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Technological Elements Affecting SMEs: A Bibliometric and Theoretical Review

2025 , Vayas Ortega, Germania , Espinoza Guano, Mónica , Rios Ponce, Marco , Suárez Pérez, Juan Carlos

In this study, a combined review of the technological elements that affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is conducted as a first step towards new automation proposals through a theoretical and bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric review identifies research trends, leading countries such as the United Kingdom and China, and influential authors who stand out in the adoption of technologies in SMEs. The data shows an exponential growth in publications over the last two decades, highlighting the topic’s relevance in academic research. The theoretical review delves into the implementation of technological tools such as knowledge management, information and communication technologies, and the digitalization of business models to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. The study highlights how automation, artificial intelligence, and supply chain management have improved company performance by optimizing resources and reducing costs. However, barriers such as limited access to financing and a lack of technological skills persist. It is determined that SMEs must adopt a culture of innovation and leverage international collaboration to integrate emerging technologies, improve sustainability, and compete effectively in an ever-changing global market

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Ecuador’s Zone 3 and the Social and Economic Factors that Impede Its Growth

2024 , Morales Molina, Tania , Ximena Morales-Urrutia , Geri Belén Bucheli-Vásquez , Alejandro Chaviano-Quesada

The popular and solidarity economy has become a promising alternative in the economic and social context of Ecuador. This model seeks to overcome the limitations of the traditional profit-centered approach and foster a more inclusive and sustainable development, through ventures focused on equity, community participation and solidarity, as well as employment generation and poverty reduction through the active participation of entrepreneurs and the local community (Maldonado et al. 2017).

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Smart Signage with Augmented Reality: Inclusive Coworking

2024 , Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio , Borja Galeas, Carlos , Piedra Ansatuña, Mario

This project focuses on the implementation of augmented reality signage designed to enhance user experience in a coworking space. The signage integrates 2D animations and virtual tours to provide an intuitive and immersive experience, from entry to the desired destination within the establishment. At the main entrance, a totem with a coworking directory features a QR code that visitors can scan to access an interactive directory. The 2D animations, thoughtfully designed with an inclusive approach, utilize validated corporate colors to ensure accessibility, especially for individuals with color vision deficiencies. Each business in the coworking space is identified by a unique corporate color, and internal business floor plans use analogous colors, adjusted to maintain aesthetic coherence and accessibility. In addition to being an effective navigation tool, these animations reinforce the visual identity of the coworking space. Each business within the establishment has an interactive virtual tour that guides visitors from entry to their final destination, providing real-time visual information for effective orientation. The signage system is based on WordPress to offer a seamless and efficient experience without the need to download a specific application. Upon scanning the QR code, users are redirected to a mobile-optimized web page. This page not only provides access to the 2D animations and virtual tours but also offers useful information such as business hours, links to the businesses’ and coworking space's social media, and other relevant details for the visit. This augmented reality signage approach not only enhances the functionality of the space but also ensures that all visitors, regardless of their needs, enjoy an inclusive and efficient experience in the coworking space.

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ICT as a Contribution to Ecuadorian Emerging Tourism in Regional Contexts, Balsapamba, San Miguel, Bolívar Province

2023 , Oleas-Orozco J.A. , Jara-Garzón P. , Castillo, L , Aguilar I.

Tourism currently constitutes a financial income for developing countries. However, the tourism management depends of public and private administration. In Ecuador, geographical conditions, nature, biodiversity, culture, and more have great potential as tourist attractions. The state administration prioritizes natural places, heritage sites and cultural representations located in main cities. Therefore, new and emerging regional initiatives have difficulties in dissemination and communication. In this scenario, ICTs constitute an alternative and economic way to spread new and potential tourist destinations. This research analyzes the ICT usefulness, such as mobile devices applications or APP, within an emerging tourist destination such as the Balsapamba parish, of Bolívar province. The study was carried out in two stages, an exploratory stage with a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative), to know the communication status and tourist attractions diffusion. Also, it was inquired about ICT tourists’ habits. The info allows to produce an APP with tourist content. The second stage consisted of APP testing and verifying its usefulness and contents relevance. The results showed an effectiveness greater than 90%, relevance of content greater than 85% and technological usability satisfaction tool equal to 100%. The great versatility of ICT in the tourism field can be inferred for new destinations dissemination, not been considered by public administrations. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Strategies in Medical and Wellness Tourism for Economic Development in Ecuador and Cuba Post COVID

2023 , Molina T.M. , Morales C.F. , Mujíca A.G.G. , Vásquez G.B.B. , Quesada A.C.

