WORKSHOP
Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) in Management Research
Presented by Prof. Dr. Christian M. Ringle
Date: July 16, 2026
Place: ISEM Fashion Business School, Madrid, Spain
Time: 09:00-15:00
1 Instructor and a short bio
Prof. Dr. Christian M. Ringle
Institute of Management and Decision Sciences (MDS)
Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
Email: c.ringle@tuhh.de | Internet: https://www.tuhh.de/mds/team/prof-dr-c-m-ringle.html
Dr. Christian M. Ringle is a Chaired Professor of Management and Decision Sciences at the Hamburg University of Technology, Germany, and an Adjunct Professor at James Cook University, Australia. Cited over 300,000 times (Google Scholar), his research spans management and marketing, method development, business analytics, machine learning, and the application of research methods to decision making. His work appears in journals such as Industrial Marketing Management, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Information Systems Research, and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. Since 2018, he has been listed among Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers. Dr. Ringle is also co-founder and co-developer of SmartPLS (https://www.smartpls.com), a graphical software tool for multivariate data analysis, including factor analysis, regression and path models, PROCESS, CB-SEM, GSCA, PLS-SEM, and NCA.
More information about Professor Ringle can be found at
https://www.tuhh.de/mds/team/prof-dr-c-m-ringle.html
2 Workshop goals and learning outcomes
In a relatively recent Journal of Management editorial, Bergh et al. (2022) highlight the growing relevance of necessary condition analysis (NCA; Dul, 2016) in management research and the unique potential of combining NCA with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM; Wold, 1982).
This workshop introduces the core concepts of NCA and demonstrates how to integrate it with other widely used research methods, including PLS-SEM. NCA has been applied across multiple fields, such as Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, International Management, Marketing Research, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management. Unlike regression analysis or PLS-SEM, which rely on additive and average logic, NCA follows a necessity logic—interpreting cause-effect relationships as “necessary but not sufficient”. A necessary condition is a factor without which a specific outcome cannot occur—often referred to as a bottleneck, critical factor, or constraint. If the necessary condition is not in place at the right level, the desired outcome cannot materialize (Dul, 2020, 2024, 2025).
By introducing a complementary logic and data analysis approach, NCA enhances both the rigor and relevance of theory, data analysis, and publications (Dul, 2020). Its practical relevance has attracted increasing attention in the academic community (e.g., Bokrantz & Dul, 2023; Hauff et al., 2021; Richter & Hauff, 2022).
PLS-SEM, a regression-based method for modeling latent variables (e.g., Becker et al., 2023; Hair et al., 2019; Sarstedt et al., 2025), has gained widespread popularity in management and marketing research (e.g., Angelelli et al., 2025; Guenther, 2023; Richter et al., 2016; Sarstedt et al., 2022, 2023). Combining NCA and PLS-SEM allows researchers to distinguish between must-have factors (necessary conditions) and should-have factors (sufficiency conditions) for an outcome. Should-have factors can enhance outcomes only after must-have factors are fulfilled (Richter et al., 2020, 2023; Shukov et al., 2022; Tiwari et al., 2024; Hauff et al., 2024; Riggs et al., 2024; Sarstedt et al., 2024).
This interactive workshop is structured in three parts:
• Part 1: Introduction to the core concepts of NCA, including essential criteria for its appropriate application in management research.
• Part 2: Hands-on exercises and case studies using the statistical software SmartPLS.
• Part 3: Combined application of NCA and PLS-SEM.
The workshop is designed for researchers interested in state-of-the-art methods for their studies and publication projects. Basic knowledge of multivariate statistics and SEM techniques is helpful but not required. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of NCA’s logic, practical skills for its application, and insights into integrating it with complementary research methods.
3 Teaching and learning methods
• The workshop is based on these textbooks:
o Dul, J. (2020). Conducting Necessary Condition Analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
o Dul, J. (2025). Advances in Necessary Condition Analysis, Version 1.8. Online book retrieved from: https://bookdown.org/ncabook/advanced_nca2/.
o Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., and Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
o Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., and Gudergan, S. P. (2024). Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Presentations: The session will cover theory and its application.
