Conference Agenda

In recent years, tourists' interest in nature-based experiences and environmental conservation has been increasing. This study aims to analyze travelers' motivations and segment demand within ecotourism. The research was conducted in two protected areas in Spain: Albufera Natural Park and Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park. A total of 349 face-to-face surveys were conducted. For data processing, factor analysis was applied along with a non-hierarchical segmentation using the K-means method. The findings reveal the existence of eight motivational dimensions in ecotourism: "Personal Development," "Interpersonal Relationships," "Escape," "Building Personal Relationships," "Ego-Defensive Function," "Nature," "Rewards," and "Fun." Additionally, ecotourists were classified into three segments based on their primary motivations: "Multiple Motives," "Nature," and "Reward and Escape." These results may be useful for both public institutions and private companies to optimize the tourism offer, implement sustainable strategies, and design more effective marketing plans.

The effective influence of emotional competencies on the leadership of companies located in Free Trade Zones of Costa Rica, motivates to determine the relationship between the emotional competencies of leaders and their impact on organizational performance. Through a methodological approach based on multivariate analysis using SmartPls 4.1.1.1, it is evaluated how emotional skills such as empathy and self-regulation influence employee motivation, satisfaction and retention. In this work, related concepts and their influence on the outcome of objectives are validated in a company located in a Free Trade Zone. The results of the study indicate that leaders with high emotional competencies not only effectively manage stress and conflicts, but also promote a positive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity. In addition, an improvement is observed in the perception of transparency and equity in decision-making, which increases trust and a sense of belonging among employees. The research concludes that the development of emotional competencies in leaders is crucial for the success and sustainability of companies in competitive environments. The implementation of training and development programs focused on emotional intelligence is recommended to improve leadership effectiveness and, therefore, organizational performance.

Abstract– Honduras has faced a housing deficit since its inception. The objective of this study is to analyze the variations in the housing loan portfolio disbursed with BANHPROVI funds for salaried workers in the city of San Pedro Sula from 2020 to 2023. A mixed-method approach was used, incorporating surveys and a numerical analysis of portfolio balances, the perceptions of the economically active population, and the views of housing loan officers. The study has a descriptive scope, with a non-experimental, longitudinal design, and applies portfolio balance analysis techniques to examine variations and the factors driving these changes. After analyzing all the information, it was found that since 2020, there have been multiple variations in portfolio balances. However, in the last two periods (2022 and 2023), a rebound in disbursements was observed, driven by several favorable credit conditions for borrowers. This indicates an improvement in access to BANHPROVI funds, benefiting many more Honduran families.

Despite the different efforts of medical and support personnel to improve the level of services, their service is deficient in all dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. This research aims to know the gaps in the quality of services of a health center in Metropolitan Lima and identify priority areas for improvement. The method used was descriptive and cross-sectional, using the SERVQUAL model as an instrument. Simple random sampling was used, obtaining a sample of 267 patients, who evaluated their experience in the service line. Service quality gaps were calculated and opportunities for improvement were analyzed using the IPA method. The gap projections were visualized using box-plot graphs. The findings show that patients are not satisfied with the services offered by the health center, the dimensions that have the greatest gap are empathy (-0.77) and reliability (-0.76), related to the long waiting time and the lack of information about the care process. The present research shows results like those obtained in Ghana, Tanzania, and Jordan, where the negative gaps are related to support processes. This highlights the indispensability of redesigning processes and making improvements in areas related to admission and information. The article highlights the importance of analyzing services using proven models to identify improvements in the health service. Likewise, the need to implement advanced tools or technology that optimize the patient experience is highlighted

Potato frying is a popular cooking method, but it faces challenges such as oil degradation, the formation of harmful compounds, and a decrease in product quality. The type of oil, cooking material, and potato variety affect oil stability and reuse. Without proper control, the oil reaches its smoke point prematurely, reducing efficiency and food safety.

To address this issue, a Trifactorial Experimental Design 2x2x2x2 was applied, evaluating two types of oils, two types of pots and two potato varieties (white and yellow). The number of frying batches that could be performed before oil degradation and the time required to reach the smoke point were measured.

The results indicated that one oil and stainless-steel pots prolonged oil stability, allowing for a greater number of frying batches before deterioration. The smoke point was confirmed as a critical parameter in frying optimization, providing key information to improve efficiency and sustainability in the food industry.

This study investigates the impact of adaptability on nanostore performance, emphasizing the mediating role of quality management practices and the moderating influence of environmental complexity. Focusing on nanostores, an understudied retail segment, the research aims to fill theoretical gaps and provide actionable insights for improving strategic decision-making and operational agility. The study highlights that adaptability, which encompasses flexibility and responsiveness as key components, is crucial for performance improvement when integrated with robust quality management practices. Using advanced quantitative methods, including multivariate regression analysis, survey data from 143 nanostore owners and managers were analyzed. The results show that adaptability positively affects performance, with quality management practices mediating this relationship. Environmental complexity, while influencing the adaptability-performance link, presents challenges in highly volatile markets. Future research should address the small sample size and the use of cross-sectional data, considering longitudinal designs that allow for a deeper understanding of the dynamics over time. It would also be valuable to investigate regional variations to enhance the generalizability of the findings across different economic contexts. Additionally, exploring additional mediating factors, such as technology adoption, could provide further insights into the mechanisms influencing the observed outcomes. Nanostore operators are advised to adopt adaptability-driven strategies and integrate structured quality management practices to enhance performance. Policymakers can use these findings to support small retailers, especially in volatile market environments, fostering economic resilience. This research offers novel insights into the role of adaptability in nanostores and contributes to both academic literature and retail practice.