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The SmartPLS Analyzes Approach in Validity and Reliability of Graduate

Marketability Instrument

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PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION (2020) 57(8): 987-1001 ISSN: 0033-3077

The SmartPLS Analyzes Approach in Validity and Reliability of Graduate

Marketability Instrument
Arasinah Kamis1, Ramdzan Ali Saibon2, Faizal Amin Nur Yunus3, Mohd Bekri Rahim4,
Lazaro Moreno Herrera5, Pedro Luis Yturria Montenegro6
1,2
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim 35900, Perak Malaysia,
3,4
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja 86400, Batu Pahat Johor, Malaysia,
5
Department of Education, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE 10691, Sweden,
6
Technical Science Faculty, Pinar del Rio University, Marti 271 Pinar del Rio, C.P. 20100, Cuba

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Graduate Marketability Model (GMM) for Malaysian Vocational Colleges
(KV) Business Management graduates. The approach used was quantitative with a survey design involving 243 Business
Management graduates from KVs across Malaysia. The sample selection was based on simple random sampling techniques.
Subsequent findings of the PLS-SEM analysis of the measurement model inidicated that the CR values obtained for each construct
were in the range of 0.889 to 0.990 where the skills contributed the highest (CR) value (0.990) whilst the involvement in
development scored the lowest CR value (0.800). Overall, this study shows that the three main constructs are important in
contributing to the marketability of graduates, which are skills, Proactive Career Behavioursand Positivity Traits.Implications of
the study prove that improvements to the tertiary education system are necessary so that graduates are always able to meet the
needs and requirements of industry employers. The next development of GMM will be able to assist more relevant parties,
especially the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and the Technical and Vocational Education Division (BPTV), to be a
useful guide at producing marketable graduates.

Keywords
Entrepreneurship education, unemployment, Employability Skills, Marketability, Business Management, Vocational College, Skills

Article Received: 10 August 2020, Revised: 25 October 2020, Accepted: 18 November 2020

Introduction (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2017).

Although the unemployment rate sinkedby 0.1
It is undeniable that Malaysia still faces a number percentage points from the previous month and
of economic issues that cannot be fully resolved. the year, it is still showing a growth compared to
One of them is the issue of unemployment that has 2015 and previous years. This situation explains
to do with the marketability of graduates. The that there is a consistent year-over-year trend of
phenomenon of unemployment and the difficulty unemployment rate that can be considered high.
of obtaining employment among graduates of This illustrates that the issue of unemployment in
tertiary education institutions is at an alarming Malaysia is not only current but a lasting issue.
rate (Dian Indrayani Jambari, Umi Asma’
Mokhtar, Hana Yasmein Ishak, & Mohd Ridzwan This situation seems to indicate that no solution
Yaakub, 2015; Kee-Cheok Cheong, Hill, can be particularly effective in solving
Fernandez-Chung, & Yin-Ching Leong, 2016; unemployment problems especially among
Mei Chou Chun & Hua Shen Chien, 2015; Business Management graduates. This
Norliana Hashim et al., 2016; Suhaili Hanafi, phenomenon of unemployment involves graduates
2015; United Nations General Assembly, 2015; in various fields. Literature and Social Sciences,
Zaliza Hanapi, Mohd Safarin Nordin, & Ridzwan Science and Technical fields are the top three
Che Rus, 2015). which contribute to the highest unemployment
rate among graduates in Malaysia (Department of
Overall, the unemployment rate in Malaysia in Statistics Malaysia, 2017). A study conducted by
August 2017 was at 3.4 percent, down 0.1 Atif Aziz & Faizuniah Pangil (2017) found that
percentage points from the previous month, while Business Management graduates rank highest in
year-on-year, the unemployment rate also dropped the youth unemployment list in Malaysia. This
0.1 percentage points compared to August 2016 situation clearly shows that the issue of

