Exploratory Scope Research Articles

Uso y aceptación del video como estrategia para mitigar el plagio

The present research aimed to determine the use and acceptance of video in the self-creation of assignments or evidence of learning as a strategy to mitigate plagiarism. This research adopted a mixed design, with an experimental, exploratory, and descriptive scope that reflects an innovative approach to meet this challenge. A non-probabilistic sample was considered, comprised of students in their first semester of higher education in the subject of Introduction to Programming at a public university in Mexico. The participants were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The acceptance of the use of the implemented strategy was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model and the results revealed the viability and usefulness of the strategy since the students in the intervention group stood out in the creation of their assignments compared to the control group. There was a positive and strong relationship between academic performance and the perceived usefulness of the strategy. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of teachers promoting the active role of students in the development of their work, to promote authentic learning and guarantee educational quality.

Analysis and structural characterization of the vid-pisco market

Abstract The objective of this was to determine the factors and social actors that characterize the vid-pisco market in Peru. Using a methodology with a non-experimental qualitative approach of exploratory and descriptive scope, a structural analysis was carried out with the support of a group of five experts familiar with the system studied and the Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Classification tool. The findings allowed us to identify the most influential and dependent factors of the system: the number of people identified with the vid-pisco as a Peruvian symbol, the number of liters of pisco consumed per person, and the percentage of market growth per person per year. On the other hand, the most important social actors turned out to be tourists who visit the country and consume pisco, local consumers, and national distributors. The key factors are important for the system since good management of these favors its development; in the same way that the actions carried out by the actors would complement their development. This study constitutes a starting point for the planning and design of strategies that support the evolution of the system in the medium or long term.

Black sapote (Diospyros digyna) as an underutilized ingredient in the preparation of vegan breads for school children in Puebla, Mexico

The black sapote (Diospyros digyna) is a Mexican endemic fruit cultivated in several states of the country, however, despite its production, it is wasted in different locations specifically in the state of Puebla, including Rafael Lara Grajales municipality. The objective of this article was to identify three different samples of vegan breads for the use of this fruit, to evaluate their acceptability in school children (6-12 years old) living in that location. This was achieved through sensory evaluation with a 5-point hedonic scale. The inclusion of an underutilized ingredient, such as black sapote, in their diet expands the variety of foods available to them. This article is based on a mixed, experimental, cross-sectional methodology with an exploratory and descriptive scope, using a documentary and field technique. The ANOVA statistical test and the Tukey test were carried out to evaluate the attributes of each bread evaluated, using the Minitab software version 18. The results showed that there was no significant difference p < 0.05 between the three samples, that is, all were sensorially accepted by the untrained panelist school children of Valentín Gómez Farías elementary school in the municipality of Rafael Lara Grajales, Puebla. The attributes of taste, aroma, color, shape and texture did not show significant differences in bread preference, despite the presence of sapote, which is not commonly consumed in the region. The texture, shape and taste were the most liked aspects of the hojaldra (traditional bread for the day of the dead in Mexico), while aroma and color were the least favored. The students favored the color, aroma, and taste of the conchas (fluffy bread with butter topping), but did not prefer their texture and shape. Similarly, the rolls were preferred for their aroma and shape, but were not the top choices in terms of taste, texture, and color. The aroma and taste were the variables with a positive correlation in the evaluated breads. Texture and taste had a low 3.9% positive correlation, and texture and color had a 4.1% correlation across all three samples. An interval graph was also made to determine the most acceptable elements of the breads evaluated, as well as, a multiple correlation to determine the sensorial characteristics with the highest correlation. The most popular bread was the concha. Key words: black sapote, bread, veganism, sensorial evaluation, sensory evaluation

Perceptions of Pedagogical Effectiveness of The Workshop on The Use of Taptana Cañari For Mathematics Teaching: A Comparative Analysis in Different Educational Contexts

