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The path analysis technique was introduced in educational research relatively recently. It is very effective for conceptualizing research and for linking theory and the “real world”. Major advances are possible if more researchers in education would adopt this technique. However, the outward complex appearance of path analysis diagrams with their many variables, straight and curved arrows and numerical coefficients, and the terminology such as “residuals” and “recursive” associated with discussions of the technique tend to deter researchers. In this article the author gives an overview of the technique in simple terms. Its strengths and weaknesses are discussed and suggestions are made about how to commence use of the technique. Several examples of path analysis used in educational research are presented. The discussion is of an introductory nature with the hope that readers will develop a confidence to investigate the technique further. The intention of the author here is not to debate the many specific, provocative and complex issues about definition, terminology and interpretation surrounding the technique which methodology specialists continue to discuss as the use of the technique grows.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which organizational level of functionality is affected by its leadership, its staff, the way task is performed in the organization (culture), and the structural and governance makeup of organizations. This study also determined the direct and indirect impacts of these variables on organizational functionality in general and drawing lessons to educational organizations in specific.

This is a quantitative study. Data from 185 participants were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. The data analysis procedure for this study followed various steps. First, multiple factor analysis was conducted to narrow the long list of items and to create a manageable list of construct variables for analyses. Then path analysis, using a series of multiple regression, was conducted to identify the degree of relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Finally, a path model coefficient diagram was created.

Using path analysis, a new model that depicts the level of interactions among the proposed variables and the extent and direction of influence of each variable on organizational level of functionality has been created. In addition, a path diagram that illustrates the model is provided and explained. This study also determined the direct and indirect impacts of these variables on organizational functionality. Finally, conclusions and implications of the study for educational organizations were presented.

It should be noted that path analysis studies, by nature, are based on assumptions provided by the researchers. Hence, future studies using different variables and different assumption may not necessarily generate the same result. In addition, this study looked at a broader view of organizations rather than a specific type.

This study expanded the use of organizational diagnosis frameworks, beyond studying organizational performance, to study organizational level of functionality which can be used to diagnose the level of function (or dysfunction) of organizations in a holistic manner.

The present study contributes to the body of literature in organizational diagnosis in various ways; chief of which is the creation of a new path model which shows the direct and indirect effects of specific variables in numeric terms.

Unlike previous studies on the topic, this study suggests that organizational level of functionality should be studied using variables internal to the organization, because any two organizations of similar purpose and capacity, located in similar environment, could function differently due to factors internal to the organizations. Investigating organizational level of functionality using variables internal to the organization is assumed to provide a deeper diagnosis and self-assessment as it minimizes the noises created by variables external to the organization. All the variables in this study are therefore carefully selected to be internal to organizations.

Since many global path planning algorithms cannot achieve the planned path with both safety and economy, this study aims to propose a path planning method for unmanned vehicles with a controllable distance from obstacles.

First, combining satellite image and the Voronoi field algorithm (VFA) generates rasterized environmental information and establishes navigation area boundary. Second, establishing a hazard function associated with navigation area boundary improves the evaluation function of the A^* algorithm and uses the improved A^* algorithm for global path planning. Finally, to reduce the number of redundant nodes in the planned path and smooth the path, node optimization and gradient descent method (GDM) are used. Then, a continuous smooth path that meets the actual navigation requirements of unmanned vehicle is obtained.

The simulation experiment proved that the proposed global path planning method can realize the control of the distance between the planned path and the obstacle by setting different navigation area boundaries. The node reduction rate is between 33.52% and 73.15%, and the smoothness meets the navigation requirements. This method is reasonable and effective in the global path planning process of unmanned vehicle and can provide reference to unmanned vehicles’ autonomous obstacle avoidance decision-making.

This study establishes navigation area boundary for the environment based on the VFA and uses the improved A* algorithm to generate a navigation path that takes into account both safety and economy. This study also proposes a method to solve the redundancy of grid environment path nodes and large-angle steering and to smooth the path to improve the applicability of the proposed global path planning method. The proposed global path planning method solves the requirements of path safety and smoothness.