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unemployment among Business Management al., 2015). However, there are only a few studies
graduates is at an worrying rate. that observe the marketability of graduates
involving graduate-level KV graduates. This is
In addition, this study conducted an initial survey because KV's first Business Management
of 263 Business Management graduates of the graduates are graduating in 2017.
Vocational College of Malaysia (KV) who had
completed their studies. This preliminary review Also, eventhough many recent studies have
aims to determine the current status of graduates focused on employability skills that have been
to determine whether there is a gap between acquired by graduates yet there are very few
Business Management graduates and job studies that focused on marketability of graduates(
opportunities in the labour market. The Saibon & Kamis, 2019; Bishanani Omar et al.,
questionnaire instrument validated by three 2016; Jackson, 2016a; Kee-Cheok Cheong et al.,
experts was used in this initial survey. The survey 2016; McLachlan, Yeomans, & Lim, 2017; Mohd
found that 60.1 percent (158) Business Hasril Amiruddin, Isma Atiqah Ngadiran, Fathin
Management graduates had work status, 35.4 Liyana Zainudin, & Norhayati Ngadiman, 2016;
percent (93) did not work and 4.6 percent (12) Mohd Hazwan Mohd Puad, 2015; Muhammad
continued their studies. This gives the impression Sabri Sahrir et al., 2016; O’Neil, 2014; Ridzwan
that the number of unemployed KV graduates is Che Rus, Ruhizan Mohammad Yasin, &
high and is alarming. Mohammad Sattar Rasul, 2014; Sarimah Ismail &
Dahiru Sale Mohammed, 2015; Zaliza Hanapi &
The findings from this preliminary survey also Arasinah Kamis, 2017; Zaliza Hanapi et al.,
found that 75.9 percent (120) worked in their field 2015). As such, this study was conducted with the
of study and 24.1 percent (38) did the opposite. aim of developing the KV Malaysia in Business
Besides, the number of graduates employed also Management Graduate Marketability Model
found that 48.7 per cent (77) were working full (GMM).
time, 37.3 per cent (59) were in temporary status
and 13.9 per cent (22) were contractual.These Research Questions
preliminary findings clearly show that the number
of unemployed Business Management graduates is The research objectives are; 1) Do GMM Business
at an upsetting rate, and even for working Management graduates be explained by the
graduates, the status of temporary workers and constructs and sub-constructs? and2) Do GMM
contracts does not guarantee their continuous Business Management graduates meet the
employment in the future. The findingsof this requirements of validity and reliability?
preliminary survey also contradict KV's goal of
targeting 70 per cent of graduates for one-on-one Methodology
employment, 10 per cent entrepreneurs and 20 per
cent in education. This research utilised the quantitative design by
applying the surveying research method. The
Although many studies had been conducted on the population consisted of Business Management
issue of unemployment and graduation rates, their graduates of Vocational Colleges throughout
focuses were to graduates of institutions of higher Malaysia with a population of 1040 graduates.
learning in the first degree and involving either Simple Random Sampling sampling technique
public or private universities(Saibon, Kamis was used to select 243 samples of the current
&Zainol, 2019; Amanuddin Shamsuddin, Khairon study and the current location of the sample
Hamizah Mohmad Isa, Muhammad Naim Aziz, scattered throughout Malaysia.The instrument of
Nur Zahidah Nafisah Mohamed Mahfol, & study was adapted from the previous study (Table
Thevamalar Alagari, 2013; Dian Indrayani 1), items of one to seven Likert scale where the
Jambari et al., 2015; Jackson, 2016a; Kee-Cheok value of one represents the statement 'Strongly
Cheong et al., 2016; Noor Lela Ahmad & Suraini Disagree', while value seven represents the
Mohd Rhouse, 2016; Nooriah Yusof et al., 2013; statement 'Strongly Agree’.In this study, the
Sarimah Ismail & Dahiru Sale Mohammed, 2015; variables were ‘continuous’ and not ‘categorical’.
Shaharuddin Ahmad et al., 2014; Zaliza Hanapi et Therefore, the data obtained in this study is
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'continuous data'. Researchers have used mail and WhatsApp application. Out of the total
questionnaires seven times since they are population of 1040 graduates who were
consistent with 'continuous' data(Bartlett, Kotrlik, distributed with the survey questionnaire, 243
& Higgins, 2001).The instrument in google form graduates returned the completed questionnaire.
was distributed using online platforms which aree-