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze perceptions of pedagogical effectiveness regarding the workshop on the use of Taptana Cañari for teaching mathematics in diverse educational settings. Theoretical Framework: In Ecuador, mathematics teachers have employed traditional approaches in their teaching in recent years. The incorporation of Taptana Cañari as a playful strategy in the educational process can promote an interactive approach to learning this subject. Method: The study relied on a non-experimental ex post facto research methodology, with a quantitative approach, featuring an exploratory and descriptive-correlational scope. Data were collected through structured questionnaires to assess the perception of 135 teachers from different educational backgrounds regarding the effectiveness of the workshop on the use of Taptana Cañari in teaching mathematics. Statistical analyses were employed to examine differences between groups and explore relationships between variables, utilizing a significance level of p < 0.05. Results and Discussion: The study evaluated the perception of a mathematics teaching workshop using Taptana Cañari. A generally positive perception was found regarding pedagogical effectiveness, but areas for improvement in relevance and adaptability were identified. Differences in perception were observed between urban and rural participants, as well as between mathematics teachers and those from other areas. These results highlight the need to adapt educational workshops to the specific needs of participants and explore how these differences may affect students' academic performance. Research Implications: The findings of this research have significant implications for educational practice. The generally positive perception of the pedagogical effectiveness of the workshop indicates its potential to enhance mathematics teaching. However, the areas for improvement identified in relevance and adaptability underscore the need to adjust the workshop design to better meet participants' specific needs. Additionally, differences in perception between urban and rural participants, as well as between mathematics teachers and those from other areas, emphasize the importance of considering contextual and professional characteristics when implementing educational interventions. These considerations are crucial for maximizing the impact of workshops and promoting effective learning in diverse educational environments. Originality/Value: This research contributes originality by exploring participants' perception of the Intaka mathematics teaching workshop using Taptana Cañari, an uncommon approach in the educational field. Its value lies in identifying specific areas for improvement in the adaptability of the workshop, as well as in highlighting differences in perception between urban and rural participants, and between teachers from different areas. These findings offer unique insights for designing more effective and contextualized educational interventions, with the potential to significantly enhance the quality of learning in diverse educational communities.

Identificación de Acciones de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial de Microempresas en Ciudad Ixtepec, Oaxaca

OBJECTIVE: To identify Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions in microenterprises in the commercial sector in Ciudad Ixtepec, Oaxaca. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study is mixed type, with an exploratory scope. The data collection tools proposed are: a documentary review, direct observation and application of surveys to 64 economic entities. RESULTS: The microenterprises that participated in this study have moderate CSR actions in the internal dimension, and in the external dimension there are no CSR practices in the economic, social and environmental axis in relation to the immediate environment. CONCLUSIONS: The CSR of microenterprises is observed in voluntary and informal actions of administrative management and in seeking social well-being in its relationship with the immediate environment as requested. Therefore, The CSR in microenterprises works differently from other levels of the organization, being limited to the conditions and actions of each economic entity. KEYWORDS: Microenterprise, Economy, Corporate social responsibility.

Flipped Classroom and Collaborative Work as an Inclusive Strategy in Higher Education

Objective: The aim of this research is to evaluate the implementation of the flipped classroom and collaborative work in university marketing students, in terms of academic performance, the development of cross-curricular competencies, student satisfaction and motivation, and the effective use of information and communication technologies in the learning process. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and academic literature that underpin the research are presented, providing a solid foundation for understanding the context of the study. Method: The methodology adopted for this research is quantitative in nature, with a cross-sectional design, and exploratory and descriptive scope. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire composed of five dimensions, in order to cover all aspects inherent to the mixed inclusive strategy that combines the flipped classroom and collaborative work in the university classroom. Results and Discussion: The results suggest that the flipped classroom and collaborative work have a generally positive impact on higher education, in line with much of the current scientific literature. However, it is also evident that careful consideration of implementation and context is necessary to maximize their effectiveness. Variations in outcomes, depending on factors such as discipline, course design, and the digital skills of the participants, are crucial aspects that must be considered. These findings underline the importance of a balanced and adaptive approach in the application of innovative methodologies in higher education. Originality/Value: This study stands out for its rigorous exploration of how the integration of the flipped classroom and collaborative work in higher education enhances soft skills and academic performance, contrasting with traditional methodologies. It underscores the relevance of adapting educational strategies to maximize the effectiveness of ICT in a contemporary and diversified learning context. Its value lies in providing empirical evidence that supports the implementation of these innovative methodologies, promoting more inclusive and effective learning environments.

Academic Literacy in University Students

Objective: The aim of this research is to explore the academic literacy of university students, evaluated as a construct composed of five dimensions: academic writing and discursive genres, stages and steps in academic writing, sources of information used, digital literacy, and the use of digital platforms for collecting academic works. Theoretical Framework: This section presents the main concepts and academic literature that support the research, providing a solid foundation to understand the context of the study. Method: The methodology adopted for this research is quantitative in nature, with a cross-sectional design, and exploratory and descriptive scope. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire composed of five dimensions, in order to cover all aspects inherent to academic literacy. Results and Discussion: The study on academic writing in university students reveals significant deficiencies in essential practices and skills. A high percentage of students infrequently engage in writing academic texts and self-assess as deficient in essay writing, which suggests a lack of confidence and critical ability. Moreover, most do not follow proper planning or drafting processes in their work and tend to opt for less rigorous information sources like Google, instead of specialized academic databases. These findings indicate an urgent need to reinforce the teaching of academic writing and digital literacy, with a focus on improving argument structuring and critical evaluation of sources to prepare students for future academic and professional challenges. Originality/Value: This study provides a critical perspective on the effectiveness of academic writing practices in higher education, identifying key areas for improvement of essential skills and digital literacy among university students.

