Runas. Journal of Education and Culture

Project office in Austria: application of the PMBOK approach for efficiency

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study assesses how the implementation of a Project Management Office (PMO) in the CEMAustrogas affects efficiency in project management, using the PMBOK approach. A Pearson correlation analysis was applied, which revealed a coefficient of 0.843, indicating a strong positive correlation between the quality of the implementation of the PMO and the efficiency of the projects. This suggests that improvements in structured project management are associated with a significant increase in efficiency in meeting deadlines, costs and targets. Additionally, although most respondents supported the implementation of the PMO, certain reservations were identified in a portion of the staff, which highlight the importance of clear communication about the benefits of change. This resistance to change can be diluted if staff inclusion in the implementation process is encouraged. In conclusion, the findings underline that effective project management aligned with the PMBOK approach not only increases efficiency but is also crucial to address staff concerns to maximize the positive impact of the PMO in the CEMAustrogas.

Use of Agile Methodologies in Information and Communication Companies in Cuenca, Ecuador

Pedro Xavier Abad-Galarza, Jaime Tinto-Arandes , Daniel Andrade- Pesantez — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Agile methodologies have transformed the operations of information and communication companies, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in dynamic markets. Recent studies by McKinsey and the OECD highlight that adopting agile approaches improves project management and digital service delivery by over 60%. Digitalization has further driven their implementation, especially in emerging economies, where integration can increase competitiveness by up to 30%. In Cuenca, Ecuador, 382 active companies operate in this sector, yet less than 30% have structurally adopted agile methodologies, potentially limiting their growth and sustainability. Research from Colombia and Mexico indicates that the lack of these methodologies hinders scalability and innovation. This study aims to analyze their impact on operational efficiency and competitiveness in Cuenca’s information and communication sector through a quantitative approach. A structured survey was conducted among 192 companies selected through probabilistic sampling. Data collection was complemented by a documentary analysis of specialized literature and international reports. Statistical tools such as SPSS and Excel were used to assess the relationship between agile methodology adoption and operational efficiency improvements. The findings will contribute to developing strategies that promote digital transformation and sectoral strengthening in Cuenca, establishing a replicable model for other emerging economies.

Customer Satisfaction and Operational Efficiency at the Estadio Agency of Cooperativa La Merced

María Fernanda Mejía-Auquilla, Jaime Tinto-Arandes, Jorge Ormaza-Andrade — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The proposed research is situated within the financial sector of the city of Cuenca and evaluates the relationship between operational efficiency and member or client satisfaction. The study is non-experimental, descriptive, and correlational. For this research, a sample of 83 members and clients of the El Estadio branch of Cooperativa La Merced was selected, and a structured survey comprising 20 questions was administered to assess both the independent and dependent variables. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software. The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, was 0,745, and the Pearson correlation was 0,815. An efficient administrative management, characterized by strategic planning, policy definition, and operational efficiency, significantly contributes to customer satisfaction. The study concludes that improving operational efficiency not only optimizes internal processes but also enhances the quality of service perceived by members or clients. This, in turn, increases customer loyalty and satisfaction. Therefore, the cooperative should implement strategies to strengthen these key aspects, which are essential for growth and sustainability in an increasingly competitive financial environment.

Implementation of augmented reality as a teaching strategy for strengthening functional exercises in Physical Education

Jimmy Xavier Benenaula Rodas, Santiago Alejandro Jarrín Navas — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Augmented Reality (AR) emerges as an innovative technology with high pedagogical potential in education. In the field of Physical Education, its integration aims to enhance the learning of motor skills by providing interactive experiences that promote student engagement and understanding. This study seeks to implement AR as a didactic strategy to strengthen functional exercises in the physical education curriculum for seventh-grade students. A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating a Likert-scale questionnaire to measure students' motivation and perception of AR, alongside standardized tests and structured observations to assess its impact on learning. The study population comprised 70 students, following a process of diagnosis, design, implementation, and evaluation of activities. The findings indicate that AR is perceived as an engaging and effective tool, enhancing students' motivation and interest. The data suggest that interactive activities lead to an increase in active participation and the execution of functional exercises. Ultimately, the implementation of AR in Physical Education demonstrates its potential to transform traditional practices, enrich the educational experience, and strengthen students' overall development. Improvements in performance, motivation, and positive perceptions of the activities highlight the need for well-trained teachers and continuous feedback to optimize results.

