Synergía

Editorial

Antonio Oses Castillo — 2024-11-01

Impact of the organizational climate on labor productivity in Panamanian service pymes

María Rodríguez — 2024-11-01

This article deals with the impact of the organizational climate on labor productivity in Panamanian companies. Specific objectives are established to achieve this purpose. First, we seek to carry out a detailed diagnosis of the organizational climate in these companies to identify main characteristics and areas for improvement. Second, the aim is to evaluate labor productivity considering indicators such as performance, efficiency, work absenteeism and staff satisfaction. These specific objectives seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between organizational climate and work productivity in the business context of Panama. The study was mixed, non-experimental and descriptive, considering applying a survey to 49 SME workers in the district of La Chorrera, province of Panamá Oeste. The findings of the study support the idea raised in the working hypothesis, which suggests that the organizational climate has an impact on labor productivity in companies in Panama. It was observed that the organizational climate influences work motivation, satisfaction with human resources policies and worker performance. The results indicate that a positive climate, characterized by support and effective communication, improves staff motivation and satisfaction, which in turn is reflected in greater efficiency and performance at work.

Characteristics of informative headlines on newspaper covers in Panama during the COVID-19 pandemic

Joel A. Méndez — 2024-11-01

The COVID-19 pandemic is the health crisis and the most important news event of social interest from the beginning of 2020 to the present. The media have played a fundamental role in responsibly informing the population about the progress of the pandemic. The immediacy with which the information was generated positioned the headlines as the key element for readers to be informed.

The objective of this study was the characterization and analysis from the journalistic approach of the informative headlines included on the front pages of 3 Panamanian newspapers during the first years of pandemic.

An investigation was carried out with a mixed qualitative-quantitative design, of an observational and descriptive type with an analytical component. The printed covers of the newspaper La Prensa, La Crítica and La Estrella de Panamá were reviewed during the period, consulted through virtual newspaper archives.

It was observed that the predominant theme of the headlines was related to health, and they were expressed in a neutral tone, they were written with an informative function, mainly focused on the national context and the predominant informative actor was public institutions. There was little use of technical terms and very few headlines with negative and/or discriminatory qualifiers.

Evolution of enrollment at the Faculty of Social Communication of the University of Panamá (2014-2023)

Emmanuel Alemán Ariza — 2024-11-01

The main objective of this article is to analyze the evolution of enrollment in the Faculty of Social Communication of the University of Panama between 2014 and 2023, identifying the majors with the greatest demand and the reasons behind this phenomenon. This article, through a documentary, descriptive and transversal approach, uses statistics from the newsletters of the University of Panama. This data allows prospective students to explore careers of interest in detail and expand their understanding to make informed decisions. The article reveals that women have predominated in enrollment during the period studied. In addition, an increase in demand is expected for all careers, especially in Journalism and Advertising, due to their high demand in the public and private labor market. These results underline the importance of adapting educational programs to the needs of the labor market, reflecting the growth of the university educational sector.

Discovering the power of reading

Lourdes Anays Jaén Herrera — 2024-11-01

Reading comprehension is fundamental for the academic and personal success of students. Therefore, the objective of this research is to explore the impact or importance of this skill in the school performance of 7th and 8th grade students of the Centro Educativo Básico General El Arado, in Panama Oeste. In this sense, this research is interesting, because students should be taught from the beginning of their schooling the purpose of their studies and the countless benefits that a good intellectual training in reading comprehension brings, to obtain significant learning in any discipline. This article also describes the types of strategies and factors that influence reading comprehension, including certain cognitive, motivational and contextual aspects. Regarding the methodological aspect, this analysis is quantitative and qualitative, i.e., mixed. In addition, data are collected through the application of questionnaires, reading comprehension tests and interviews. The results show that the lack of reading comprehension is related to low school performance, highlighting that there is an urgent need to improve reading habits and the way reading is taught. Furthermore, the data obtained from the questionnaires and interviews show that students with good reading habits obtain better academic results, which leads to the conclusion that it is essential to develop teaching strategies and encourage reading habits both at school and at home.

