Dear Benjamin

As your sample size is quite small and also in the measurement model you have 1one indicator the use of PLS SEM is more appropriate. 

Best wishes

Sarita

May i know which Structural Equation Modelling Software should i use AMOS or SmartPLS (CB-SEM vs PLS-SEM)

Beside small sample size & single item variable opting for PLS-SEM, whether to choose CB-SEM (e.g. AMOS) or PLS-SEM (e.g. SmartPLS) also depending on other factors like your research objective e.g. for prediction purpose or explaining items' relationships, whether you are exploring theory or confirming theory etc.  You can refer to the following links for further details:

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_Structural_Equation_Modeling2

https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_to_chose_SEM-AMOS_or_SEM-SmartPLS_for_data_analysis

https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_to_decide_which_package_is_best_for_my_research_Amos_or_Smart_PLS

Hi Mr Han,

Thank you for replying to my post.

I saw the 3 links given by you.

I have a question to ask,

My research is on Work Life Balance and i have developed a conceptual framework which is a formative construct as shown in my attached above.

I want to analyse the theory to find out whether the hypothesis based on my literature review is correct as well as using it to explain the Work Life Balance theory. Each variables have different number of item (1 to 3)

May i know is PLS-SEM a right choice for my research? 

Hi Benjamin,

If you can only get small sample & have formative construct i.e. individual questionnaire item 1, 2 etc. point to the construct, it is suggesting you to consider PLS-SEM because CB-SEM usually require reflective construct i.e. all arrows from the construct point outward to all the questionnaire items.

Also if you are not confirming a theory e.g. develop a new conceptual framework underpinning on some old / existing theory / theoretical framework, then you can explore PLS-SEM.

Suggesting you also to go through this good book on PLS-SEM - think it has 2nd edition already:

Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C., & Sarstedt, M. (2013). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage Publications, Inc.

your go for Smart PLS.

Your research objective and type of study determine which method is appropriate. Choosing the wrong method will make your result to be invalid.

Read the attached material.

This article will help you to evaluate each and every alternative with proper rationale.

Xiong, B., Skitmore, M., & Xia, B. (2015). A critical review of structural equation modeling applications in construction research. Automation in Construction, 49, 59-70.

By looking at the complexity of your model (i.e. formative constructs, 2 moderating effects, numerous indirect effects), I am not even sure if your model would be identified in CB-SEM with this little sample size. You could try PLS-SEM (as it is more explorative), but I would also consider PROCESS by Hayes.