Health and wellness tourism is one of the sectors that has gained more importance after the Post COVID-19 pandemic, since it has contributed significantly to the economic development of countries, in addition to providing health benefits such as alternative and therapeutic treatments, thalassotherapy, thermalism, spa and wellness centers, which provide multiple benefits to the quality of life of individuals. The objective of the research is framed in identifying the strategies in the sector, from an exhaustive analysis in the countries of Ecuador and Cuba for economic development. The methodology used is based on the bibliographic review of scientific articles, consultant's reports on regional dynamics and gaps of medical and wellness tourism in these countries, with a descriptive and quantitative–qualitative approach. The results show a visible creativity of these two countries that make possible their contribution to economic development with initiatives in medical and wellness tourism. The conclusions ratify the creation of innovative strategies in health services to generate value propositions in this sector. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use: A qualitative multimethod approach in a Latin American scenario

2019 , Cruz Cárdenas, Jorge , Guadalupe, J , Zabelina E. , Palacio Fierro, Andrés , Velín-Fárez M. , Staniewski M.W.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings: Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications: Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value: The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist. © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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The humanitarian displacement in Ecuador and the migratory processes in its border zone: Vulneration or right

2019 , Luque A. , Carretero P.A. , Morales P.

The present article has as objective the historical analysis of the violation of the rights of the victims of the migratory displacement towards Ecuador: its beginnings, evolution, and current perspective, in relation to the tensions that have been generated in the last times because of the great overflow and income of Venezuelan citizens, due to unemployment and problems within the context of their country of origin. It includes a normative framework that regulates the migratory flows of both countries. © 2019.

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Technology-Based Companies: The Case of South American Countries

2022 , Morales Molina, Tania , Núñez-Torres G. , Hernández-Espín V.

In recent decades, technology-based companies have achieved significant global recognition, given their importance and substantial contribution to the economic and sustainable development of organizations and society at large, through job and wealth creation. The research objective focuses on determining the relationship between technology-based companies and R&D and innovation spending. To meet the objective, the methodology applied was based on the application of Pearson’s correlation coefficient statistical technique, since it allows to obtain an association coefficient between variables that do not behave normally. The results indicate that R&D spending and innovation are representative factors for the operation of technology-based companies. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance: The Case of the Tungurahua Concessionaires

2025 , Morales Molina, Tania , Ximena Morales-Urrutia , Marcelo Mantilla Falcón , Estefanía Cayo-Hurtado

The objective of the research is to analyze the intellectual capital and financial performance of concessionaires in the city of Ambato in the period 2018–2022. In order to analyze intellectual capital, the Intellectual Added Value Coefficient (VAICTM) was used, while to measure financial performance, the profitability indicators ROA and ROE were used. The methodology used was quantitative in nature, the sample was 11 dealerships belonging to ISIC G4510.01 corresponding to the sale of vehicles. According to the results obtained, it is shown that the Ciudad del Auto CIAUTO Cía dealerships. Ltda., and Ambacar Cía. Ltda., have the best indices in each of the components of intellectual capital. However, when analyzing these values using the Pearson Correlation, it was concluded that the VAICTM has no relationship with the financial performance in the 5 years studied, since salaries and wages are low in relation to the income received by the concessionaires.

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Social Capital and Subjective Well-Being: The Case of Ecuador

2024 , Morales Molina, Tania , Ximena Morales-Urrutia , Tito Mayorga-Morales

Social capital and subjective well-being are interconnected. Social capital, which includes social relationships, trust, and civic participation, has a positive impact on people’s subjective well-being. Fostering and strengthening social capital in communities can be beneficial in improving the subjective well-being of individuals and promoting a healthier and more prosperous society. The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between social capital and subjective well-being by correlating the variables analyzed with the different indicators. The main results show that there is a significant relationship between social capital and subjective well-being.