• Computer exercises using the statistical software SmartPLS 4 Ringle et al., 2024) in its newest version: Specifically, theoretical explanations underlying the software procedures and practical exercises where participants will apply their learning to real-world examples provided by the instructors.
4 Registration and teaching resources
• Conference participants can register for the workshop as part of the conference registration process. Please visit: https://2026gfmc.imweb.me/
• Comprehensive lecture slides will be provided to all participants
• Bring your laptop computer and a 2 or 3-way power extension lead.
• Download and install the SmartPLS 4 software from https://www.smartpls.com/ before attending the workshop. Participants will receive detailed instructions – including a two-month SmartPLS 4 license key – shortly before the workshop starts.
5 Schedule
Location: ISEM Fashion Business School, Madrid, Spain
Date: July 16, 2025
*Below time table may be changed depending on the final program of the 2026 Global Fashion Management Conference at Madrid.
Time Topic
09:00 – 10:30 Introduction to the core concepts of NCA, including essential criteria for its appropriate application in management research
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 12:30 Hands-on exercises and case studies using the statistical software SmartPLS
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:00 The combined use of NCA and PLS-SEM with practical application examples using SmartPLS
6 For More Information:
GAMMA Central Office
gammacentraloffice@gmail.com
7 References
Angelelli, M., Ciavolino, E., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., & Aria, M. (2025). Conceptual Structure and Thematic Evolution in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research. Quality & Quantity, 59, 2753-2798.
Becker, J.-M., Cheah, J. H., Gholamzade, R., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2023). PLS-SEM’s Most Wanted Guidance. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(1), 321-346.
Bergh, D. D., Boyd, B. K., Byron, K., Gove, S., & Ketchen, D. J. (2022). What Constitutes a Methodological Contribution?, Journal of Management, 48(7), 1835-1848.
Bokrantz, J., & Dul, J. (2023). Building and Testing Necessity Theories in Supply Chain Management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 59(1), 48-65.
Dul, J. (2016). Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA): Logic and Methodology of "Necessary but not Sufficient" Causality. Organizational Research Methods, 19(1), 10-52.
Dul, J. (2020). Conducting Necessary Condition Analysis. London: Sage.
Dul, J. (2025). Advances in Necessary Condition Analysis, Version 1.8. Online book: https://bookdown.org/ncabook/advanced_nca2/
Dul, J. (2024). A Different Causal Perspective with Necessary Condition Analysis. Journal of Business Research, 177, 114618.
Guenther, P., Guenther, M., Ringle, C. M., Zaefarian, G., & Cartwright, S. (2023). Improving PLS-SEM Use for Business Marketing Research. Industrial Marketing Management, 111(May), 127-142.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). When to Use and How to Report the Results of PLS-SEM. European Business Review, 31(1), 2-24.
Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Gudergan, S. P. (2024). Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Hauff, S., Guerci, M., Dul, J., & van Rhee, H. (2021). Exploring Necessary Conditions in HRM research: Fundamental Issues and Methodological Implications. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(1), 18-36.
Hauff, S., Richter, N. F., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2024). Importance and Performance in PLS-SEM and NCA: Introducing the Combined Importance-Performance Map Analysis (cIPMA). Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 78, 103723.
Richter, N. F., & Hauff, S. (2022). Necessary Conditions in International Business Research: Advancing the Field with a New Perspective on Causality and Data Analysis. Journal of World Business, 57, 101310.
Richter, N. F., Hauff, S., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Kolev, A. E., & Schubring, S. (2023). How to Apply Necessary Condition Analysis in PLS-SEM. In H. Latan, J. J. F. Hair, & R. Noonan (Eds.), Partial Least Squares Path Modeling: Basic Concepts, Methodological Issues and Applications (pp. 267-297). Cham: Springer.
Richter, N. F., Schubring, S., Hauff, S., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2020). When Predictors of Outcomes are Necessary: Guidelines for the Combined Use of PLS-SEM and NCA. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 120(12), 2243-2267.
