Sapienza: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Impact of quality management on financial competitiveness in the Peruvian banking sector: an empirical study

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This study analyzes the impact of quality management on the financial competitiveness of a banking institution. In a highly competitive financial environment, continuous improvement of service quality has become a key factor for the sustainability of banking institutions. The objective of the study was to determine to what extent quality management impacts financial competitiveness, considering dimensions such as quality criteria, staff training, internal infrastructure and complaint management. A quantitative design was used, applying an ordinal logistic regression analysis on a sample of bank customers. The findings indicate that all dimensions of quality management significantly impact financial competitiveness, with Wald values and p-values less than 0.05, validating the positive relationship between both concepts. Conclusions: The research reaffirms the need to implement comprehensive strategies to improve quality management to optimize operational efficiency and strengthen the position of banking institutions in the market. Future research is recommended that broadens the geographical scope and analyzes the impact of digitalization on the relationship studied.

Local self-government digital transformation in the context of sustainable development: potential of artificial intelligence

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This article analyzes contemporary trends and challenges in the digital transformation of local self-government within the landscape of sustainable development, focusing on the potential of AI-based solutions for municipal and rural territories. The scope of research is determined by the fact that digital technologies and their intensive development influence the formation of not only new processes in management, but also the management relations of authorities and the population, generating open integration interaction between them. An interpretive, pragmatic and critical literature review methodology is employed to synthesize existing knowledge and identify key themes with practical implications. The findings demonstrate that AI applications in sustainable local governance establish new standards for urban and rural development by providing novel solutions to old and developing difficulties. However, the analysis also reveals that no one-size-fits-all solution exists; instead, a thorough evaluation of local needs, cultural settings, and potential problems is required. Adaptive tactics, rigorous data governance, and strong community relationships are essential for successful implementation.

Solution focused thinking and resilience: mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults in Davao del Sur, Philippines

Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Studies on resiliency revealed Filipino’s ability to bounce back from crisis situations. In this study, the mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) on the influence of solution focused thinking (SFT) on the resilience of young Filipino adults in Davao del Sur was determined. A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized, allowing for the collection of data from both survey tools and semi-structured interviews. Using purposive random sampling, there were 519 respondents surveyed, and 8 participants interviewed. The statistical tools used were mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis, while Colaizzi’s method was utilized to explicate the qualitative data. Results of the study revealed high level of solution-focused thinking and resilience; however, participants exhibited high levels of depression and stress, with severe anxiety. There was no direct relationship found between SFT and resilience, while DAS was found to have significant influence on resilience. Also, the mediating effect was significant reporting that SFT lowers DAS of respondents, and higher DAS increases resilience of young Filipino adults. The experiences of young Filipino adults further explained the results reporting themes on resilience-shaking adversities (uncertainty about life, psychological distress, and socio-economic and relationship issues), and resilience-building initiatives (ability to reframe one's thought, goal-oriented actions, and internal and external support). Corroborated findings were used as basis for an SFT program to reduce DAS symptoms and strengthen resilience of young Filipino adults in Davao del Sur.

Matrix of Innovative competencies in public administration within the ecosystem of sustainable development, national security, and financial efficiency

Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The dynamism of the landscape of development and security as a system leads to constant changes in the external and internal environment, including the emergence of new imperatives in the use of management tools, changes in the priority of development factors, etc., which accordingly dictate the need to find new directions for resolving contradictions. One of the most important directions in this regard is the concept of sustainable public management and the ecosystem approach in managing organizations. The article examines the features and conceptual foundations of the ecosystem approach in detail, formulating a theoretical and methodological concept for resolving the contradictions of “development” and “sustainability”. The methodology combines three complementary approaches: the ecosystemic perspective, which conceptualizes innovative environments as self-organizing open systems; the pragmatic review structure, enabling a structured and purpose-driven synthesis of diverse sources; and the critical analytical lens, which interrogates underlying asymmetries in competency frameworks. It is shown that sustainable public management and administration are based on sound policies and goals that managers must diligently achieve, regardless of what the internal and external environment may dictate in some cases. A feature of the author’s approach is the matrix of innovative competencies in public management, which provides for the possibility of flexible application of three paradigms of public management in the domains of sustainable development, national security, and financial efficiency.

Practical guidance as a graduation modality and professional development in tourism: an Ecuadorian university case

Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This research analyzes the incidence of academic and professional training in integrating the degree modality: the practical guidance in students of the National Tourism Guide career at the University of Tourism Specialties (UDET) in Quito, Ecuador. It is based on Kolb's experiential learning theory, which establishes a four-stage learning cycle: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. The study evaluates how this approach strengthens theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge in future tourism professionals. For this purpose, a Holistic and Experiential Learning Evaluation Instrument (HELEI) was designed, which combines quantitative and qualitative methods to present results that show that this approach fosters better integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience, strengthening meaningful learning, sustainability, and intercultural education. The research highlights the importance of consolidating practical guidance as a central axis in training tourist guides in Ecuador.