Didactics of Playful Activities in Primary Education

Omayra Ruiz de Ching — 2024-11-01

This study focuses on exploring the role of didactics in the integration of recreational activities to promote creativity and critical thinking in primary education, using a quantitative approach and bibliometric analysis. Its objective was to identify the most effective pedagogical strategies and current trends in research on recreational activities in the educational field. To do this, a bibliometric analysis was carried out on 200 articles published between 2013 and 2023, extracted from academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. The study included an analysis of co-citation, co-authorship networks, keywords, and trends in academic literature. The results revealed that the classic theories of Vygotsky and Piaget remain influential, underscoring the importance of a solid theoretical framework in the implementation of playful activities. Likewise, significant collaboration was observed between researchers from some regions with important universities leading scientific production in this field. The keyword analysis highlighted the convergence around terms such as creativity, critical thinking, and didactics, reflecting a consensus on the relevance of these competencies in modern education. The trend analysis indicated a growing focus on the incorporation of educational technology within recreational activities, suggesting an adaptation of pedagogical practices to new technological realities. The research accentuates the importance of a well-structured pedagogical approach that integrates technology and classical theory to optimize learning through play in primary education.

Marketing Plan to Enhance the Image of the Regional University Center of West Panama

Jorge Omar Aponte — 2024-11-01

This study presents a set of marketing strategies designed for the Regional University Center of West Panama (CRUPO), based on research revealing a widespread lack of awareness about the institution's academic offerings. Results obtained through a survey conducted in La Chorrera schools highlight the need for concrete actions to promote available programs and their benefits. The proposed strategies aim to position CRUPO as an attractive option for students in the region, thus contributing to their academic and professional development.

A descriptive research design was employed in this study to assess the level of awareness among pre-university and high school students in La Chorrera regarding CRUPO's academic offerings. A survey was used as a data collection instrument, administered to a sample of 100 students randomly and stratified across different schools in the district.

Survey results showed a low level of awareness among students about the programs offered by CRUPO. A significant 34% of respondents were unaware of any of the available programs, indicating they would enroll in institutions offering "better programs." Moreover, 95% of CRUPO faculty members emphasized the need for actions to improve the academic unit's image.

The lack of awareness of CRUPO's academic offerings poses a significant obstacle to the institution's growth. The results of this study underscore the need to implement effective marketing strategies to promote available programs and their benefits.

Social media tools that have the most influence on the consumer buying process, post-pandemic

María E. Vergara Espinosa — 2024-11-01

Social networks have significantly transformed various aspects of daily life, especially with regard to the promotion and acquisition of products and services. In this context, consumers turn to these platforms in search of information about the product or service they want to purchase, considering the recommendations of other users or influential people according to the social networks they browse and the generational group to which they belong. The objective of this research was based on determining the social media tools that most influence the consumer purchasing process, post-pandemic. For this purpose, a descriptive-explanatory methodology was used with a non-experimental design complemented by an exhaustive review of secondary literature. The results indicated that each platform has its unique characteristics and its users by generational group. The influence of a specific platform on consumer behavior is due to factors such as the characteristics of the social platform, the type of product or service, the target audience, and the demographics of the users. In short, consumer behavior in the ways of consuming influenced by social networks impacts various populations in their purchasing decisions, so companies must diversify their strategies on social networks to connect with their audiences where they spend their time.

Relevance of professional practice in the training of nurses in Panama, year 2024.

Isoris U. Morales González — 2024-11-01

Professional practice in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is transcendental, as it allows spaces for professional exchange in the last stage of the student's training, and its purpose is to refine the hard and soft skills that make up the student.

The objective is to describe the importance of professional practice in the nursing career, highlighting the necessary relevance in the final training of professional nurses.

This study was based on the analysis of previous studies existing in the literature, on the Professional Practices carried out by Nursing students at the Nicolas A. Solano Regional Hospital in La Chorrera, at the end of the degree.

As a result, 11 students linked to a total of 550 hours of professional practice, in medical-surgical services that included medical and surgical rooms, where they perceived the main health conditions of the population of the Province of Western Panama, also responding to the instance that the institution has with the region.

The training of nursing professionals in secondary care institutions provides a basis for improving medical services by also responding to the demand for care. It also seeks to strengthen the professional training of students in their final stage, taking a look at the country's health needs.

He-Man and the secrets of his communication success

Rubén D. Collantes G. — 2024-11-01

In the 1980s, toy companies were looking to innovate and create something that stood out from the rest. After a study aimed at children, Mattel understood that the kids communicated their desire to “have the power” and inclined towards stories of fantastic barbarism. Motivated by good physical health and bodybuilding, Roger Sweet created the prototype of a muscular warrior, with combat posture and expression, which he called He-Man. In addition, thanks to the designs of Mark Taylor, the marketing and communication strategies employed by Joe Morrison and his team, ranging from the recycling of figures, the creation of comics and the memorable Filmation animated series, which contained morals at the end of each episode; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (MOTU) became the global popular culture phenomenon that we all recognize to this day, more than 40 years since its creation. This work analyzes how marketing and communication strategies have contributed to this iconic toy line lasting over time; highlighting important lessons of success and failures, as well as the future expectations with this property. To do this, more than 40 references related to the topic in question were consulted. In conclusion, providing participation to children to know what they want, gives rise to the creation of iconic characters, relevant to popular culture and that, thanks to the marketing and communication that supported it, can remain valid to this day.