Impact of Energy Drink Consumption on the Health and Academic Performance of Higher Education Students

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The consumption of energy drinks has gained popularity among young people, particularly among higher education students, due to their ability to combat drowsiness and enhance concentration. However, prolonged intake may lead to adverse health effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, and cardiovascular disturbances, attributed to their high content of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. To examine their impact on health and academic performance, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 255 students. Data collection was carried out through a 32-item Likert-scale questionnaire, validated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.953). Statistical analysis, including Spearman’s correlation and multiple linear regression, revealed a significant relationship between energy drink consumption, health status, and academic performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.801. Additionally, the multiple regression model yielded an R² value of 0.611, indicating that the studied variables largely explain the observed relationship. These findings suggest that energy drink consumption significantly influences both students' health and academic performance.

Motivational profiles and autonomy support in university students of the Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte

Mariana de Jesús Azuero Azuero , Santiago Alejandro Jarrín Navas — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this work was to analyze the motivational and autonomy profiles of the students of the Pedagogy of Physical Activity and Sports career of the National University of Loja, the intention was to know how the student receives the information in the teaching-learning process of the subject of Physical Education, if there is motivation on the part of the teaching staff to give the importance that this area has, which is focused on integral education and its different contexts and environments that demand it. The sample consisted of 34 students of the fourth cycle of the CPAFD of the National University of Loja, 28 men and 6 women between the ages of 21 and 22, who responded to a test composed of scales of support for motivation and autonomy and therefore the importance and relevance of Physical Education and its impact on the current generation. A descriptive and correlation analysis was carried out between the scales, as well as an analysis of (BREQ-3) for the regulation of behavior in exercise that allowed determining the student's level of motivation and a second analysis (EAAES) for the autonomy support scale that allows determining how a student appropriates knowledge and knowledge and is the key factor for his professional performance for the new generations. This work shows that students with motivation and better autonomy are those who are more likely to perform as teachers and builders of their own extensive work and in turn the acquisition of healthy habits and sports practices and responsibility to form integral human beings in the physical, affective, emotional, cognitive and social aspects.

Psychosocial factors that influence sports participation in adolescents: a bibliographic review through meta -analysis

Valeria Alexandra Moren Plaza, Zoila Guillermina Torres Palchisaca — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sport participation among adolescents is determined by psychosocial factors that influence their continuation or abandonment. This study examines the impact of family support, school context, socioeconomic conditions, peer influence, and gender on sports practice. Through a systematic review of studies indexed since 2015, the PRISMA model was applied to select research on physical activity and psychosocial factors in adolescents. The results indicate that family support is key to staying in sports, while a school environment with structured programs and motivational coaches facilitates adherence. Economic limitations hinder access to organized sports, and peer influence, along with social networks, motivates participation. Furthermore, gender inequalities persist, particularly affecting adolescent girls. It is concluded that strategies should include family support, gender equity, access to infrastructure, and the use of social media to promote physical activity.

Enhancing EFL vocabulary acquisition: The effectiveness of educaplay

Wilmer Cuenca, Manuel Pila — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper analyzed the interactive and engaging nature of online educational games, which have gained notorious attention as they have become a great ally when learning a new language. This study examined how effective online educational games are regarding the improvement of learning vocabulary when learning a foreign language, focusing on using the Educaplay platform. Therefore, this study explored students' perceptions, measuring vocabulary acquisition, and assessed the influence on motivation and engagement. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was applied to pre- and post-tests, surveys, and focus groups. This study involved two focus groups of Seventh-grade EFL learners: the experimental group, which participated in Educaplay-based vocabulary activities four times a week for eight weeks, and the control group, which followed a traditional vocabulary learning approach. The tests gave quantitative information to measure vocabulary progress, while surveys and group discussions gave descriptive details about students’ attitudes and thoughts on using online games for learning new words. The findings will enrich the understanding of how Educaplay, as a digital tools can support vocabulary development and encourage positive learning experiences in EFL contexts.

Innovative strategies to develop motor coordination in elementary schools

Luis Fernando Orellana Yunga, Helder Guillermo Aldas Arcos — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Motor coordination is the capacity of the central nervous system to integrate and synchronize nervous and muscular connections, a fundamental aspect of human development. It is the basis for the execution of precise and fluid movements, essential for daily activities, sports performance and learning new motor skills. To evaluate the development of motor coordination in elementary basic education students of the Educational Unit 01H01159. This research has a non-experimental design, since the study variables are not manipulated, descriptive and cross-sectional, a convenience sampling was used, selecting students of second, third and fourth grade of elementary school, the sample consisted of 97 students, 54 are female and 43 are male; for the evaluation of motor coordination, the 3JS test was used, a validated and reliable instrument that allows objectively measuring different components of coordination. They revealed that most of the schoolchildren were located in the low and regular levels: 16.49% in the low level and 47.42% in the regular level. The level of motor coordination in elementary schoolchildren was evaluated and the imperative need to give priority attention to the development of motor coordination during the early stages is emphasized, for an integral development of schoolchildren, promoting active and healthy life habits.

