Research
Lines
Economic Development and Applied Economics
This research line focuses on the analysis of new economic trends and the application of current methodologies to understand and solve issues related to local, territorial, and sustainable economic development. It emerges as an update of the Economic Theory and Development line, incorporating modern analytical approaches to address global economic challenges.
In a context marked by environmental crisis, increasing poverty, and inequality, this line promotes research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, decent work, sustainable cities, and climate change mitigation, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Through projects developed by research groups at Universidad Ecotec, highly relevant social topics are addressed, reaffirming the academic commitment to sustainable and long-term development.
Business Development and Innovation
Description of the line:
The Business Development and Innovation research line covers fundamental topics for the operation of companies and organizations. It represents an update of the previous Entrepreneurship and Business Development line, incorporating innovation to address current organizational trends and challenges related to local development, entrepreneurship, and the popular and solidarity economy.
Through research groups, the faculties of Universidad Ecotec structure projects aligned with this line, addressing current and socially relevant topics as part of the academic mission.
Grupo de Investigación: Negocios Inclusivos y Emprendimientos
Integrantes:
- Efrén Áviles, Mgtr.
- Karina Bravo, Mgtr.
- Ana Correa, Mgtr.
- Diego Donoso, Ph.D.
- Ángel Fiallos, Ph. D.
- Ana María Gallardo, Mgtr.
- Carol Henk, Mgtr.
- Jhony Jaramillo, Mgtr.
- Jessica Loayza, Mgtr.
- Elena Piedra, Ph. D.
- María Elena Suárez, Ph. D.
Grupo de Investigación: Finanzas
Integrantes:
- Mónica Armijos, Mgtr.
- Betty De la Hoz, Mgtr.
- Mitzy Mariño, Mgtr.
- Jhasming Medina, Ph. D.
- Ana Padrón, Ph. D.
- Nory Pinela, Ph. D.
- Eduardo Ron, Mgtr.
- Pablo San Andrés, Mgtr.
- Johann Vega, Mgtr.
Grupo de Investigación: Talento Humano
Integrantes:
- Yadira Armas, Ph. D.
- Carla Fernández, Mgtr.
- Mónica Llanos, Ph. D.
- José Noboa, Mgtr.
Grupo de Investigación: Administración de Empresas
Integrantes:
- Fernando Cevallos, Mgtr.
- Franklin Gallegos, Ph. D.
- César Gutiérrez, Mgtr.
- Piedad Miranda, Mgtr.
- Paulo Molina, Mgtr.
- Carmen Padilla, Ph. D.
- Lady Prado, Mgtr.
- Rosalynn Ramírez, Mgtr.
- Sully Ramos, Mgtr.
- Hugo Toala, Mgtr.
Marketing, Technology and Society
Description of the line:
Economic development in a sector is driven by the contribution each company makes within its area of influence. Strategy implementation becomes the central axis that shapes objectives across all departments, forming a value chain perceived by customers.
Marketing provides essential strategies for market development and becomes a key tool for value generation. The application of technology in marketing optimizes processes, provides timely market insights, and facilitates communication and information management between companies and customers, supporting organizational goals.
Grupo de Investigación: Nuevas Tendencias del Marketing
Integrantes:
- Stefanie Flores, Mgtr.
- Irene Palacios, Mgtr.
- Oscar Silva, Mgtr.
- Lorraine Chedraui, Mgtr.
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Marwin Lavayen, Mgtr.
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Gisella Aguilar, Mgtr.
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Raquel Plúa, Mgtr.
Communication, Culture and Technology
Description of the line:
The strategic importance of information is fundamental today, as are mass media and cultural industries. Social media have played a key role in the development and evolution of societies and cultures.
This line studies communication processes and media from a holistic perspective—sociological, psychological, economic, educational, journalistic, advertising, philosophical, artistic, and ethical—aiming to optimize communication mechanisms.
The concept of the network society highlights the role of the web as a space for social interaction, where technology facilitates—but does not determine—human relationships.
- Kerly Yance, Mgtr.
- Beatriz Loor, Ph. D.
- Yilena Perlaza, Mgtr.
- Christhian Gutiérrez, Mgtr.
- Silvia Aguirre, Mgtr.
- Odalys Marrero, Ph. D.
- Karen Márquez, Mgtr.
- Canva Ma Lam, Mgtr.
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Verónica Baquerizo, Mgtr.
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Edgar Salas, Ph. D.
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Alejandra Hernández, Mgtr.
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Cristhian Reyes, Mgtr.
Psychology, Society and Well-being
Description of the line:
This research line promotes projects focused on prevention, promotion, and psychological intervention across various contexts. It provides tools to resolve conflicts, promote mediation, and achieve personal, institutional, and social balance.
It also encourages social interactions aligned with current demands, emphasizing mental health prevention in educational, work, personal, and family contexts.
Integrantes:
- Ana Morán, Mgtr.
- Christhian Yong, Mgtr.
- María Rada, Mgtr.
