Handbook of Partial Least Squares - 9783540328254

The new volume of Computational Statistics represents a comprehensive overview of Partial Least Squares (PLS) methods with specific reference to their use in marketing and with a discussion of the directions of current research and perspectives.The handbook covers the broad area of PLS methods -from regression to structural equation modeling applications, software and interpretation of results. It features papers on the use and the analysis of latent variables and indicators by means of the PLS path modeling approach from the design of the causal network to model assessment and improvement.Within the PLS framework, the handbook also addresses advanced topics such as the analysis of multi-block, multi-group and multi-structured data, the use of categorical indicators, the study of interaction effects, the integration of classification issues, the validation aspects and the comparison between the PLS approach and covariance based structural equation modeling. Most chapters comprise a thorough discussion of applications to marketing and related areas, some tutorials focus on key aspects of PLS analysis with a didactic approach.This handbook serves both as an introduction for those without prior knowledge of PLS and as a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners interested in the most recent advances in PLS methodology.