The use of geoinformation systems for planning and implementing the restoration of territorial communities

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: The relevance of the use of geodata systems is increasing in view of large-scale destruction of infrastructure caused by cataclysms, as well as human economic and political activity. The aim of the article is to analyse the potential applications of geoinformation systems (GIS) to optimize infrastructure restoration processes and reduce costs. Methodology: The research methodology is based on the analysis of the impact of GIS through statistical analysis, modelling and the use of weighted calculations. Results: The results of the study demonstrate that the implementation of GIS significantly reduces the time and costs of restoration, improve the accuracy of planning and reduce the risks of future destruction. Conclusions: The article identifies the key challenges associated with the implementation of these systems, including technical limitations, the need for qualified specialists and ensuring data security. Proposed solutions include the development of national standards, the training of specialists, and expanding the use of modern technologies. The practical significance of the work is carrying out calculations on the effective implementation of GIS for the restoration of territorial communities in Ukraine in the post-war period. Further research should focus on studying the impact of innovative technologies on reconstruction processes and their integration into national recovery projects.

Media representation of excluded groups: experiences of ethnic groups, migrants, prisoners, and LGBTQIA+ collectives in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: This study seeks to understand how the media represent the socially excluded groups in Latin America and how, in turn, those who make up said groups self-represent their living conditions and relationships with the institutions of the State. This study considered four excluded groups (ethnic groups, migrants, prisoners, and LGBTQIA+) from four cities in three countries (La Plata in Argentina, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and Temuco and Valdivia in Chile). Methods: Two phases were considered. Firstly, we worked with the press (with 1,136 news distributed in 13 media outlets in the three countries mentioned above). Secondly, we applied surveys (a total of 133), in-depth interviews (a total of 118), and discussion groups (a total of 19). Results: On the one hand, the results show that socially excluded groups are represented in the media with a profile characterized as violent and disadvantaged compared to the rest, marginalized, judicialized, emotionally integrated, and entrepreneurial. On the other hand, the tension between a global satisfaction with life and a specific frustration with where they find themselves is striking among immigrants. Conclusion: Negative media representations are explained by the conservative role of the media. Discrimination as a transversal relationship associated with ideas such as problematic, dangerous subjects or threats to the stability of society is explained by the relationships between established groups and those who arrive.

Examining gender disparities in dropout rates in the Philippines: a comparative analysis

Samuel John E. Parreño, Maria Cristine Joy V. Anter — Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Education plays a crucial role in an individual's success and a nation's overall development. However, dropout rates pose a significant challenge to achieving educational goals. This study examined gender disparities in dropout rates across regions and educational levels in the Philippines, aiming to understand the trends and patterns of dropout rates among male and female students. The research utilized a dataset of dropout rates disaggregated by gender and categorized by 17 regions obtained from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Trend analysis and statistical tests were employed to analyze the data and identify significant differences using R version 4.2.3. The findings revealed that dropout rates at the elementary level have been increasing since 2007, with males consistently exhibiting higher rates than females. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) consistently has the highest dropout rates, while the National Capital Region (NCR), Region I, and Region IVA have relatively lower rates. In the secondary level, overall dropout rates decreased, with male rates consistently higher than female rates. ARMM stood out with fluctuating and increasing dropout rates. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address gender disparities and regional challenges and the importance of learning from successful regions to improve educational outcomes nationwide. Future research could explore the reasons behind the sudden increase in dropout rates during a specific period and investigate dropout rates beyond 2015.

Effectiveness of an educational program in the development of creative thinking in Peruvian primary school students

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational program centered on problem-based learning in developing of creative thinking in primary school students from the city of Huancavelica, Peru. The approach was quantitative, with a quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 50 fifth-grade primary school students from a public educational institution, evenly divided into an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). An educational program focused on problem-based learning was implemented, and its effectiveness was evaluated using a questionnaire. The results indicate that, during the pretest, most students in both the control group (64%) and the experimental group (72%) had low creative thinking development. However, posttest results indicate that in the control group, the level of creative thinking development remained predominantly low (60%), while in the experimental group, 100% of the students reached a high level of development. Additionally, it was determined that there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups before the implementation of the educational program (pretest) (U= 241.000; p>0.05). However, after the program's application (posttest), statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (U= 0.000; p<0.05). In particular, the experimental group achieved results that were different from those of the control group. These findings confirm that implementing the educational program improved creative thinking skills in primary school students from Huancavelica, Peru.