Physical fitness in older adults according to gender

Jonathan Eleazar León Lomas, Helder Guillermo Aldas Arcos — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The World Health Organization recognizes the practice of physical activity as an essential element to ensure a healthy and active old age; as we age, the body undergoes natural changes, but with proper care and attention, a good quality of life can be maintained. The objective of this research was to determine the level of physical fitness in older adults in an important parish of the Rumiñahui canton. This research had a non-experimental design, descriptive, with a quantitative and cross-sectional approach, the Senior Fitness Test was used to evaluate the physical condition of 69 older adults with an M age of 65.59 ±3.2. Both men and women have below normal levels of lower body strength, while for the upper body there are normal values, and in aerobic capacity there are high values, with significant differences between both genders in the strength of lower and upper limbs. Women have slightly better levels of physical fitness compared to men in the age categories evaluated (60-64, 65-69 and 70-74 years).

Reading comprehension strategy in students of Intercultural Basic Education based on traditional Awá stories

Verónica Maribel Encalada Ormaza, Edison Duván Avalos Flórez — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research analyzes the level of reading comprehension of students of the Awá nationality, in the El Baboso community, in Carchi, Ecuador. The problem identified was the difficulty in developing reading skills among students, especially in generating inferences. The objective was to create teaching strategies for reading comprehension through traditional stories. The methodology used consisted of applying surveys to 20 fifth grade students and interviews with teachers, to collect information about pedagogical practices and student performance in different areas of reading comprehension. The results showed that the students achieved 100% in identifying main ideas but presenting difficulties in making inferences with 48%. Interviews with teachers revealed that the main barriers were limited vocabulary and lack of connection to the texts.

Analysis of president Daniel Noboa's visual narrative on instagram and Its impact on public perception

Nelson Alexanders Hernández Ruiz, Rommy Andrea España Salvador — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the digital age, social media redefines political communication, making the visual aesthetics of digital content a crucial factor. President Daniel Noboa's Instagram posts serve as a case study to understand how visual narratives influence public perception. With over 2.35 billion active monthly users in 2023, Instagram has become a powerful tool on the global political stage. It has become a key platform for political communication, where visual narratives can significantly influence public opinion. Hence, the need arises to analyze the visual aesthetics of President Daniel Noboa’s posts to understand their impact on the perception and response of his Instagram audience. A relational study with a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, was used. Simple random sampling was used, which made it easy to observe trends and patterns in the posts. The results show how the visual aesthetics used in President Daniel Noboa's Instagram posts significantly impact the audience's perception and response. In conclusion, political visual narratives on Instagram impact public perception in Ecuador.

Analysis of language and cinematic editing and their impact on digital communication strategies on YouTube

Hugo Fabián Gálvez Tapia, José Luis Rodríguez Manzano — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Audiovisual editing is a fundamental process in constructing the narrative arc and the cinematographic story. The selection and combination of scenes determine the pace and structure that shape and give meaning to the audiovisual product, improving the visibility on YouTube. If content creators omit these cinematic techniques, this can result in the loss of coherence and emotional impact on the audience. Therefore, by analyzing the application and connection of filmic syntax in audiovisual editing for digital communication strategies on YouTube, the aim is to deepen the understanding of its fundamentals, techniques, and correct application for a more significant impact on the target audience. This research adopted a mixed, relational approach, conducting expert interviews and YouTube observation sheets. This approach allowed us to demonstrate that the correct use of audiovisual semantic codes and signs can more effectively convey messages and, therefore, lead to greater audience retention and engagement. In conclusion, the audiovisual editing based on cinematographic language gives meaning and constructs the story, providing coherence and impact.

Analysis of the podcast as an educational communication strategy and its connection with the audience

Andrés Santiago Campoverde Cárdenas, Sandra Elizabeth Mena Clerque — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The podcast is a digital audio format accessible through multiple streaming platforms, social media, and specialized applications. This format has become a significant source of thematic information and entertainment, recording a 44% access rate on digital platforms in Latin America. This research aims to analyze and evaluate the impact of podcasts as an educational communication strategy and their connection and interaction with the audience. The methodology adopted a mixed relational approach, employing a finite sampling based on online surveys to collect specific data on the use of podcasts in educational settings. The results showed that this format significantly contributes and helps to strengthening learning in the classroom. In conclusion, podcasts are established as an accessible, flexible, functional educational communication strategy adapted to the dynamics of modern education in the context of new audiences, facilitating assertive, interactive, and effective communication that leads to meaningful learning.

