Now showing 1 - 10 of 31
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Decision-Intelligent Educational Management and Sustainable Brand Performance: Insights from Ecuador
    This study analyzes how the joint use of information systems and economic analytics strengthens sustainable brand performance in Ecuadorian higher education institutions. The objective is to characterize levels of digital maturity and economic analytics and to relate them to perceived outcomes of sustainable marketing and ICT investment. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was implemented, combining a stratified survey of students, faculty, and staff with semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Results show heterogeneous digital maturity: 22% of institutions operate at a basic level (limited to email and office tools), 48% at an intermediate level (LMS, videoconferencing, CRM), and 30% at an advanced level (big data, predictive analytics, ERP). Economically, 42% rely on traditional financial indicators, 33% assess academic program profitability, and 25% apply predictive analytics, indicating a partial integration of information technology with managerial decision-making. Perceived outcomes of sustainable marketing include improved reputation (72%), community relations (67%), resource efficiency (59%), and student attraction (64%). ICT budgets rose from 12% to 18% between 2020 and 2024, prioritizing basic platforms over advanced technologies. Based on these findings, a practical, data-driven framework is proposed that connects academic, financial, and ESG indicators to guide managerial choices. The study concludes that the effectiveness of sustainable brand strategies depends on the alignment between digital maturity, evaluation culture, and institutional scale. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2027.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Effects of Public Finance Behavior: The Ecuadorian Scenario
    The behavior of Ecuador’s public finances is critical to ensuring economic stability and sustainable development. In a context marked by economic crises and fiscal challenges, understanding the effects of fiscal policies is essential for designing strategies that promote growth and social well-being. This research analyzes the recent behavior of Ecuador’s public finances, identifying challenges and opportunities in fiscal management while evaluating the impact of fiscal policies on the economy and society. Using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, the study includes a review of prior research, analysis of economic data from government and international organizations, and interviews with public finance officials. The findings reveal significant progress, such as increased tax collection and investments in infrastructure, education, and health. However, persistent issues such as economic informality, inefficiencies in spending, and corruption limit the effectiveness of these efforts. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable fiscal policies, greater transparency, and accountability to foster inclusive growth and reduce reliance on oil exports. In conclusion, Ecuador’s public finance dynamics have a profound impact on the economy and society. Overcoming challenges requires sustained reforms, improved efficiency, and diversified growth strategies to ensure long-term economic resilience and equity. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Ecuadorian Companies in the Digital Age: Innovate or Disappear
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026) ;
    Llamuca-Pérez, Silvia Lorena
    ;
    Calvache-Vargas, César Maximiliano
    This research addresses the relevance of digital transformation to the competitiveness of Ecuadorian companies. The implementation of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), enables process optimization, increased productivity, and an expansion of market reach. However, various obstacles hinder digitalization, such as resistance to change, lack of training, and limited financial resources, preventing many Ecuadorian companies from fully taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital age. This study aims to analyze the impact of digital transformation on Ecuadorian companies, identifying the challenges they face and the opportunities available to strengthen their competitiveness. The methodological approach adopted in this research is of a mixed type, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, an analysis based on. In the analysis of data from secondary sources, such as sector reports and previous studies, key indicators of technological adoption, implementation barriers, and sectors with the greatest digital progress were examined. The results obtained indicate that e-commerce leads digital adoption with 70%, followed by financial services with 65%. However, sectors such as agribusiness and manufacturing still lag behind. Among the main barriers identified, a lack of financial resources (45%) and a lack of training (30%) emerge as the main obstacles. However, companies that have managed to digitize have experienced significant improvements, increasing their operational efficiency from 60%–85% and their market reach from 50%–90%. It is concluded that, to achieve a sustainable digital transformation, it is crucial for companies to invest in technology, train their human talent, and foster a culture of innovation. Without these factors, digitalization will continue to be a challenge, and many organizations could face the risk of falling behind in an increasingly competitive market. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Impact of Agricultural Practices on Economic Sustainability: A Gender-Based Approach in Ambato
    (MDPI AG, 2026-04-23) ;
    Ruiz-Guajala, Mery
    ;
    Mayorga-Abril, Cesar
    ;
    Amancha-Criollo, Evelyn
    This study provides an in-depth examination of the association between sustainable agricultural practices and economic sustainability among small-scale farmers in the canton of Ambato, Ecuador, with attention to gender differences in the adoption of specific practices. The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design and structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data from 150 farmers. The results demonstrate that intention to adopt sustainable practices was positively associated with economic sustainability (β = 0.96), and perceived benefits also showed a positive relationship with economic sustainability (β = 0.29). Conversely, agricultural practices showed a negative direct structural coefficient with economic sustainability (β = −0.29), thereby suggesting that the short-term costs of implementation may reduce immediate economic returns in resource-constrained contexts. Descriptive results indicated differences in the adoption of specific practices by sex, especially in crop rotation, biological pest control, and efficient irrigation, although the evidence for gender differences in economic sustainability was mainly descriptive rather than inferential. The model showed acceptable fit (CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.917, RMSEA = 0.065). Overall, these findings contribute empirical evidence from an Andean agricultural context and suggest that training, technical support, and transition-cost reduction policies are necessary to strengthen the economic viability of sustainable agriculture. © 2026 by the authors.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Impact of AI on Internal Control and Risk Management Systems in Ecuador