Table 1. Sources and Number of Items in the Instrument

Constructs Total of items Sources
1. Skill
(Mohamad Sattar Rasul, Md Yusof
Ismail, Napsiah Ismail, Rashid
Rajuddin, et al., 2009; Muhammad
Sabri Sahrir et al., 2016; O’Neil,
2014;Michigan Employ- ability
1.1 Basic Academic Skills
14 Skills Employer Survey, conducted
by the Michigan Employability
Skills Task Force (Employability
Skills Task Force, 1988, 1989;
Mehrens, 1989)
1.2 Employability Skills

1.2.1 Analytical Thinking And 12

Problem Solving Skills

1.2.2 Communication Skills 12

1.2.3 InformationTechnology 7 (Fatihya Mahdi Ahed Ali et al., 2017;

Application Skills Mohamad Shukri Abdul Hamid et
al., 2014)
1.2.4 Leadership And 13
Management Skills

1.2.5 Teamwork And 10

Interpersonal Skills
14 (Jackson & Chapman, 2012a; Zaliza
1.3 Technical Skills Hanapi & Arasinah Kamis, 2017)
6 (Fatihya Mahdi Ahmed Ali et al.,
1.4 Entrepreneurship Skills 2017; Mohamad Shukri Abdul
Hamid et al., 2014)
2. Proactive Career
Behaviors
2.1 Networking
2.2 Participation in 6
(Day, 2005)
Development 3
2.3 Job Mobility Preparedness 9
3. Positivity Traits
3.1 Optimism
3.2 Positive Self-Concept 10 (Day, 2005)
3.3 Learning Goal Orientation 12

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(Muhammad Sabri Sahrir et al.,

4. Internship Experience 8 2016; Yunjuan He & Xizhen Qin,
2017)
(Day, 2005; Eby et al., 2003; Fatihya
5. Marketability 9
Mahdi Ahmed Ali et al., 2017)

Data Analysis process (Huck, 2012). Model measurement

validation involves four outlooks:
Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares
Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) i. Identifying the Goodness of Fit (GOF) values
including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). for each latent variable.
Also, Statistical Package for Social Science ii. Identifying GOF values for full model
Version 23 software (SPSS 23) and SmartPLS 3.0 Measurement.
were used in this study. Although measurement iii. Fixed GOF Measurement model value.
and structural models can be tested simultaneously iv. Determining the validity and reliability of the
through a one-stage approach, it iscommon to Measurement model.
perform SEM analysis using two-stage approach.
This approach involves the process of validating In the second stage of the SEM analysis, tests of
the measurement model using factor analysis the Structural Model need to be made by
(CFA) and the Structural Model Verification evaluating the GOF and testing the proposed
hypothesis. Table 2 shows the validity and
reliability values of the measurement model.

Table 2. Validity and Reliability Values of the Measurement model

Guidance Acceptance level Descriptions Sources
Reliability of the
constructs
 Construct 0.7 or more higher Shows good (Fornell & Larcker,
Reliability (CR) reliability (internal 1981; Hair et al.,
consistency) * 2010; Kline, 2011;
under 0.6 - low Ramayah, Lee, &
reliability Mohamad, 2010)
 Average 0.5 and above - (Hair et al., 2010)
Variance Extracted
(AVE)
Constructs Validity
 Convergent Standardized factor It shows that the (Fornell & Larcker,
Validity loading >0.5 or variables studied 1981; Hair et al.,
preferably 0.7 really reflect the 2010; Ramayah et
AVE > 0.5 laten constructs that al., 2010)
CR > 0.7 are designed to
measure
 Discriminant AVEs > squared It shows that the (Hair et al., 2010)
Validity inter-construct construct is
correlation (SIC) completely
different from the
Or other constructs (Chiu & Wang,
square root of AVE 2008; Fornell &
> inter-construct Larcker, 1981;
correlation Ramayah et al.,

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Guidance Acceptance level Descriptions Sources

2010)

