On Thursday, 17 September 2026, the Master of Science and Doctoral Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Research Methodology Workshop Series entitled “PLS-SEM Fundamentals and PROCESS Analysis with SmartPLS.” The workshop featured Prof. T. Ramayah, Professor at the Operation Management Section, School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, as the speaker. The event was conducted in person at the BRI Auditorium, 3rd Floor of the Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM, and was divided into two sessions: the first focused on PLS-SEM Fundamentals, while the second discussed PROCESS Analysis with SmartPLS. This workshop formed part of the program’s efforts to strengthen participants’ understanding of quantitative research methods and the use of analytical tools in research development.
In the first session, Prof. T. Ramayah discussed the fundamentals of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) as an analytical approach widely used in quantitative research. The discussion focused on the basic concepts of PLS-SEM, the stages of analysis, and its application in testing research models. Through a systematic presentation, participants gained a clearer understanding of how PLS-SEM can be used to analyse relationships among variables and support more structured model testing. In addition to the conceptual explanation, the session also provided practical insights into the use of SmartPLS as a supporting tool for data analysis.
The second session continued with a discussion of PROCESS Analysis using SmartPLS, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the analysis of relationships among variables within research models. Throughout the workshop, participants took part in presentations, practical learning activities, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions with the speaker. These interactions enabled participants to relate the material to their own research needs while discussing various methodological issues they encountered. Through this workshop, participants were expected to enhance their knowledge and skills in applying PLS-SEM and PROCESS Analysis appropriately, thereby supporting more systematic, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality research.