Richter, N. F., Sinkovics, R. R., Ringle, C. M., & Schlaegel, C. (2016). A Critical Look at the Use of SEM in International Business Research. International Marketing Review, 33(3), 376-404.
Riggs, R., Felipe, C. M., Roldán, J. L., & Real, J. C. (2024). Deepening Big Data Sustainable Value Creation: Insights Using IPMA, NCA, and cIPMA. Journal of Marketing Analytics, forthcoming.
Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., & Becker, J.-M. (2024). SmartPLS 4. Bönningstedt: SmartPLS. Retrieved from https://www.smartpls.com/
Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., & Ringle, C. M. (2023). "PLS-SEM: Indeed a Silver Bullet" - Retrospective Observations and Recent Advances. Journal of Marketing Theory & Practice, 31(3), 261-275.
Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., Pick, M., Liengaard, B. D., Radomir, L., & Ringle, C. M. (2022). Progress in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Use in Marketing Research in the Last Decade. Psychology & Marketing, 39(5), 1035-1064.
Sarstedt, M., Richter, N. F., Hauff, S., & Ringle, C. M. (2024). Combined Importance–performance Map Analysis (cIPMA) in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM): A SmartPLS 4 Tutorial. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 12, 746-760.
Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Hair, J. F. (2025). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. In C. Homburg, M. Klarmann, and A. Vomberg (Eds.). Handbook of Market Research (pp. 1-47), Cham: Springer.
Sukhov, A., Olsson, L. E., & Friman, M. (2022). Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Attractive Public Transport: Combined Use of PLS-SEM and NCA. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 158, 239-250.
Tiwari, P., Kaurav, R. P. S., & Koay, K. Y. (2024). Understanding Travel Apps Usage Intention: Findings from PLS and NCA. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 12(1), 25-41.
Wold, H. (1982). Soft Modeling: The Basic Design and Some Extensions. In K. G. Jöreskog & H. Wold (Eds.), Systems Under Indirect Observations: Causality, Structure, Prediction: Part II (pp. 1-54). Amsterdam: North-Holland.
WORKSHOP
Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) in Management Research
Presented by Prof. Dr. Christian M. Ringle
Date: July 16, 2026
Place: ISEM Fashion Business School, Madrid, Spain
Time: 09:00-15:00
1 Instructor and a short bio
Prof. Dr. Christian M. Ringle
Institute of Management and Decision Sciences (MDS)
Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
Email: c.ringle@tuhh.de | Internet: https://www.tuhh.de/mds/team/prof-dr-c-m-ringle.html
Dr. Christian M. Ringle is a Chaired Professor of Management and Decision Sciences at the Hamburg University of Technology, Germany, and an Adjunct Professor at James Cook University, Australia. Cited over 300,000 times (Google Scholar), his research spans management and marketing, method development, business analytics, machine learning, and the application of research methods to decision making. His work appears in journals such as Industrial Marketing Management, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Information Systems Research, and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. Since 2018, he has been listed among Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers. Dr. Ringle is also co-founder and co-developer of SmartPLS (https://www.smartpls.com), a graphical software tool for multivariate data analysis, including factor analysis, regression and path models, PROCESS, CB-SEM, GSCA, PLS-SEM, and NCA.
More information about Professor Ringle can be found at
https://www.tuhh.de/mds/team/prof-dr-c-m-ringle.html
2 Workshop goals and learning outcomes
In a relatively recent Journal of Management editorial, Bergh et al. (2022) highlight the growing relevance of necessary condition analysis (NCA; Dul, 2016) in management research and the unique potential of combining NCA with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM; Wold, 1982).
This workshop introduces the core concepts of NCA and demonstrates how to integrate it with other widely used research methods, including PLS-SEM. NCA has been applied across multiple fields, such as Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, International Management, Marketing Research, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management. Unlike regression analysis or PLS-SEM, which rely on additive and average logic, NCA follows a necessity logic—interpreting cause-effect relationships as “necessary but not sufficient”. A necessary condition is a factor without which a specific outcome cannot occur—often referred to as a bottleneck, critical factor, or constraint. If the necessary condition is not in place at the right level, the desired outcome cannot materialize (Dul, 2020, 2024, 2025).