Findings of PLS-SEM Measurement Model Study Questions i: Do GMM Business

Management graduates be explained by the
It was a challenge to choose the fit of statistical constructs and sub-constructs?
models for data analysis. In this study, PLS-SEM
analysis was used to obtain the study results for This study used Internal Consistency Reliability
the fourth part. The choice ofthe analysis was analysis to determine whether items used in the
made based on the criterion of this study's data study could measure similar constructs in scores
which was normally distributed. In addition, the (Hair et al., 2016). Internal Consistency
study also used a reflective-formative model and Reliabilitywas assessed using composite reliability
involved a moderator variable which was (CR) values to determine internal consistency
Continues.The choice made to conduct this PLS- reliability. According to J. Nunnally & Bernstein
SEM analysiswas also due to several other factors (1994), CR values between 0.6 and 0.7 may be
that can predict and explain the target constructs acceptable for exploratory studies, whereas for
(Hair et al., 2016), and may also explore the further studies the values between 0.7 and 0.9 may
relationships between constructs (Chin, 1998). To be considered satisfactory. CR values need> 0.7 to
add, PLS-SEM is also capable of conducting ensure adequate or sufficient internal
analysis of complex structural equation models consistency(Hair et al., 2016; Gefen, Straub, &
consisting of many constructs and indicators (Hair Boudreau, 2000). Cronbach’s Alpha α> 0.7 is also
et al., 2016; Urbach & Ahlemann, 2010). a measure of the reliability of items measuring a
construct (Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994). Table 3
shows the values of Cronbach’s Alpha and CR for
each construct in this study.

Table 3. Findings of Internal Consistency Reliability

Cronbach's Alpha Composite Reliability (CR >
Constructs
(α > 0.7 ) 0.7 )
Basic Academic 0.971 0.974
Goal Orientation 0.954 0.962
Employability 0.986 0.987
Marketability 0.928 0.940
Skill 0.989 0.990
Entrepreneurship 0.957 0.966
Positive Self-Concept 0.884 0.909
Optimism 0.908 0.926
Internship Experience 0.947 0.956
Participation in Development 0.813 0.889
Job Mobility Preparedness 0.946 0.955
Networking 0.913 0.933
Positivity Traits 0.957 0.961
Technical 0.967 0.971
Proactive Career Behaviors 0.925 0.936

The analysis identified that the CR values and formative constructions have high levels of
obtained for each construct were in the range of internal consistency reliability and
0.889 to 0.990. While Cronbach’s Alpha values reliability(Gefen et al., 2000; Nunnally &
ranged from 0.813 to 0.989. This proved that the Bernstein, 1994). Composite Reliability CR > 0.7
CR and Cronbach’s Alpha values are satisfactory (Gefen et al., 2000), thus answering the research
and acceptable, all of these 15 sub-constructors question that GMM construction is reliable.
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Research Question ii: Do GMM Business considered for elimination, in the event of removal
Management graduates meet the requirements of the item it may increase the value of AVE or
of validity and reliability? CR (Hair et al., 2016). Additionally, the value of
Outer Loading> 0.5 (Chin, 1998; Hulland,
The analysis also used Convergent Validity to see 1999)can also be taken into account as the item
how well an item can measure similar constructs was considered a good consonant. Table 4 shows
in a study (Hair et al., 2016). Convergent validity the findings of Outer Loading, CR and AVE
analysis can be evaluated through three tests values. In this study, several items were excluded
namely; 1) Penilaian Outer Loading; 2) based on the AVE value requirement for each
Composite Reliability (CR); and 3) Average construct that should exceed 0.5 (Bartlett, Kotrlik,
Variance Extracted (AVE). First, the Outer & Higgins, 2001)and CR values that greater than
Loading value is> 0.708 (Hair et al., 2016), 0.7 (Hair et al., 2016). This indicated that all items
because the value of 0.708 in duplicate is equal to exceeded the predefined level except items KEK
0.5 which represents the Average Variance 10, KETM 3, PK 12, PK 2, PK 4, PK 6, PO 10
Extracted (AVE) value. The AVE value must be and PO 3 which have been removed for did not
greater than 0.5. Therefore, the value of Outer meeting the minimum requirements of Outer
Loading between 0.40 to 0.70 should be Loading.