Public communication generated through Facebook: impact on citizen perception in Cuenca, Ecuador

María Patricia Romero Estrada, Juan Edmundo Álvarez Gavilanes — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Communication management is very important in public organizations, as it plays a strategic role. Thus, it is necessary to analyze digital channels, mainly Facebook, and their effectiveness to identify opportunities for improvement. The methodology used in this research was a quantitative and qualitative approach, conducting a content analysis on the official Facebook accounts of the public institutions of Cuenca, as well as convenience sampling surveys on a universe of institutional communicators and in-depth interviews with experts. The results show that the management of institutional communication is linked to digital channels and social media, with an emphasis on Facebook, allowing immediate communication, which, although it generates public content, does not achieve interaction and casts doubt on its effectiveness. In conclusion, the management of digital communication in the public sector through Facebook in the Cuenca’s public institutions has not obtained significant results, so it is suggested to create more effective content strategies that create trust and strengthen the relationship between the public institution and the community.

Analysis of digital narratives of Tiktok male influencers and its influence on content viralization

Daniela Nathaly Falconí Monard, Fabián Vladimir Argudo Palomeque — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze how the digital narratives of masculinity influencers on TikTok affect their content’s virality. The research follows a content analysis approach with a mixed explanatory and observational methodology. Viral videos of masculinity influencers were analyzed using virality metrics such as views, likes, shares, and organic reach. Key aspects of their digital narratives were evaluated, including narrative, discursive tone, and the visual and audiovisual resources employed. The results show that these influencers' digital narratives employ strategies such as personal storytelling, emotional appeals, and the generation of controversy to capture the public's attention, significantly contributing to the virality of their content. In conjunction with the TikTok algorithm, these elements maximize the visibility and dissemination of their messages. This study demonstrates that digital narratives play a fundamental role in the virality of content on TikTok. The strategic use of discursive and audiovisual resources generates greater engagement. It amplifies the dissemination of their messages, underlining the importance of analyzing the communication dynamics in digital platforms to understand the virality processes.

Audiovisual content of the podcast and its impact on school educommunication in the city of Ambato, Ecuador

Byron Wilfrido Sánchez León, Renato Xavier Zamora Arízaga — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the academic field, the contents of educommunication audiovisual podcasts highlight their importance for the innovative contribution of knowledge and the promotion of learning in the school environment. The children's community has become immersed in the technological and digital world, leading to cultural, educational, and communicative changes. Nowadays, educommunication podcasts face significant challenges in establishing themselves within the educational context, as they lack effective strategies for advancement, visibility, and content, which has limited their reach and impact on the audience, unlike entertainment podcasts. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the audiovisual content of educational podcasts to promote learning in the educommunication field. The methodology in this research followed a mixed approach, framed in an exploratory study that included sampling on the use of educommunication podcasts and the administration of interviews and surveys. This approach made it possible to obtain precise results on the influence of the audiovisual podcasts and identify new dynamics and challenges in school educommunication in Ambato, Ecuador. In conclusion, the results highlight how the content of audiovisual podcasts has an impact on the field of educommunication.

Financial Education: impact on financial inclusion in Latin America

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Financial education has established itself as a main pillar to promote financial inclusion within the Latin American approach, where social barriers affect vulnerable communities that are extensive in the region, promoting exclusion from the financial system. This research reflects on financial education and inclusion from its theoretical beginnings, focused only on economic management, to the role that is being developed in recent years with the appearance of new technological tools. A timeline is structured for each of the terms studied, from the moment of emergence as a basic expression, through factors to which they had to be adapted as axes of public policy. In the same way, an analysis is presented of how the evolution of these terms has generated a new path of inclusion in the financial system, much more in historically marginalized sectors. It is also highlighted that, despite the progress evidenced, barriers persist that, in rural communities, prevent economic, social and cultural development. Among the results we have that the creation of strategies that comprehensively encompass the population through joint work with education, private companies and public policies, in addition, supported by emerging technologies can impact a greater number of people according to the needs they present. Finally, this article leaves open some questions about the future of financial education in Latin America, what methods or new strategies can be implemented for financial inclusion encouraging an environment of sustainable development.

Analysis of financial tools for the economic diagnosis of the commercial and agricultural company Llerena Garzón Guadalupe S.A. of the province of Tungurahua

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the impact of financial tools in the economic diagnosis of the poultry sector in the province of Tungurahua, focusing on the Sociedad Comercial y Agrícola Llerena Garzón Guadalupe S.A. This article focuses on performing a financial analysis of liquidity and performance to identify. trends, variations and strengths in the business structure. The methodology used is quantitative based on the study of recent financial statements, evaluating the economic structure of the poultry company using tools such as horizontal and vertical analysis and profitability and liquidity ratios, although the results indicate that the company is profitable, they also reveal critical areas, which require attention, such as income diversification and inventory management. This analysis shows that the poultry industry depends on the implementation of a strategy in biological assets to expand its offer.

