Journal of business and entrepreneurial studie

Urban Stormwater Drainage Design: Integration of Conventional and Sustainable Technologies in Puerto Villamil, Galápagos

Giancarlo Bravo, Karla Bravo, Clemencia Coello — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Isabela Island faces stormwater management challenges due to its topography and extreme weather events. This study was conducted to design an efficient and sustainable stormwater drainage system for Puerto Villamil, with the aim of preventing sanitary sewer system overload and reducing environmental impact. The design was developed using hydraulic calculations in spreadsheets, validated with SWMM software, and took into account technical standards and local conditions. Nature-based solutions such as permeable pavements, tree pits, and rain gardens were incorporated. The final design included 136 pipes, 136 manholes, and 3 outfalls, with 2.12 ha allocated to Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs). Runoff volume was reduced by 38%, and pipe diameters and excavation volumes were optimized. The project represents an innovative alternative for water management in protected areas, aligned with SDGs 6, 11, and 14.

Factors Influencing the Sustainability of the Marketing of Mangrove Products in the Parish of San Gregorio, Muisne Canton, Esmeraldas

Manuel Ruvin Quiñonez Cabeza, Eduardo Antonio Estupiñan Alman — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This exploratory-descriptive study evaluated the factors that undermine the sustainability of mangrove product marketing in San Gregorio, Muisne, through structured interviews (N=10) and a literature review. The central finding is systematic inequality in the market. Marketing is predominantly indirect, allowing intermediaries to capture the lion’s share of the profit margin. This drastically reduces the price at the source and creates an unfair economic situation for the harvester, who bears the greatest risk of the activity. This economic vulnerability feeds into the fragility of the ecosystem. Although community management plays a regulatory role (fines for violations of the closed season), the lack of a solid social agreement and intense demand pressure lead to non-compliance with minimum size limits and illegal harvesting. These actions undermine the reproductive capacity of mangrove products and degrade the ecosystem. The activity is trapped in a cycle of low income and high environmental risk. The key to future sustainability lies in organizational strengthening that enables vertical integration (direct sales) and the use of technology to monitor and capitalize on the ecological value of the mangrove, transcending the current dependence on intermediaries.

Análisis de las cafeterías tradicionales del centro histórico de Quito con potencial turístico para la propuesta de una ruta turística alimentaria

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The objective of this research is to analyze traditional cafés located in the Historic Center of Quito, considering their importance within the city’s cultural, social, and tourism dynamics. A quantitative descriptive methodology is employed to identify key variables and measure concepts related to gastronomic heritage, tourism activity, and the classification of establishments. Data collection was conducted through numerical measurement techniques, statistical analysis, and the review of reliable secondary sources, including official records and academic literature. The results show the evolution of these spaces from their traditional role as social gathering places to a diversified offer that integrates contemporary gastronomic services. Likewise, the coexistence of historic establishments with innovative proposals reflects a dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity. The strategic location of cafés near major tourist attractions enhances the visitor experience and contributes to the consolidation of cultural tourism. As conclusion, traditional cafés represent a key component of Quito’s cultural identity while contributing to sustainable tourism development and the competitiveness of the destination.

Productive and commercial disparities and dynamics at the community level

Pablo Dávila, Diego Mantilla, Mauricio Balarezo, Mónica Noboa Reinoso — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This study examines socioeconomic gaps affecting productive and commercial dynamics in urban community contexts of Quito. From a territorial perspective, it explores conditions influencing the sustainability of small local businesses. The objective was to identify key productive and commercial weaknesses perceived by community actors. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive approach, with a sample of businesses collected during university outreach activities. An anonymous survey was applied using EPICOLECT5 and textual analysis was conducted with Voyant Tools. Results reveal structural shortages, high dependency, and limited competitiveness, highlighting university engagement as a strategy for capacity building and inclusive territorial development processes locally.