An exploratory study of spontaneous representations of covariational reasoning in middle school students

Although student covariation reasoning has been explored in depth to improve understanding of the correspondence between variables, research has focused on studying existing reasoning about variables in Cartesian representations. The working method had a qualitative approach, with a descriptive exploratory scope, the spontaneous representations that the participants evidenced under the level of covariational reasoning of the variables present in three contextualized situations were explored, posed to a population of third-grade middle school students. The students argued with concrete and abstract drawings the general behavior of the variables. At low levels of reasoning they used pictorial representations, at higher levels they used graphical diagrams and tables. The exploratory study shows a relationship between the type of spontaneous representations and the student’s level of covariational reasoning, as well as the rigor of the description of the problem.

The <i>fake news</i> during the chilean social outbreak and the role of <i>fact checking</i> against disinformation

The objective of this research is to understand the impact generated by fake news on the political perception and critical thinking of citizens who receive information through social networks during the Social Outbreak in Chile, and to assess the value of new independent fact checking media created during the same period. The methodology employs a mixed approach with an exploratory scope, involving the creation of an assessment tool used to evaluate 95 subjects from the Biobío Region, Chile who assessed and categorized a news item as true or false. The primary findings reveal that participants perceive sharing fake news as a perilous action, and they hold the belief that fake news has the potential to alter political and social ideologies. In conclusion, assessing subjects' strategies for identifying fake news allows for the development of evaluation tools that promote data verification and enhance media literacy. This becomes crucial as the criteria for verification among active social network users are often low, indicating a level of credibility in published content without thorough scrutiny of data sources or acknowledgment of the risks associated with disseminating potentially false information.

The utility of performance review systems: A total quality management perspective

AbstractScholars and practitioners alike have argued that performance review is prone to destructive effects and negative outcomes in progressive work organizations with a total quality management (TQM) orientation. Despite its pervasive use and significant consequences at individual, team, and organizational levels across contemporary workplaces, it has remained inadequately explored for its current operational systems and their role in helping employees achieve job mastery and enabling organizations to attain desired quality outcomes. To address this lacuna, this study aims to explore how performance review systems can align with continuous quality improvement in contemporary workplaces that espouse a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement. Given the exploratory and broad scope of the research, it adopts a multiple case study design which offers benefits both in terms of process and outcomes. The findings are indicative of two different performance review systems with very different implications for managing employees and achieving quality outcomes in line with TQM: tactical system with a focus on employee obedience to rigid top‐down control system for achieving conformance quality measures, and a dynamic system with a focus on employee ownership of the quality process for achieving desired quality.

Guidelines for conducting quantitative systematic review studies

Research processes are built at different levels, from the exploratory or descriptive to the explanatory level. In the exploratory and descriptive scope, quantitative systematic review studies arise, which allow the identification of characteristics of a line of research through the analysis of previous publications. This article proposes a guide for the elaboration of this type of work, in which we propose important aspects such as the formulation of research questions, the search for information in scientific databases, the statistical analysis of data, the formulation of research questions, among other important topics. The work closes by highlighting the importance of quantitative systematic review research and its contribution to the identification and description of the elements that can encompass a line of research.

Percepção dos atores educacionais: aulas presenciais para as virtuais em tempos de pandemia

Introduction: experimentation is an essential tool in learning, allowing an explanation of how knowledge integrates within a scientific academic community. Objective: to analyze the perception of students, teachers, and administrative staff regarding the delivery of practical classes in General Chemistry through virtual modality (use of laboratories) at the State University of the Santa Elena Peninsula (UPSE) in Santa Elena, Ecuador, amidst the health emergency caused by COVID-19 during 2020. Methodology: a mixed approach with an exploratory scope was employed, utilizing survey techniques with an instrument consisting of 15 parametric questions (10 closed-ended and 5 open-ended), exhibiting a reliability of 0.767 in Cronbach's Alpha; the research was non-experimental, adopting a cross-sectional cohort, encompassing the entire sample (133 individuals). Results: Over 50% of educational stakeholders encountered difficulties adapting to the new educational system, highlighting the limited use of ICT. Conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic exposed certain institutions' lack of readiness for remote learning, unveiling numerous challenges when transitioning from in-person to virtual classes across the educational community. While the quarantine was initially a temporary measure, it has been regarded as a starting point to envision the future of higher education, where virtuality could establish itself as a new norm.