- Fabiola Coello, Mgtr.
- Daniel Oleas, Mgtr.
- María Belén Morales, Ph. D.
Tourism, Hospitality and Heritage
Description of the line:
This research line is framed within sustainability and focuses on planning, development, and management of competitive tourist destinations, integrating hospitality, heritage, and tourism operations.
Research Group: Tourism and Territory
Members:
- Javier Vallejo, Mgtr.
- Alejandra Ycaza, Mgtr.
- César Santana, Mgtr.
- Sofía Pacherres, Mgtr.
- Kerly Avecillas, Mgtr.
International Relations and International Cooperation for Development
Description of the line:
Global trends since the 21st century show increasing social conflict and political instability. This line addresses challenges such as inequality, poverty, corruption, climate change, and regional security.
It emphasizes international cooperation and regional integration as key mechanisms for development and conflict resolution in Latin America.
Integrantes:
- Viviana Henriques, Mgtr.
- Karem González, Mgtr.
- Michelle Maffei, Mgtr.
- Pablo Pardo, Mgtr.
- Andrea Endara, Mgtr.
- Andrea Ocaña, Mgtr.
- Gonzalo Albán, Mgtr.
Information and Communication Technologies
Description of the line:
ICTs have transformed economic, social, and educational systems. This line focuses on developing technological solutions through hardware-software integration and business intelligence tools.
Integrantes:
- Manuel Ramírez, Mgtr.
- Wilson Polo, Mgtr.
- Lenin Gómez, Mgtr.
Grupo de Investigación: Inteligencia de Negocios
Integrantes:
- César Bustamante, Mgtr.
- Luis Espinoza, Mgtr.
- Jenny Garzón, Mgtr.
Grupo de Investigación: TI: Software y Seguridad
Integrantes:
- Alejandra Colina, Ph. D.
- Johanna Navarro, Ph. D.
- Marcos Espinoza, Mgtr.
- Diana López, Mgtr.
Environment and Society
Description of the line:
This line addresses environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and sustainable development, focusing on solutions for environmental management.
Integrantes:
- Magaly Peñafiel, Mgtr.
- Roberto Aguilera, Mgtr.
- Diego Peña, Ph. D.
- Marianela Barona, Mgtr.
- Gabriela Andrade, Mgtr.
Agricultural Production Process Management
Description of the line:
Agricultural growth plays a key role in food security and poverty reduction, emphasizing rural development and economic stimulation.
Integrantes:
- Iris Pérez, Ph. D.
- César Alcácer, Ph. D.
- Carlos Flores, Mgtr.
- César Suárez, Mgtr.
Industrial Production and Operations Management
Description of the line:
This line focuses on technological industrial solutions to improve productivity, efficiency, and national development.
Integrantes:
- Fernando Montalvo, Mgtr.
- Karles Hoffmann, Mgtr.
Legal Relations Management
Description of the line:
This line studies social justice, human rights, equality, and democratic participation, promoting research to combat discrimination and protect vulnerable groups.
Grupo de Investigación: Derechos Humanos y Justicia
Integrantes:
- Mario Cuvi, Mgtr.
- Soledad Murillo, Mgtr.
- Ambar Murillo, Mgtr.
- Andrea Zuleta, Mgtr.
- Estrella Hoyos, Mgtr.
- Roger Nieto, Mgtr.
- Rosa Portero, Mgtr.
- Mercedes Coronel, Mgtr.
Health and Well-being
Description of the line:
This line promotes comprehensive research integrating medical, social, and environmental factors.
Key focus areas include:
- Patient-centered care
- Predictive healthcare models
- Strengthening healthcare systems
- Digital transformation in health
- Disease prevention
Grupo de Investigación: Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud
Integrantes:
- Vilma Raffo, Mgtr.
- Carlos Salvador, Mgtr.
- María Delfina Montufar, Mgtr.
- Hugo Barcia, Mgtr.
- Nicole Aguayo, Mgtr.
- Ivonne Mora, Mgtr.
- Ernesto Zambrano, Mgtr.
- Ángel Moreno, Mgtr.
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Juan Calderón, Ph. D.
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Manuel González, Mgtr.
-
Patricia Molleda, Ph. D.
Higher Education Process Management
Description of the line:
This line focuses on improving academic, research, and outreach processes in higher education institutions to ensure quality and strategic development.
- Patricia Muñoz, Mgtr.
- César Castañeda, Mgtr.
- Débora Burgos, Mgtr.
Grupo de Investigación: Tecnología Educativa
Integrantes:
- Roberto Passailaigue, Ph. D.
- Carlos Ortega, Ph. D.
- Gilda Alcívar, Ph. D.
- Erika Ascencio, Mgtr.
- Giraldo León, Ph. D.
- Glenda Blanc, Mgtr.
- Julia Villacreses, Mgtr.
- Ana Alcívar, Mgtr.
- Raquel Morán, Mgtr.
- Paula Villagómez, Mgtr