Every “structural model” is defined by the set of covariance and mean expectations. These expectations are the source of parameter estimates, fit statistics, and substantive interpretation. The recent chapter by Cortina, Pant, and Smith-Darden ((this volume). In: F. Dansereau & F. J. Yammarino (Eds), Research in multi-level issues (vol. 4). Oxford, England: Elsevier) shows how a formal investigation of the data covariance matrix of longitudinal data can lead to an improved understanding of the estimates of covariance terms among linear growth models. The investigations presented by Cortina et al. (this volume) are reasonable and potentially informative for researchers using linear change growth models. However, it is quite common for behavioral researchers to consider more complex models, in which case a variety of more complex techniques for the calculation of expectations will be needed. In this chapter we demonstrate how available computer programs, such as Maple, can be used to automatically create algebraic expectations for the means and the covariances of every structural model. The examples presented here can be used for a latent growth model of any complexity, including linear and nonlinear processes, and any number of longitudinal measurements.

The paper aims to examine the concept of architectural design communication (ADC) for updating design studio dynamics in architectural education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Within this perspective, the changing and transforming contents of architectural education, the thinking, representation and production mediums are examined through the determined components of ADC. There are five components in the study, which are (1) Effective Language Use, (2) Effective use of Handcrafts, (3) Effective Technical Drawing Knowledge, (4) Effective Architectural Software Knowledge and (5) Outputs.

The research method is based on qualitative and quantitative methods; a survey study is applied and the comparative results are evaluated with the path analysis method. The students in the Department of Architecture of two universities have been selected as the target audience. Case study 1 survey is applied to Altinbas University (AU) and Case study 2 survey is applied to Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) students during the COVID-19 pandemic; ‘19-‘20 spring term, online education.

As a result, two-path analysis diagrams are produced for two universities, and a comparative analysis is presented to reveal the relationships of the selected ADC components.

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how ADC can be developed in online education platforms.

Educational institutes must embrace the principles of total quality management (TQM) if they seek to remain competitive, and survive and succeed in the long run. An educational institution must embrace the principles of quality management and incorporate them into all of their activities. Starting with a theoretical background, the paper outlines the results of a study conducted on both internal and external customers of the educational system, with select engineering and management institutes as foci of study. The study is an attempt toward developing an integrated customer-centric model of quality management in education, through the use of multiple methodologies so as to be able to evaluate service quality; prioritize improvement of service; and guide and develop educational services by incorporating the voice of the customer (VOC). The purpose of this paper is to establish the prioritization for improvement of service design of an educational system through incorporation of the VOC, be it internal or external customers, through the use of multiple methodologies, leading to generalization of results.

The study uses multiple methodologies with various techniques for analysis through the application of the SERVQUAL; quality function deployment (QFD); interpretive structural modeling (ISM); and path analysis. The SERVQUAL was applied to identify the gap and determine the level of service quality. Following this, QFD, ISM and path analysis were used to identify the set of minimum design characteristics/quality components that would meet the requirements the various internal and external customers of the educational system. The QFD was used to identify the set of minimum design characteristics/quality components that meet the requirements of the various internal and external customers of the educational system. The ISM and path analysis were used to identify and prioritize the design characteristics/quality components that would meet the requirements the various internal and external customers of the educational system.

The findings from the various techniques were amalgamated, and proposed as an integrated model of TQM in higher education. The study helped identify with a customer perspective, the quality components which would help design TQM for higher education institutions in India.

The paper could be useful to government bodies, funding agencies, policy makers and administrators in developing a system that could lead to satisfaction of both internal and external customers of the educational system.

The study includes within its scope the varied customers of the educational system, namely, internal and external customers of the educational system; the internal customers being the faculty and the administrative staff, and the external customers being the students and the industry (as the employer). This is yet to be seen in other research studies. Also, the integration of the multiple tools and their application to the field of higher education in India, has not yet been made available in the literature.

Reductions in emissions intensity have been expressed in commitments of many countries’ intended nationally determined contribution. Energy structure adjustment is one of the main approaches to reduce carbon emissions. This paper aims to study the causal relationship between carbon emission intensity and energy consumption structure in China based on path analysis.