Towards Institutionalised TVET Research in Costa Rica–Empirical Analysis on Status, Needs, and Challenges

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Costa Rica is considered as an important alternative for the insertion of the young population into the labor market. However, despite the increasing importance of TVET there is a lack of institutionalized research activities, so that research efforts on TVET mainly remain in the background. The aim of this paper is to present and examine the level of institutionalization of TVET research in Costa Rica and the associated needs, challenges, and demands. Therefore, qualitative research, with an exploratory scope, was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023, for which a literature review on TVET research and semi-structured interviews with sixteen experts were carried out. The results revealed, that from 2020 to date, there has been an increase in the number of research activities in TVET and in the number of publications in Costa Rican journals. Nevertheless, TVET institutions in Costa Rica show low capacities in terms of personnel and financial resources to conduct TVET research. The main conclusion is that the level of institutionalization of TVET Research in Costa Rica is in its infancy, but has potential for growth, for which it is necessary to establish public TVET policies that include TVET research.

Contradictions, Limitations and Irregularities in the Regulations of Private Investments of Galapagos, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands belong to the Insular region of the Ecuadorian State, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of this country, this province is formed from a special regime, which characterizes it and attributes certain capabilities such as promoting its economic activities and production within its jurisdiction and by its competent administrative authorities. This is the constitutional provision and key driver for the creation of the province's Private Investment Regulation, which has been under discussion for quite some time and yet no consensus has been reached to date on its content. Knowing the draft that has been under discussion, this research aims to study the provincial ordinance containing the Galapagos Private Investment Regulations in order to identify contradictions, limitations, and irregularities that affect constitutional principles and rights for which the document has not yet been enacted. To shape the study, it was necessary to use a qualitative research approach, maintaining an exploratory scope as this is an original topic with no previous research history; as a result, it was determined that the imperative of analysis lies in the content of the aforementioned regulation, so it is discussed from different constitutional authors each of the articles where contradictions, limitations or irregularities are found, verifying the possible existence of unconstitutionalities, which have been the main legal motivation for this regulation not to be enacted.

Virtual platforms in higher education during the pandemic in Ecuador

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the virtual platforms in Higher Education in times of pandemic in Ecuador, with higher education being one of the sectors within the groups of the fragile area that was exposed to the disease of the COVID -19 pandemic. The methodology used in its approach is qualitative with a non-experimental design of a cross-sectional nature that had an exploratory scope under the analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive method; the instruments used as a strategy is the use of documentary and bibliographic research. It was determined that the use of virtual platforms in Higher Education is indeed among the groups that will have, according to the projections analyzed, one of the greatest effects on the teaching-learning process of students' online classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a relevant conclusion, it is determined that the use of virtual platforms fundamentally helped the educational training process in the transmission of knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended that the higher education community make use of information and communication technologies for the teaching and learning process.

Public management of sport: a description and comparative analysis of the organizational structure in Brazil and Portugal

This article delves into the public management of sports policies in Brazil and Portugal, relying on a descriptive and comparative analysis of the organizational structures adopted by the two countries. The study takes the form of descriptive-analytical research employing a qualitative approach with an exploratory scope. The employed methodologies encompass bibliographic review and documentary analysis. The primary objective was to describe and conduct a comparative analysis of the public management of the national sports policies in Brazil and Portugal, using the organizational structures in the sector as a benchmark, up until 2022. The findings reveal that both countries share a history of tethering or subordinating sports to various realms of state activities. This aspect could be interpreted as indicative of institutional fragility, highlighting a diminished political legitimacy of the sector and a lesser integration into the governmental agenda. Distinguishing between them, a noteworthy discourse revolves around the establishment of a national sports system. This system delineates competencies, responsibilities, and modes of interaction. In this regard, the Portuguese context appears to make more significant strides compared to the Brazilian scenario. Keywords: public management; sport; comparative analysis; organizational structure; public policy

Cooperation strategies and educational performance: the case of the Prêmio Escola Nota Dez in Ceará - Brasil