Sustainable tourism in Darién

Edwin Pile — 2024-11-01

Sustainable tourism has gained importance in the pursuit of a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and the well-being of local communities. This study investigates citizens' perceptions in the Darién region of Panama regarding responsible and sustainable tourism integration, addressing concepts such as the circular economy and climate change. Methodology: A 42-question questionnaire was designed and administered to a representative sample of 30 participants, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection took place between July and December 2023, using online and in-person methods to maximize participation and capture diverse perspectives. Findings indicate that citizens consider implementing circular economy practices in the tourism sector crucial for mitigating climate change effects. Additionally, there is a recognized need for government policies that promote sustainability, along with an emphasis on education and awareness in fostering responsible tourism practices. A strong demand for local community inclusion in decision-making was also identified. This study highlights the interconnection between the circular economy, climate change, sustainable tourism, and health. To ensure sustainable tourism development in Darién, it is essential to promote effective policies and educational programs that strengthen the tourism sector's commitment and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices. Collaboration among various stakeholders will be key to overcoming challenges and achieving a more conscious and responsible tourism approach in the region.

Attitudes toward the thesis option of graduates of the English School at CRUPO. Panamá

Javier Villalba Vásquez — 2024-11-01

This quantitative descriptive research approach with a non-experimental investigative design was conducted at the University of Panama, Western Branch Academic Unit. This study aimed to analyze the English school graduates' affective, cognitive, and behavioral attitudes toward the thesis option. To that end, the Attitude Scale Toward Research (Aldana, 2016), based on a multidimensional style of the Likert kind, was used. The sample was chosen by using the non-probabilistic model. The Google Forms Platform was employed to send the measuring instrument through emails and WhatsApp Platform. Findings reveal that the affective attitude of the graduates to the thesis option was of negative intensity, that the cognitive attitude was of positive light intensity, and that the behavioral attitude was of negative strong intensity. A point to highlight is the high percentage of indifference (neutral category) that marked the negative intensity in the dimensions studied. This means that students hold little regard for the Thesis option. This tendency happened in other studies. It is recommended that deeper studies be carried out about the characteristics of each dimension studied.

Business optimization through artificial intelligence

David Gortaire-Díaz — 2024-11-01

This study delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within the strategic planning endeavors of small-scale entrepreneurs. Specifically, it examines the practical application of Chat GPT and GEMINI platforms in generating comprehensive business strategies for nascent ventures. The research unfolds through a comparative analysis of the strategies conceived by these AI tools, encompassing three distinct areas of emphasis - strategic planning, personalized content generation, and internal process optimization. Findings underscore the capacity of AI tools to devise innovative and multifaceted strategies, augmenting the creative capacities of entrepreneurs. Notably, Chat GPT demonstrated a propensity for generating detailed and contextually attuned strategies, while GEMINI yielded broader outlines. Notwithstanding their contributions, the significance of entrepreneur-led customization and the AI training process emerged as pivotal factors. The study recognizes current limitations, notably the need for refining AI-generated responses to align with business nuances. The research accentuates the transformative potential of AI in strategic planning while highlighting ethical considerations in employing these tools. Notably, AI assistance should be considered as a synergistic partner to human ingenuity, bolstering the entrepreneurial decision-making process. The research extends a foundational platform for future inquiries, including probing limitations, generalizing outcomes, and long-term strategies for successful AI-business integration.

Evaluation of the Special Economic Assistance Program for Seniors Over Seventy Years of Age

Elizabeth M. Arona Castillo — 2024-11-01

Aging is a natural process that affects all human beings. Old age, understood as the final stage of this process, is influenced by the experiences accumulated throughout life. In this phase, opportunities to improve quality of life are often limited, due to both decreased physical capacity and economic and social restrictions. This phenomenon is particularly notable in Western societies that value competition, productivity and individualism. In Panama, social policies have focused on low-income older adults, through programs such as Program 120 for 65, which provides monetary subsidies, as well as recreation and health services. The general objective is to contribute to a better understanding of how communication strategies can enhance the effectiveness of public policies and guarantee that the social program reaches those who need it most. The evaluation of this program not only requires an analysis of the impact on the quality of life of the beneficiaries, but also a review of the communication strategies used to disseminate its benefits and conditions. The methodology used was a qualitative-quantitative study where the strengths and weaknesses in the dissemination and communication of the program were observed, as well as the perceptions of the beneficiaries and others involved in the program that were key to the study. A survey was applied with open and closed questions; to a sample of 200 beneficiaries, interviews with social workers from the Ministry of Social Development linked to the 120 to 65-year-old program.