Table 4. Findings of Convergent Validity

2nd Order AVE CR 1st Order Loading AVE CR
Items
Construct (>0.5) (>0.7) Construct (>0.5) (>0.5) (>0.7)
Marketability K1 0.784 0.635 0.940
K2 0.813
K3 0.848
K4 0.821
K5 0.768
K6 0.818
K7 0.815
K8 0.780
K9 0.721
Skill 0.736 0.917 Basic Academic KA1 0.817 0.728 0.974
KA10 0.861
KA11 0.869
KA12 0.897
KA13 0.860
KA14 0.724
KA2 0.832
KA3 0.826
KA4 0.891
KA5 0.846
KA6 0.845
KA7 0.890
KA8 0.873
KA9 0.902
Employability KEI1 0.723 0.596 0.987
KEI10 0.746
KEI2 0.776
KEI3 0.716
KEI4 0.828
KEI5 0.830

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2nd Order AVE CR 1st Order Loading AVE CR

Items
Construct (>0.5) (>0.7) Construct (>0.5) (>0.5) (>0.7)
KEI6 0.832
KEI7 0.847
KEI8 0.783
KEI9 0.806
KEK1 0.761
KEK11 0.804
KEK12 0.813
KEK2 0.826
KEK3 0.811
KEK4 0.813
KEK5 0.747
KEK6 0.720
KEK7 0.696
KEK8 0.677
KEK9 0.724
KEKP1 0.818
KEKP10 0.848
KEKP11 0.657
KEKP12 0.808
KEKP13 0.880
KEKP2 0.821
KEKP3 0.870
KEKP4 0.828
KEKP5 0.863
KEKP6 0.853
KEKP7 0.859
KEKP8 0.826
KEKP9 0.833
KEPM1 0.743
KEPM10 0.729
KEPM11 0.713
KEPM12 0.751
KEPM2 0.786
KEPM3 0.789
KEPM4 0.788
KEPM5 0.803
KEPM6 0.765
KEPM7 0.788
KEPM8 0.684
KEPM9 0.723
KETM1 0.666
KETM2 0.683
KETM4 0.699
KETM5 0.593
KETM6 0.687
KETM7 0.545
Entrepreneurship KK1 0.929 0.829 0.966

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2nd Order AVE CR 1st Order Loading AVE CR

Items
Construct (>0.5) (>0.7) Construct (>0.5) (>0.5) (>0.7)
KK2 0.946
KK3 0.939
KK4 0.962
KK5 0.941
KK6 0.725
Technical KT1 0.885 0.706 0.971
KT10 0.736
KT11 0.810
KT12 0.776
KT13 0.713
KT14 0.700
KT2 0.896
KT3 0.899
KT4 0.906
KT5 0.895
KT6 0.913
KT7 0.916
KT8 0.861
KT9 0.813
Proactive
Career Job Mobility
Behaviors 0.560 0.786 Preparedness KPPK1 0.543 0.708 0.955
KPPK2 0.857
KPPK3 0.894
KPPK4 0.911
KPPK5 0.830
KPPK6 0.864
KPPK7 0.838
KPPK8 0.899
KPPK9 0.877
Participation in
Development KPP1 0.855 0.727 0.889
KPP2 0.863
KPP3 0.840
Networking KPN1 0.763 0.699 0.933
KPN2 0.834
KPN3 0.870
KPN4 0.884
KPN5 0.832
KPN6 0.829
Positivity
Traits 0.792 0.920 Optimism PO1 0.737 0.610 0.926
PO2 0.833
PO4 0.780
PO5 0.749
PO6 0.855
PO7 0.825

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2nd Order AVE CR 1st Order Loading AVE CR

Items
Construct (>0.5) (>0.7) Construct (>0.5) (>0.5) (>0.7)
PO8 0.707
PO9 0.748
Positive Self-
Concept PK1 0.627 0.557 0.909
PK10 0.759
PK11 0.776
PK3 0.678
PK5 0.780
PK7 0.798
PK8 0.856
PK9 0.670
Goal Orientation PM1 0.797 0.762 0.962
PM2 0.862
PM3 0.725
PM4 0.918
PM5 0.900
PM6 0.925
PM7 0.931
PM8 0.905
Internship
Experience PL1 0.868 0.730 0.956
PL2 0.877
PL3 0.889
PL4 0.876
PL5 0.775
PL6 0.848
PL7 0.871
PL8 0.823

