To enhance students’ competencies in quantitative research methods, a Sharing Session on Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) was successfully conducted as part of the academic enrichment program. The activity was attended by students from the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs of the Agribusiness Study Program, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and was designed to support them in developing strong analytical skills for thesis and dissertation research, particularly in handling complex data analysis using SmartPLS 4 and RStudio.
The session featured Sofyan Yamin, S.Si., M.E. as the main speaker, who is widely recognized for his expertise in statistics and quantitative research methods. Through an interactive and structured presentation, participants were introduced to the conceptual foundations of SEM-PLS and NCA, as well as their practical applications in academic research. The speaker explained how the integration of SEM-PLS and NCA can provide more comprehensive and rigorous analytical results, enabling researchers to better understand both causal relationships and necessary conditions within their models.
During the session, students gained hands-on exposure to data processing and model analysis using SmartPLS 4 and RStudio. Step-by-step demonstrations allowed participants to follow the analytical procedures directly, from model specification to interpretation of results. This practical approach helped students better grasp the technical aspects of quantitative analysis and increased their confidence in applying advanced methods to their own research projects.
The activity also served as a platform for discussion and consultation, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions related to their research topics, data challenges, and model development. This interactive engagement enriched the learning experience and enabled students to receive direct feedback from an experienced practitioner in the field of quantitative research.
Overall, the Sharing Session contributed significantly to improving students’ research readiness, analytical accuracy, and methodological understanding. By strengthening their ability to apply SEM-PLS and NCA, the program supports the development of high-quality, rigorous, and impactful academic research. This initiative reflects the Agribusiness Study Program’s commitment to continuously enhancing students’ research capacities and preparing them for successful completion of their theses and dissertations.