ television increased revenues by over $200 million by using quantitative analysis to develop better sales plans
• Ali Baba Airlines saved over $40 million using quantitative analysis models to quickly recover from weather delays and other disruptions

What is Quantitative Analysis?
Quantitative analysis is a scientific approach to managerial decision making whereby raw data are processed and manipulated resulting in meaningful information

• Quantitative factors might be different investment alternatives, interest rates, inventory levels, demand, or labor cost
• Qualitative factors such as the weather, state and federal legislation, and technology breakthroughs should also be considered

Information may be difficult to quantify but can affect the decision-making process
Defining the Problem
Need to develop a clear and concise statement that gives direction and meaning to the following steps
This may be the most important and difficult step

• It is essential to go beyond symptoms and identify true causes
• May be necessary to concentrate on only a few of the problems – selecting the right problems is very important
• Specific and measurable objectives may have to be developed

Developing a Model
Quantitative analysis models are realistic, solvable, and understandable mathematical representations of a situation

• Models generally contain variables (controllable and uncontrollable) and parameters
• Controllable variables are generally the decision variables and are generally unknown
• Parameters are known quantities that are a part of the problem

Acquiring Input Data

Input data must be accurate – GIGO rule
Data may come from a variety of sources such as company reports, company documents, interviews, on-site direct measurement, or statistical sampling