Plyometric training program to improve the explosive strength of the vertical jump in volleyball

Juan Pablo Pacheco Naula, Zoila Guillermina Torres-Palchisaca — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The vertical jump technique is a relevant aspect in volleyball, its inadequate development can limit the motor actions of the game for spiking and blocking, however, it depends on multiple factors such as stature and explosive strength of the lower extremities. The objective of this article was to apply a plyometric training program to improve the explosive strength of the vertical jump in volleyball in upper elementary school students of the Pasaje Educational Unit, using the Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) and Abalakov (ABK) tests. A pre-experimental study was carried out, with the application of a pre- and post-test, after developing a six-week training program with three sections for each of them, the My Jump Lab app was used to measure performance. The results recorded and analyzed statistically, show significant improvements in all vertical jump tests, showing relevant changes in the increase of explosive strength and power of the students. The implementation of a six-week plyometric training program proved to be effective in improving explosive strength in the vertical jump in students, which is essential to effectively execute the actions that occur in a volleyball game, such as serving, spiking and blocking, improving individual technique and teamwork.

Impact of GeoGebra Software in the study of Linear Programming

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research examines the impact of GeoGebra software on academic performance and motivation towards learning linear programming in third-year students of Unified General Baccalaureate of the Santa Rosa Educational Unit during the period 2022-2023. To this end, a bibliographic analysis is carried out around education, exploring various pedagogical currents with a special focus on constructivism. The relevance of teaching resources is explored, highlighting the role of Information and Communication Technologies, and in particular, of GeoGebra Software. For this research, a proposal for Didactic Sequences using GeoGebra is developed, aimed at teaching linear programming. The research uses a mixed methodology with a quasi-experimental design, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the impact of the proposal on the academic performance and motivation of students. A control group and an experimental group are used. The results show that the use of GeoGebra improves learning, as the experimental group obtained higher scores after the intervention, and the students perceived the classes as more dynamic and understood mathematical procedures better. This research contributes to the educational field, combining theory and practice to improve the quality of learning in a specific context of secondary education.

Design with purpose: transforming communities through social engagement

Paul Peralta Fajardo — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Graphic design has historically been associated with visual communication and persuasion in commercial contexts, yet its role in social transformation remains an evolving field of study. This article examines the impact of graphic design in social engagement projects based on the experiences of designers who have led initiatives aimed at addressing community issues. The study aims to evaluate the tangible changes generated by graphic design in various communities and assess how this field fosters civic participation through collaborative processes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews with designers and surveys conducted with citizens involved in social design projects. The findings reveal that graphic design not only contributes to aesthetic and communicative terms but also facilitates processes of identity construction, social cohesion, and community empowerment. Additionally, the study identifies key challenges designers face in this area, such as the lack of institutional recognition and the need for more structured participatory methodologies. The study concludes that graphic design, when integrated with social participation strategies, has the potential to generate significant community transformations. However, its effectiveness depends on interdisciplinary collaboration and the active comzmitment of all stakeholders involved.

Impact of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on transparency and accountability in local public administration

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of implementing the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on transparency and accountability within Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GAD). Its purpose is to evaluate how these standards influence improvements in financial management and public trust. A quantitative methodology was employed through surveys of key officials, such as accountants and auditors. The results show that IPSAS are viewed as essential for improving transparency and supporting decision-making; however, their implementation is hindered by challenges such as lack of resources and resistance to change. Statistical analysis did not reveal significant correlations between regulations, transparency, and government, suggesting that additional factors may impact their effectiveness. The study concludes that investing in training programs and strengthening institutional commitment is crucial for the successful implementation of IPSAS.

Evaluation of accounting skills in accountants of financial institutions of the Cantón Morona

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated accounting competencies in accountants from financial institutions in the Morona canton, Ecuador. A quantitative approach with a descriptive design was used, applying structured surveys to a sample of 20 accountants. The results indicated a significant correlation (r=0.682) between professional role and perceived importance of accounting competencies, although gaps were identified in the practical application of these competencies. Strengths were found in basic technical knowledge and areas for improvement in updating accounting regulations and applying ethical standards. The study revealed the need to strengthen continuous training, especially in internal auditing and financial management. It is concluded that there is a disconnect between the perceived importance of competencies and their practical application, recommending the implementation of professional development programs specific to the local context.