Conference Agenda

This research aims to demonstrate that the use of business simulations improves learning among business administration students at a Peruvian public university. The sample consisted of 50 students, and the study population was 30. This is an applied research study with a quantitative approach and a longitudinal pre-experimental design. Data were collected through a survey instrument, a 24-item questionnaire validated by expert judgment and Cronbach's alpha. The questionnaire was administered at two stages: before and after the treatment. The descriptive results showed that with the application of the simulator, the 50% of students who were at a low level of experiential learning decreased to 30%. In contrast, the 23.3% at the medium level increased to 43.3%, while the high level remained unchanged (26.7%). Regarding the inferential results, an increase in the mean experiential learning score (M = 21.2, SD = 5.4, p = 0.000) was obtained when using the business simulator. Similarly, a positive effect was observed between the experiential learning and business simulator variables. Finally, it was demonstrated that the use of business simulators improves learning among higher education students and is a key tool in management training.

This research sought to identify the involvement in pyramid investment schemes by entrepreneurs in the industrial sector in Honduras. A quantitative approach with descriptive-correlational scope and non-experimental-cross-sectional design was used, surveying 103 entrepreneurs from Choloma and San Pedro Sula, Honduras who invested in a company with a Ponzi scheme intervened by the State; the data were analyzed with Pearson's Chi-Square test. A significant relationship was found between knowledge of Ponzi schemes and the variables gender (p-value 0.038; greater knowledge in men) and educational level (p-value 0.002; lower knowledge in those who only had “bachillerato” basic schooling). In addition, the investment made showed a significant relationship with monthly income (p-value 0.001, people with lower incomes were the most likely to invest) and the origin of the funds invested (p-value 0.030, mostly savings). Eighty percent of the entrepreneurs experienced significant financial losses. In conclusion, it became evident that entrepreneurs have been vulnerable in investing in Ponzi schemes, due to lack of knowledge of the systems, causing them to make investments disproportionate to their level of income. It is necessary to strengthen and promote financial education and entrepreneurship programs to avoid involvement in financial fraud.

Economic growth remains one of the main objectives of economic policy [1]. To achieve this, indicators and instruments are developed to promote sustained growth. Monetary, fiscal, and trade policies aim to deliver economic growth results in the short or medium term, ensuring that most of the population benefits from increased income, thereby improving the collective well-being of society. In this regard, the "Solow Model" or Neoclassical Growth Model [2] explains long-term growth based on capital accumulation, population growth, and technological progress [3]. Some authors highlight the crucial role of institutions (both formal and informal) in long-term economic growth, arguing that efficient institutions that protect property rights are essential to encourage investment and innovation [4]. Other authors [5] argue that the Central American region also shares this aspiration and has implemented various economic models in pursuit of growth. However, we ask ourselves: Which indicators contribute to economic growth? In which direction should policies be aimed to have a positive impact on the economy? These are relevant and necessary questions. This research aims to understand how certain macroeconomic variables influence the economic growth of three Central American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

The SECTRA portal is an intuitive and versatile online tool that enhances anatomical education in the biomedical and veterinary fields. This case study integrates the SECTRA portal into the Multiplanar Anatomy course at Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD) to improve student learning experiences through interactive visualization of anatomical structures. The implementation strategy included instructional videos, web conferences, and forum discussions, ensuring students effectively utilized the tool. The mandatory use of SECTRA in the first activity resulted in 100% student adoption, providing flexibility through 24-hour access to various biomedical studies. To evaluate the portal’s effectiveness, a structured questionnaire with six Likert-type questions was administered to a sample of 171 students from a total population of 305. The survey assessed students’ perceptions regarding SECTRA’s functionalities, including 3D reconstructions, multiplanar visualization, and measurement tools. The results indicated a high acceptance level and demonstrated SECTRA’s impact in fostering meaningful learning by allowing students to analyze complex anatomical structures beyond static images. This study underscores the importance of technological innovation in anatomical education and highlights the need for continuous refinement of digital tools to bridge existing educational gaps and enhance learning outcomes in remote and virtual settings

The Central American textile sector plays a key role in the regional economy, particularly in terms of job creation and integration into global value chains. However, its competitiveness is conditioned by structural factors such as unemployment and foreign direct investment (FDI). This study aims to analyze how these variables influence the sector's export mechanisms. A mixed approach was used with data from five countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua), applying descriptive and correlational analyses and nonparametric statistical tests to economic indicators between 1995 and 2023. The data reveal notable regional differences: Costa Rica stands out for its high FDI inflows, but with possible negative effects on the export and labor performance of neighboring countries, while Honduras and Guatemala show synchronized growth patterns. It is concluded that FDI only contributes significantly to export competitiveness when it is articulated with solid institutions, coordinated public policies, and human capital formation. The article proposes strategic guidelines for sustainable regional integration, emphasizing the need for development models based on innovation, equity, and the circular economy.

Nostalgic products from Honduras have grown significantly abroad, driven by migration and the growing demand for sustainable practices. This work develops a specific administrative theory to improve decision-making and optimize strategies in companies that market nostalgic products. To conduct a qualitative analysis, a literature review was carried out, which includes analysis of academic articles, books, and official documents indexed in Scopus, following indirect qualitative strategies. The 3A + E theory offers an innovative approach that balances authenticity and adaptation to change, integrating humanistic and systemic principles to promote sustainability and success in companies selling nostalgic products.