Discriminant Validity can help reduce the presence of multicollinearity

among latent variables in indicating that the
The discriminant validity analysis was performed Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value of the
to assess how well the constructs tested differed latent variable should be higher than all other
from the other constructs. This analysis can variables (Chin, 1998; Larcker, 1988; Vinzi, Chin,
determine how much one construct correlates with Henseler & Wang, 2010).If the value of loadings
another construct and how many items can for other constructs exceeds the loading value for
represent a single construct (Hair et al., 2016). the construct then it indicates a problem with
This study performed three test analysed to discriminant validity (Hair et al., 2016). The
measure discriminant validity: 1) Cross Loading; results showed that the cross loading value for an
2) Kriteria Fornell & Larcker; 3) Heterotrait- item in a given construct is was greater than the
Monotrait Ratio (HTMT). loading value for another construct. The findings
showed the value of cross loading that provides
Cross Loading evidence of validity for the measurement model
construct.
The loading value of the construct should be
greater than all the loadings in the other constructs
(Hair et al., 2016). It is the subjective freedom of
each predictor to latent Variable. These criteria

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Kriteria Fornell & Larcker other latent variables. Table 5 shows the higher
AVE squared values compared to the correlation
The Fornell-Larcker criterion is an analysis to values for each other construct after some
compare the value of the AVE square root with indicators that did not meet the outer loading
the construct correlation value showing the conditions were eliminated. Based on the findings
highest value in any column or row compared to of the analysis, the Fornell-Larcker criterion
the highest correlation value of any other validation of the discriminant validity test
construct (Hair et al., 2016). This method is based subsequently answered the listed research
on the view that latent variables should explain question regarding the validity of the constructs
better for the item variant than the variant for measurement model.

Table 5. Findings of Kriteria Fornell-Larcker Analysis

Positivity Proactive Career
Marketability Skill
Traits Behaviors
Marketability 0.797
Skill 0.568 0.858
Positivity Traits 0.671 0.756 0.890

Proactive Career
0.570 0.696 0.696 0.748
Behaviors

Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT) 95% confidence interval containing value 1 (ie

HA) then no discriminant validity. Based on Table
Heterotite-Monotrait Criteria Analysis (HTMT) 6, it is found that the HTMT values of the
should meet the requirement in which the HTMT constructs tested met the analysis criteria by
value should be greater than HTMT .85, that is obtaining less than one value. This indicated that
0.85 (Kline, 2011) or HTMT .90, 0.90 (Gold et the relationship between constructs was
al., 2001). As a statistical test he can test the null vehemently weak that verified with the existence
hypothesis (Ho: HTMT <1) vs (HA: HTMT≥1) of a discriminant validity for each construct tested.
(Henseler, Ringle, & Sarstedt, 2015) with HTMT

Table 6. Findings of Heterotrait-Monotrait Criteria Analysis

Positivity Proactive Career
Constructs Marketability Skill
Traits Behaviors
Marketability

Skill 0.576

Positivity Traits 0.702 0.779

Proactive Career
0.595 0.690 0.736
Behaviors
Note: Diagonals represent the square root of the average variance extracted, while the other entries represent
the squared Correlations Coefficients.

