From a managerial perspective, the rapid diffusion of actions and strategies accelerating the digital transformation of institutions is critical for success. However, in education, business, and management studies, digital transformation can be understood as simple evolutionary processes that enable business models, operational processes, and experiences to be made quickly and efficiently by institutions and agents. This aspect can sometimes lead to opposition, especially when little information is available or in situations of high uncertainty. This research aims to evaluate the involvement of an institutional ecosystem in the digital transformation at universities. Using data collected in Chile, this paper analyzes how the adoption of technologies by universities provides a context for understanding digitalization, measured by the IAU World Higher Education Database (UNESCO). The main finding of this paper is that there is a wide and relevant range of impacts of technological change in higher education institutions, particularly in the categories of values and operations. Additionally, this work serves as a repository of knowledge applicable to similar situations considering the specificities of each particular case. The importance to intervene in relation to certain variables at different levels of managerial performance is described and the implications for higher education institutions are discussed in these pages.

Since virtual education has increased from a local to a global audience, it is of great importance to understand the role that cultural and social backgrounds play in the transition to digital education. Therefore, a review of preferences and evidence among different Latin American regions and nations increases understanding. This digital transformation can be assessed under several categories of cultural, social, and economic situations. Traditionally, universities are known as formal institutions with emerging education trends, but it is mandatory to address the managerial work and implications of the institutions themselves. Particularly, universities play a relevant role in understanding the effective digital transformation in communities, but the profile of the educational system is very important for configuring this process. This research points out the main dimensions that prevent societies from increasing their educational level. By using comparative data analysis and documentary references, this paper highlights a systemic perspective for understanding the digital transformation in higher education, but it also expands the range to managerial decisions about the role educational ecosystems play in this transformation. Moreover, this study provides an overview of how relational elements configure management in higher education institutions.

This study investigates the implementation of dual training at the University of Extremadura (2023–2024), aiming to bridge theoretical academic knowledge with practical industry insights. This research utilizes SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 SEM-PLS software to explore the relationship between corporate engagement, academic outcomes, and sustainability challenges, validating hypotheses and refining dual training models in sustainability education. Key variables include Information Collection (IG), Sustainable Business Challenges (SCh), and Knowledge Developed by Business Strategies (KBS). The findings reveal that while the dual training model successfully integrates academic curricula with corporate engagement, it struggles to connect business strategies with actionable recommendations and has limited impact on improving teaching methods. This study identifies structural and practical barriers in the Spanish education system that hinder the full realization of dual training’s potential. To address these challenges, this research recommends incorporating continuous feedback mechanisms throughout the learning process and enhancing mentorship opportunities. Continuous feedback would allow students to refine their conclusions, leading to more practical and sustainable solutions. Additionally, the use of authentic case studies and greater industry involvement would help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, enabling them to generate actionable recommendations and better understand sustainability challenges and business strategies. These recommendations aim to improve student learning outcomes and strengthen the integration of academic and corporate practices, fostering more effective sustainability education.

Introduction. The Index of Learning Styles (ILS) is a questionnaire created to assess students’ preferences regarding how they learn. It was originally designed in English for university students. The objective of the present work is to adapt the ILS questionnaire to Spanish and validate this adapted version, taking into account the cultural characteristics and cognitive level of the recipients, namely Spanish students aged 11–15. Method. We used the Delphi method involving expert opinions for content validation and the Brown and Maydeu-Olivares model, an approach from the Item Response Theory, for construct validation (this model is recommended for forced-choice items). Results. We located new items in the data scrubbing process, which in previous research were missed using classical factor analysis. The results for the global fit of the model show that 32 of the 44 items in the original questionnaire, display optimal values in various indices (RMSEA, CFI, X2, among others), and so this instrument can be used to identify learning style preferences in Spanish adolescents. Discussion. The Brown and Maydeu-Olivares model takes into account the nature of forced-choice items and this is the first the first time it has been applied to the ILS questionnaire. This validation procedure is novel and proves to be an optimal validation method for questionnaires with this type of items. The interest in the ILS questionnaire is due to the dimensions it assesses, which provide teachers and students with information about learning preferences for better psycho-pedagogical orientation and for the design of more personalized educational interventions.