Estudio de pertinencia de la Carrera de Administración de Empresas de la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the relevance of the Business Administration program at Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil by analyzing the relationship between the academic education provided, labor market needs, and current trends in the business environment, with the purpose of proposing strategies that contribute to the program’s continuous updating and sustainability. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The quantitative component consisted of a structured survey administered to 61 graduates and organized into six dimensions: curriculum updating, professional competencies, external engagement, employability, innovation and entrepreneurship, and relevance. The qualitative component was based on semi-structured interviews conducted with two experts connected to the business environment. The integration of both sources through triangulation provided a complementary understanding of the phenomenon under study. The findings showed a favorable assessment of the program’s relevance, with professional competency development, innovation, and pre-professional internships emerging as key strengths. At the same time, opportunities for improvement were identified in curriculum updating, the integration of theory and practice, preparation for evolving labor market demands, and stronger engagement with the productive sector. It is concluded that the program remains relevant within the context analyzed; however, sustaining this relevance requires continuous processes of updating, adaptation, and improvement.