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Figure 1. Structural Model of GGM

Discussion Cronbach’s Alpha values were satisfactory and

accepted, indicating that all 15 sub constructs and
PLS-SEM through the measurement of Internal formative constructs in this study had high levels
Consistency Reliability model was used in this of internal consistency reliability and reliability
study, as it was able to carry out analysis of (Gefen et al., 2000; Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994).
complex structural equation models consisting of This clearly indicated that GMM for Business
many constructs and indicators (Hair et al., 2016; Management graduates can be explained by the
Urbach & Ahlemann, 2010). The choice of constructs and sub-constructs of the study.
conducting this PLS-SEM analysis is due to its Whereas to determine validity and reliability,
ability to predict and explain target constructs CFA's Convergent Validity analysis refers to the
(Hair et al., 2016). In addition, PLS-SEM also has extent to which an item can measure similar
advantages over other analyses.The results of constructs in a study (Hair et al., 2016). Three
these finding are related with the reliability used tests were performed in this convergent validity
to achieve the consistency of the overall outcomes analysis of i) external loading rating> 0.5, ii)
of the item for the same construct (Hair et al., composite reliability (CR) value> 0.7, and iii)
2016) to determine whether the item used in the average extracted variance (AVE) value> 0.5.
study can measure the same construct in the score This study was based on the Outer Loading> 0.5
value (Hair et al., 2016). Therefore, the findings of values used by Chin (1998) and Hulland (1999)
this study have taken into account composite which refered as these items are considered good
reliability (CR) values to determine internal estimators. Based on the analysis conducted, the
consistency reliability with a CR value of> 0.7 to findings of the study have eliminated some items
ensure adequate or adequate internal consistency based on the AVE value for each construct that
(Hair et al., 2016; Gefen, Straub, & Boudreau, must be greater than 0.5 (Bartlett, Kotrlik, &
2000).In addition, Cronbach’s Alpha α> 0.7 Higgins, 2001)and CR values greater than 0.7
values were also considered to determine the (Hair et al., 2016). This study also found that all
reliability of the items measuring the constructs in items exceeded the specified level except items
this study (Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994). KEK 10, KETM 3, PK 12, PK 2, PK 4, PK 6, PO
10 and PO 3 which had to be removed due to
The findings showed that the CR values obtained failure to meet the minimum requirements of
for each construct range from 0.889 to 0.990, Outer Loading. In addition to some items that
while Cronbach’s Alpha values range from 0.813 have been omitted, this finding clearly indicated
to 0.989. This explained that the CR and that the items of this study have validity and
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PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION (2020) 57(8): 987-1001 ISSN: 0033-3077

reliability that successfully met the test industrial sector. The issue of on unemployment
requirements, which measure all elements, sub experienced by every country especially in
constructs and research consents. Malaysia need to be addressed and deciphered
with various efforts which includes the
Conclusion increasement in the level of knowledge and skills
of graduates especially in the field of Vocational
This study used three main constructs namely Technical education (TVET). TVET education
skills, Proactive Career Behaviours and Positivity should focus on knowledge and skills as well as a
Traits. There are four sub skills constructs namely number of other factors which is a key ingredient
Basic Academic Skills, 'employability' skills, and essential element of each graduate's
technical skills and Entrepreneurship skills; three marketability. Therefore, the application of
sub-constructs of Proactive Career Behaviours several key skills along with active pro-career
namely networking, Participation in Development, behaviours and the positive nature of graduates
and Job Mobility Preparedness; three sub- are the key factors that need to be taken into
constructs of Positivity Traits namely Optimism, account to ensure the first-class level of
Positive Self-Concept, and Learning Goal marketability of TVET graduates in particular.
Orientation, Internship Experience as moderator Thus, the role of all parties in particular MOE and
and Marketability constructs. The developed BPTV through enhancing TVET programs and
GMM has great implications for various parties, curricula can assist in the process of applying
especially the Ministry of Education Malaysia proactive career behaviours and positive attitudes
(MOE) in designing new curriculum and syllabus among graduates in addition to their existing
that align with national education policy goals. knowledge and skills. The need to have the
Improvements and changes regarding educational knowledge and skills required by employers as
and training curricula in tertiary education well as to have a proactive career attitudes and
institutions in particular can be implemented with positive attitudes, along with training experiences
reference to GMM so that the curriculum and are bonus for every graduate to get a decent job in
training implemented can equip graduates with the the labour market. Hence, the equilibrium between
current knowledge and skills required by demand and labour supply can be achieved.
employers in the industrial sector. Therefore, the Consequently, the problem of unemployment is
instrument of this research question is very useful solved and the country's economic growth could
to the next researchers as a guideline in be boosted.
developing a new instrument for related research.
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