By introducing a complementary logic and data analysis approach, NCA enhances both the rigor and relevance of theory, data analysis, and publications (Dul, 2020). Its practical relevance has attracted increasing attention in the academic community (e.g., Bokrantz & Dul, 2023; Hauff et al., 2021; Richter & Hauff, 2022).
PLS-SEM, a regression-based method for modeling latent variables (e.g., Becker et al., 2023; Hair et al., 2019; Sarstedt et al., 2025), has gained widespread popularity in management and marketing research (e.g., Angelelli et al., 2025; Guenther, 2023; Richter et al., 2016; Sarstedt et al., 2022, 2023). Combining NCA and PLS-SEM allows researchers to distinguish between must-have factors (necessary conditions) and should-have factors (sufficiency conditions) for an outcome. Should-have factors can enhance outcomes only after must-have factors are fulfilled (Richter et al., 2020, 2023; Shukov et al., 2022; Tiwari et al., 2024; Hauff et al., 2024; Riggs et al., 2024; Sarstedt et al., 2024).
This interactive workshop is structured in three parts:
• Part 1: Introduction to the core concepts of NCA, including essential criteria for its appropriate application in management research.
• Part 2: Hands-on exercises and case studies using the statistical software SmartPLS.
• Part 3: Combined application of NCA and PLS-SEM.
The workshop is designed for researchers interested in state-of-the-art methods for their studies and publication projects. Basic knowledge of multivariate statistics and SEM techniques is helpful but not required. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of NCA’s logic, practical skills for its application, and insights into integrating it with complementary research methods.
3 Teaching and learning methods
• The workshop is based on these textbooks:
o Dul, J. (2020). Conducting Necessary Condition Analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
o Dul, J. (2025). Advances in Necessary Condition Analysis, Version 1.8. Online book retrieved from: https://bookdown.org/ncabook/advanced_nca2/.
o Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., and Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
o Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., and Gudergan, S. P. (2024). Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Presentations: The session will cover theory and its application.
• Computer exercises using the statistical software SmartPLS 4 Ringle et al., 2024) in its newest version: Specifically, theoretical explanations underlying the software procedures and practical exercises where participants will apply their learning to real-world examples provided by the instructors.
4 Registration and teaching resources
• Conference participants can register for the workshop as part of the conference registration process. Please visit: https://2026gfmc.imweb.me/
• Comprehensive lecture slides will be provided to all participants
• Bring your laptop computer and a 2 or 3-way power extension lead.
• Download and install the SmartPLS 4 software from https://www.smartpls.com/ before attending the workshop. Participants will receive detailed instructions – including a two-month SmartPLS 4 license key – shortly before the workshop starts.
5 Schedule
Location: ISEM Fashion Business School, Madrid, Spain
Date: July 16, 2025
*Below time table may be changed depending on the final program of the 2026 Global Fashion Management Conference at Madrid.
Time Topic
09:00 – 10:30 Introduction to the core concepts of NCA, including essential criteria for its appropriate application in management research
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 12:30 Hands-on exercises and case studies using the statistical software SmartPLS
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:00 The combined use of NCA and PLS-SEM with practical application examples using SmartPLS
6 For More Information:
GAMMA Central Office
gammacentraloffice@gmail.com
7 References
Angelelli, M., Ciavolino, E., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., & Aria, M. (2025). Conceptual Structure and Thematic Evolution in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research. Quality & Quantity, 59, 2753-2798.
Becker, J.-M., Cheah, J. H., Gholamzade, R., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2023). PLS-SEM’s Most Wanted Guidance. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(1), 321-346.
Bergh, D. D., Boyd, B. K., Byron, K., Gove, S., & Ketchen, D. J. (2022). What Constitutes a Methodological Contribution?, Journal of Management, 48(7), 1835-1848.
Bokrantz, J., & Dul, J. (2023). Building and Testing Necessity Theories in Supply Chain Management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 59(1), 48-65.
