Strengthening the Robustness of a Post-Award Contract Management Governance Model through Multi-Platform PLS-SEM Validation

Methodologically rigorous model validation is essential for enhancing the credibility and robustness of empirical research in management and public sector governance. Although Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has become a widely adopted analytical approach for evaluating complex theoretical models, empirical evidence supporting multi-platform validation remains limited. This study aims to strengthen the robustness of a post-award contract management governance model through comparative validation using two complementary PLS-SEM platforms, SmartPLS and WarpPLS. The analyses were based on survey data collected from 462 public officers responsible for post-award contract management across 28 federal ministries in Malaysia. SmartPLS was employed as the primary platform to assess the measurement and structural models, while WarpPLS was subsequently utilised to independently evaluate model robustness using global model fit indices and complementary diagnostic measures unavailable in SmartPLS. The findings demonstrate a high degree of consistency between both platforms in terms of measurement reliability, construct validity, structural relationships, and explanatory power. Furthermore, WarpPLS provides complementary model fit evidence that reinforces the stability and robustness of the proposed governance model. The study contributes to the PLS-SEM methodological literature by demonstrating that multi-platform validation enhances methodological rigour and strengthens confidence in empirical model evaluation. The proposed validation approach offers practical guidance for researchers seeking to improve the robustness and credibility of PLS-SEM-based studies in management and public sector governance.

Post-award contract management; Public sector governance; Model robustness

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