After data collection, this paper performs correlation analysis, regression and path analysis.

Correlation results display clear collinearity among energy structure variables. Regression finds that coal, oil, natural gas and technology can be used as indicators for carbon intensity while primary electricity has been excluded. Path analysis shows that coal had the largest direct and positive impact on emission intensity. Natural gas had a positive direct and negative indirect effect through its negative relationship with coal on emission intensity. Technology has the largest negative elasticity while all fossil energies are positive. Results indicate a negative effect of energy structure adjustment on China’s national carbon intensity.

Given the major role of China in global climate change mitigation, significant future reductions in China’s CO₂ emissions will require transformation toward low-carbon energy systems. Considering the important role in mitigating global climate change, China needs to transition toward a low-carbon energy system to significantly reduce its carbon intensity in the future.

A successful TQM implementation requires employees’ engagement in extra‐role behaviors. This study identified and examined the critical factors embedded in the organizational system that may enhance or hinder employees’ participation in TQM activities. Factors including individual training and project involvement, job characteristics, organizational structure, social support, and employees’ self‐efficacy were expected to influence employees’ extra‐role behaviors, e.g. continuous quality improvement activities. A study model was tested with the empirical data collected from a city government in the USA. A total of 848 surveys were returned (overall response rate of 38 per cent). Three factors that most strongly predicted employees’ practices of TQM were: a standardized organizational structure, interpersonal support of the organization, and employees’ self‐efficacy. Individuals’ project involvement and training had no direct effect on the practices of quality management, but had indirect positive effects through the impact of self‐efficacy. The suggestions for designing a TQM training program were discussed.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the constructs and establish causal relationship between factors for strategically governing a technical university in Indian context. Further, the paper carries out a systemic study to emphasize on the need for these universities to design strategies that are endurable and sustainable.

A structured questionnaire survey was carried out (207 responses). Factor analysis was carried out to bring out the latent variables representing the attributes, and later, the causality between these variables was established using structural equation modelling (SEM). These relationships between the factors helped in developing a robust system dynamic model for strategic management of technical universities.

The peak points on the contours for varying strategic orientation revealed the adaptability and the time required for attaining that level of adaptability. The contour plots also revealed the limiting values in each case. Finally, it is concluded that university adaptability increases with increasing strategic orientation. The analysis also revealed that the process by which the technical universities formulate their strategies is an important determinant of various factors.

Universities looking to implement strategic management-related methodologies for the improved management focusing on developing effective methods for developing strategy can be expected to yield better performance, rather than concentrating on the technologies and supporting infrastructures.

Education is becoming much more of a “product” with varying customers and stakeholders. There are huge pressures to become more accountable and responsive to customer needs, and educational institutions need to become more efficient, effective and customer‐centric. Quality is fast emerging as a theme that is rapidly spreading within the higher education institutions. However, the emphasis has been essentially an external customer's perspective, i.e. an employer or a student perspective. The internal customer's perspective has generally been ignored. This study aims to examine faculty's, i.e. an internal customer's, perspective about quality systems in higher education.

The study undertaken is exploratory and diagnostic in nature, aimed at identifying the set of minimum design characteristics/quality components that would meet the requirements of the faculty. An extensive literature review led to identification of variables that were pilot tested for validity and reliability. The empirical study was conducted across engineering and management institutions in and around Delhi, India, imparting graduate and post‐graduate professional degrees/diplomas with the sample comprising the faculty. Multiple tools and techniques were used to quantitatively and qualitatively arrive at a synthesized and integrated model of quality management in education.

Based on the analysis of data through quantitative and qualitative tools, the study helped in the identification of quality components, which, if adopted and implemented, could lead to satisfaction of the faculty.

Employee satisfaction is a major driver towards adoption of a customer centric philosophy by any organization and the educational system is no exception. Every organization should consider the requirements of their employees and initiate measures to meet them so as to cultivate employee satisfaction.

While quality management in higher education has been a focus of research all over the world, the vast array of literature illustrates that research has essentially focused on the external customer of the educational system. The study was conducted with the objective of obtaining an internal customers' perspective by focusing on the faculty and proposing an integrated framework for quality management in education.