Conceptual principles of analysis and forecasting threats to national security in modern conditions

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This study critically examines the evolving landscape of national security threats, arguing that traditional response-oriented strategies are increasingly insufficient in the face of complex, multifaceted, and rapidly emerging dangers, including latent and non-conventional forms. Drawing on a comprehensive narrative literature review and adopting systemic, structural-functional, and phenomenological approaches with realist ontological assumptions, we analyze the dynamic interaction of geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and the rise of "magic weapon" influence operations, particularly exemplified by China's activities in New Zealand. Our findings illustrate the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards proactive and agile threat forecasting mechanisms, advocating for iterative methodologies and collaborative intelligence models like crowd-forecasting to enhance anticipatory capabilities. This research contributes significantly to the contemporary discourse on national security by proposing a framework for dynamic risk assessment and adaptive strategic planning, essential for fostering resilience and ensuring sustained national development amidst global uncertainty.

Internal control and financial auditing in the quality of budget execution at a local government in Peru

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This study investigates the influence of internal control and financial auditing on the quality of budget execution within a local government in Ayacucho, Peru, in 2023. Employing an applied, quantitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive, and causal-correlational design, the research surveyed all 100 employees of the Huamanga provincial entity. The survey instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's Alpha: internal control 0.975, financial audit 0.965, budget execution 0.948). Results from ordinal logistic regression, with a Nagelkerke R2 of 0.697 (69.70%), indicate a significant positive influence of both internal control and financial auditing on budget execution quality. Specifically, the dependent variable "Budget execution" at the "Basic" level (2) exhibited a significant p-value (p=0.000 < 0.05). These findings highlight the critical role of robust control mechanisms in enhancing public spending efficiency and accountability in local government.

Management of political representation and the three pillars of sustainable development in Peru

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Political representation is a cornerstone of democratic governance and plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development. However, in many regions, weak political representation has hindered governance effectiveness, limiting citizen participation and institutional trust. This study examines the relationship between political representation management and sustainable development. A correlational, non-experimental research design was employed, using surveys to assess political representation and sustainable development. A sample of 138 citizens was selected based on statistical precision criteria. The study analyzed data using Spearman’s correlation and descriptive statistics to identify significant relationships between key variables. Findings indicate that 48% of respondents perceive political representation at a medium level, while 28% rate it as low, revealing inefficiencies in parliamentary engagement. The study found a strong correlation between political representation and socially responsible hiring (r = 0.911), public service quality (r = 0.801), and institutional trust improvement (r = 0.817). These results suggest that effective representation is critical for governance quality and sustainable policies. Conclusions: Strengthening political representation through transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement is essential for sustainable development. Future research should explore the role of digital tools in enhancing political participation and the impact of leadership training on governance effectiveness.

Understanding mother's knowledge about complementary feeding and the anthropometric assessment of infants

Lissette Carolina Villacís Martínez, Gerardo Fernando Fernández Soto — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: Complementary feeding (CF) is a process in which the infant goes from being fed exclusively breast milk to consuming liquid or solid foods. During this stage, parents are the ones who choose food, therefore, they must have adequate knowledge to avoid eating habits that are harmful to the health and future of the child. Objective: Determine the relationship between the level of knowledge of mothers about complementary feeding and anthropometric evaluation of breastfeeding children. Methods: This work has a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, cross-sectional and descriptive scope. The sample was 28 mothers who came with their children between 6-24 months to the Mulalillo Child Development Center (CDI), in Ecuador, to whom the surveys were applied and the children had anthropometric measurements taken, finally the data were analyzed in SPSS. Results: There is a moderate correlation between the mothers' level of knowledge about CA and the nutritional status of the infants, with a Spearman's Rho of 0.483 and a statistically significant relationship with a value of 0.009. Conclusions: There is a relationship between the mothers' level of knowledge about AC with the socioeconomic level, family risk and the nutritional status of the infants. Poor knowledge about AC is linked to a higher risk of suffering from malnutrition, being overweight or obesity.

Development of scientic skills: augmented reality and interactive digital board

Sandra Pérez Lisboa — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Augmented reality and interactive digital boards are tools that enhance students’ learning. This study shows how 95 5-year-old children in kindergarten, from three municipal schools in San Felipe, Chile, improved their scientific skills of observing, communicating, and formulating hypotheses employing these tools. Three pre- and post-tests were applied through quasi-experimental research, and it was possible to observe the level of development in each scientific skill. The results showed that the program Experiment with Physics using Augmented Reality and Interactive Digital Board is a didactic strategy that allows the mediation between teachers and children, as well as the discovery and comprehension of some physical phenomena, enhancing scientific skills.