    The implementation of artificial intelligence in internal control systems has emerged as a key trend in the improvement of organizational management, enabling comprehensive data analysis and effective risk identification, transforming the way organizations monitor and control their operations. The objective is to analyze the perception and use of AI in internal control systems in Ecuador, focusing on its ability to perform advanced data analysis and accurate identification of risk areas. The research methodology employed a mixed approach. A survey was administered to 30 accounting professionals and business people to evaluate the effectiveness of tools for the purpose of improving internal control systems. The results show that AI can identify patterns and anomalies in large volumes of data with higher accuracy than traditional methods. In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive view of the potential of AI to transform internal control processes, ensuring greater transparency and reliability in organizational management. The predictive capability of AI allows organizations to anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialize. The integration of artificial intelligence in Ecuadorian internal control systems offers significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management with more effective decision making. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Effect of Internal & External Financing on Labor Productivity – (2009–2014) Panel Data Study of Ecuadorian Companies
    (2025)
    Simbaña Taipe, Luis
    ;
    Rodas, Gonzalo
    ;
    Mena, Bryan
    ;
    ;
    Salazar Baño, Alfredo
    This research analyzes the effect of internal and external financing on the labor productivity of Ecuadorian companies from 2009 to 2014. For this purpose, the database of the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) is used. In addition, ordinary least squares (MCO) regression for panel data is applied as an estimation strategy. The study focuses on explanatory variables with financial characteristics (external and internal funding) and variables with commercial characteristics (number of employees, source of foreign capital, innovation of new services, and purchasing of machinery and equipment). The results demonstrate that external financing, number of employees, source of foreign capital and purchase of machinery and equipment, all have a positive impact on labor productivity. Internal financing, on the other hand, has no effect on the dependent variable. Meanwhile, the introduction of a new service reduces labor productivity. The Ecuadorian economy presents several barriers that prevent the development of national companies. These obstacles could be a lack of social and scientific awareness, an absence of innovative initiative and technological development, and deficient management of internal and external financing. Therefore, identifying the factors that affect the labor productivity of Ecuadorian companies is a relevant issue for the country's business economic development. Due to this information, the companies could develop capabilities and strategies to stay in the market and improve their competitiveness.
      30
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Entrepreneurship: The Case of Ecuador
    (2021) ;
    Llamuca Pérez S.
    ;
    Morales-Urrutia X.
    ;
    Victor V.E.
    In recent decades, entrepreneurship has experienced a significant increase worldwide, being considered as an important tool to improve the economic growth of a country. This article aims to present an overview of the current situation of entrepreneurship at both national and local levels. The methodology used was descriptive, also a literature review was conducted, the data analyzed came from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses of the directory of companies for the period 2013–2016, the number of enterprises at the level of Ecuador and specific by province was analyzed. After the analysis, it was concluded that there is a significant increase in micro-enterprises throughout the country, especially in the provinces of Pichincha and Guayas. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
      29
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Cultural and Ethnographic Routes as a Tourist Resource for Rural Development: A Theoretical Review
    (2024) ;
    Morales-Urrutia X.
    ;
    Lascano N.
    Cultural routes have become an important income-generating resource for the different countries they pass through. At present, this type of route is promoting a series of activities related to the tourism field and that have drawn special attention from its visitors, this has made the governments of the day develop policies aimed at promoting and implementing actions that allow stimulate the development and economic growth of the rural areas in which they are located. The purpose of this research is to carry out a review of the current and evolutionary status of the contributions made for the enhancement of historical and heritage value of these routes. In the present research, a literature review of the main cultural tourism routes and their contributions to the development of the areas through which they run was carried out. In general, the cultural routes have become an important contribution to the growth and economic development of rural areas; and, above all, they have generated jobs and improved the quality of life of the population. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
      20
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Ecotourism in Ecuador and the Lack of Cultural Education for Health Benefits
    (2024) ;
    Morales-Urrutia X.
    ;
    Figueredo-Morales C.
    ;
    Bucheli-Vázquez G.B.
    Ecotourism or ecological tourism is a tourist typology that consists of carrying out recreational activities in natural areas with an environmental sustainability approach, the success of ecotourism in recent times lies in the multiple benefits it brings to our health. The objective of our research is focused on highlighting the lack of cultural education on the subject for health benefits through some strategies. The methodology applied has a mixed approach, documentary-bibliographic type through the review of different scientific articles, documents, books, texts and doctoral theses in order to build the state of the art, at the empirical level, we will work with statistical data from secondary sources in national statistical offices. The results reflect the lack of education that Ecuadorian citizens have on the benefits that ecological tourism brings to health and in the conclusions some strategies are recommended to give solutions to the cultural ignorance of people in the ecological field and to materialize education from early ages to achieve a healthy population, free of stress and improve the quality of life of Ecuadorian inhabitants. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
      27
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Digital Inclusion in Ecuadorian Education Through Innovative Resources for Teaching Entrepreneurship
    This study investigates the implementation of innovative resources for digital inclusion in entrepreneurship education in Ecuador. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), it examines the impact of these tools on secondary school students and teachers. The findings show that digital resources not only enhance technological skills but also increase student engagement in learning activities. This highlights the crucial role of integrating digital technologies into the educational system to promote more inclusive and effective learning experiences. The study concludes with recommendations for expanding the use of these tools to other areas of the curriculum.
      46