This article is part of the Doctoral thesis in Education, developed at the Graduate Faculty of the Interamerican University of Asunción. The interest in the topic proves relevant to society as it brings the reality experienced by the studied municipalities in Ceará, Sobral, Cruz, Pentecoste, and Caucaia, a scenario for discussions and deepening of public policies focused on the collaboration system, cooperation proposals by the ‘Prêmio Escola Nota Dez’. In this context, the overall objective proposed seeks to investigate whether the actions developed by the awarded schools impacted the results of the evaluations of the supported schools. From a methodological point of view, the study is based on a case study, with an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative scope in the forms of a field research combined with the documentary research carried out with a sample involving 4 schools (2 awarded and 2 supported). According to the research, the actions developed by the awarded schools had a very positive impact on the results of the supported schools in the municipalities of Pentecoste and Caucaia, however, it is necessary to rethink public policies that should favor equality for all schools in the case of the ‘Prêmio Escola Nota Dez’.

Knowledge transfer in Peru microentrepreneurs. The effects on personal and business improvement

Purpose This study aims to analyze the effects of microentrepreneurs’ knowledge transfer (KT) on personal improvement (PI) and business improvement (BI). Design/methodology/approach The study was developed in two stages: a literature review based on KT and the learning process in microenterprises to have managerial competence and PI and BI to acquire the managerial competence that entrepreneurs need. The second stage was constructing a structural model based on 107 questionnaires and bootstrapping of 5,000 replications of microentrepreneurs who went through a training program (quantitative) and a focus group (qualitative). This study had a mixed approach, exploratory scope and experimental design. Findings The research showed real evidence about the performance level of microentrepreneurs when they passed through the process of KT and its impact on PI and BI. This research considers their managerial competencies, and the findings show a relationship between the theory of individual and organizational learning. Research limitations/implications This study considered Peruvian microentrepreneurs who participated in a virtual training program that included several courses related to their current environments and topics of interest. The analyzed period covered the years affected by COVID-19. Practical implications The model reveals that KT is relevant to PI and BI. Performance was measured regarding growth, income, innovation, productivity and responsibility before and after the program. Social implications This research analyzed the need for training microentrepreneurs for personal and private reasons under a COVID-19 scenario to foster their businesses and assume financial responsibilities. This study considered Peru’s reality, a country in which 94.9% of companies are microenterprises. The study revealed that microentrepreneurs improved their personal and professional lives and addressed relevant social problems that affect their environments because of the KT effects. Originality/value This study bridges the gap in the literature on how the theory of KT can be applied to entrepreneurs. This study revealed significant findings in terms of PI and BIs. The impact of KT indicates the relevance of managerial competencies related to the performance level obtained in terms of growth, income, innovation, productivity and responsibility.

Acquisition of the third person singular allomorphs of the simple present tense in English by Panamanian senior-level learners of English

The purpose of this quantitative study with an exploratory and descriptive scope was to apply the concepts of the Markedness Differential Hypothesis (Eckman, 1977) and Similarity Differential Rate Hypothesis (Major & Kim, 1996) in the production of the allomorphs of the third person singular of the English simple present tense by Panamanian Spanish senior-level learners of English. The researchers used a custom-designed book containing images as a research instrument, administering it twice to the sample group. The data collected through this method was subsequently subjected to analysis employing concepts from auditory and acoustic phonetics. The simple descriptive statistics showed that the sample had mastered 64% of the allomorphs of the third-person singular of the English simple present tense. These results could be the base for further research with correlational and explanatory scopes with many participants to confirm or disregard the patterns found in this study.

Exploring the Meanings of Food Sustainability: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Sustainable food combines nutritional, environmental, economic, and social aspects. Considering the need to recognize the Chilean reality in this matter, this study proposes to interpret the meanings that food professionals give to food sustainability, based on the question: What meanings do food and nutrition professionals give to the relevance and measurement of food sustainability in their professional work? To answer this question, qualitative research was carried out using the interpretative paradigm of exploratory scope. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and their responses were analyzed using the content-analysis technique. The results indicate that environmental care is valued in accordance with the local regulations in force. Despite this valuation, its implementation has been complex in developing countries, due to economic aspects and political will. Sustainable culinary preparation is identified, building a definition based on ecology and local identity, highlighting the use of natural foods. In addition, there is a need to standardize the indicators for its measurement and to reinforce communication strategies to improve its knowledge. In conclusion, for professionals in the gastronomic and nutritional areas, the sustainability of food and culinary preparation requires a comprehensive, integrated vision of the different factors, depending on the user and the entities that provide food services.