Dul, J. (2016). Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA): Logic and Methodology of "Necessary but not Sufficient" Causality. Organizational Research Methods, 19(1), 10-52.
Dul, J. (2020). Conducting Necessary Condition Analysis. London: Sage.
Dul, J. (2025). Advances in Necessary Condition Analysis, Version 1.8. Online book: https://bookdown.org/ncabook/advanced_nca2/
Dul, J. (2024). A Different Causal Perspective with Necessary Condition Analysis. Journal of Business Research, 177, 114618.
Guenther, P., Guenther, M., Ringle, C. M., Zaefarian, G., & Cartwright, S. (2023). Improving PLS-SEM Use for Business Marketing Research. Industrial Marketing Management, 111(May), 127-142.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2022). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). When to Use and How to Report the Results of PLS-SEM. European Business Review, 31(1), 2-24.
Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Gudergan, S. P. (2024). Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Hauff, S., Guerci, M., Dul, J., & van Rhee, H. (2021). Exploring Necessary Conditions in HRM research: Fundamental Issues and Methodological Implications. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(1), 18-36.
Hauff, S., Richter, N. F., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2024). Importance and Performance in PLS-SEM and NCA: Introducing the Combined Importance-Performance Map Analysis (cIPMA). Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 78, 103723.
Richter, N. F., & Hauff, S. (2022). Necessary Conditions in International Business Research: Advancing the Field with a New Perspective on Causality and Data Analysis. Journal of World Business, 57, 101310.
Richter, N. F., Hauff, S., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Kolev, A. E., & Schubring, S. (2023). How to Apply Necessary Condition Analysis in PLS-SEM. In H. Latan, J. J. F. Hair, & R. Noonan (Eds.), Partial Least Squares Path Modeling: Basic Concepts, Methodological Issues and Applications (pp. 267-297). Cham: Springer.
Richter, N. F., Schubring, S., Hauff, S., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2020). When Predictors of Outcomes are Necessary: Guidelines for the Combined Use of PLS-SEM and NCA. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 120(12), 2243-2267.
Richter, N. F., Sinkovics, R. R., Ringle, C. M., & Schlaegel, C. (2016). A Critical Look at the Use of SEM in International Business Research. International Marketing Review, 33(3), 376-404.
Riggs, R., Felipe, C. M., Roldán, J. L., & Real, J. C. (2024). Deepening Big Data Sustainable Value Creation: Insights Using IPMA, NCA, and cIPMA. Journal of Marketing Analytics, forthcoming.
Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., & Becker, J.-M. (2024). SmartPLS 4. Bönningstedt: SmartPLS. Retrieved from https://www.smartpls.com/
Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., & Ringle, C. M. (2023). "PLS-SEM: Indeed a Silver Bullet" - Retrospective Observations and Recent Advances. Journal of Marketing Theory & Practice, 31(3), 261-275.
Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., Pick, M., Liengaard, B. D., Radomir, L., & Ringle, C. M. (2022). Progress in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Use in Marketing Research in the Last Decade. Psychology & Marketing, 39(5), 1035-1064.
Sarstedt, M., Richter, N. F., Hauff, S., & Ringle, C. M. (2024). Combined Importance–performance Map Analysis (cIPMA) in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM): A SmartPLS 4 Tutorial. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 12, 746-760.
Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Hair, J. F. (2025). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. In C. Homburg, M. Klarmann, and A. Vomberg (Eds.). Handbook of Market Research (pp. 1-47), Cham: Springer.
Sukhov, A., Olsson, L. E., & Friman, M. (2022). Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Attractive Public Transport: Combined Use of PLS-SEM and NCA. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 158, 239-250.
Tiwari, P., Kaurav, R. P. S., & Koay, K. Y. (2024). Understanding Travel Apps Usage Intention: Findings from PLS and NCA. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 12(1), 25-41.
Wold, H. (1982). Soft Modeling: The Basic Design and Some Extensions. In K. G. Jöreskog & H. Wold (Eds.), Systems Under Indirect Observations: Causality, Structure, Prediction: Part II (pp. 1-54). Amsterdam: North-Holland.