Ethics, moral conduct and good professional practices in tax collection in Panama

Dora Rosaura Batista Peralta — 2024-11-01

The role of public accounting has acquired fundamental relevance in today's complex and dynamic economic environment to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of companies' financial information. With the objective of characterizing the incidence of ethics, moral conduct and the use of good professional practices at the level of tax collection in Panama from the point of view of Certified Public Accountants, a survey was carried out with 14 items and two dimensions. to determine the ethics and professional conduct, as well as the tax vision and professional conduct assumed by these professionals. The methodology included a non-experimental study during the year 2023 with a mixed approach and explanatory section, for which we worked with convenience sampling in 100 individuals. The results showed that the percentage of responses where respondents agreed with the items presented for the first dimension was 80%, while in the second dimension it was 63%, which resulted in 73% agreement, in regarding what was proposed by the researcher to achieve the objective of the study. Given these results, in the final analysis it can be perceived that tax collection in Panama is highly influenced by the ethics of the certified public accountant, since this defines the identity and personal values of the public accountant, going beyond efficiency in the performance of tasks.

The expert opinion

Maricella del Rosario Corpas Ford — 2024-11-01

The accounting expert opinion has gained relevance in judicial proceedings, in a context where interdisciplinary sciences and methods are integrated, driven by scientific-technological advances, a document prepared by accounting professionals, qualified by their technical and scientific knowledge, providing proven arguments for judicial decision-making. The objective of the article is to examine the validity of the accounting expert opinion as a tool for the administration of justice, especially in the assessment of controversial economic and financial facts. The study, with a qualitative and exploratory approach, is based on a review of scientific literature, jurisprudence and applicable regulations. Bibliographic sources and local case studies were consulted to analyze the elements that make up the accounting expert opinion and its relevance in current judicial proceedings; international regulations and technical literature on accounting expertise from different perspectives were included. The analysis shows that the accounting expert opinion remains a solid tool in criminal, civil and administrative proceedings, providing a proven basis for the assessment of damages, losses and facts that require specific technical knowledge. Expert opinions offer a precise vision for the assessment and resolution of complex cases, consolidating their validity in modern judicial systems. The validity of the accounting expert opinion is confirmed by its ability to adapt to contemporary judicial demands. Future challenges include improvements in methodologies and standardization in the presentation of expert reports, contributing to greater evidentiary effectiveness and guaranteeing judicial decisions based on reliable technical evidence.

Developing 21st Century Skills in Educators

Ilka Aparicio de Torres — 2024-11-01

Abstract The evolution of technology, new social demands, and the need to prepare students for an increasingly challenging world lead us to consider a multifaceted approach to the development of teaching competencies. This approach encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge that education professionals must possess to be effective in their work, moving beyond the mere transmission of knowledge towards a more dynamic approach that recognizes teaching as a complex process involving multiple dimensions. This literature review article aims to analyze current trends in teacher training, with a focus on the development of key competencies for the 21st century. From a systematic exploration of the literature, theoretical frameworks that support these competencies and that can serve as a reference for research on initial teacher training and professionalization will be identified and analyzed.

Neuromarketing

Yermaline E. Ching – Ruíz — 2024-11-01

This article explores the field of neuromarketing, an interdisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience and marketing to understand how stimuli affect the brain and, ultimately, consumers' purchasing decisions. The main objective is to analyze the influence of neuromarketing on consumer decision-making through an exhaustive documentary review. The method used was a systematic and descriptive review of the literature, in which the 75 most relevant documents found in the search process were reviewed and analyzed, among which there were scientific articles, empirical studies, theoretically reviewed, case studies. and debates. ethical. The information was organized into key categories such as neuromarketing techniques, neural responses, and ethical considerations. The results indicate that techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) are effective in capturing emotional and cognitive responses that are not accessible through conventional methods. Furthermore, it was found that these techniques can significantly improve the effectiveness of marketing strategies by allowing more precise segmentation and personalization. However, the study also highlights the need to address the ethical implications of neuromarketing, especially in terms of mental privacy and behavioral manipulation. In conclusion, neuromarketing represents a powerful tool for modern marketing, but requires an ethical approach to protect consumers.