Technological skills as a competitive advantage: an analysis of the profile of Business Administration students in relation to the demands of the private sector in Loja
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70208/3007.8245.v6.n1.357Keywords:
Technological skills, the business sector, business software, digital platforms and mentoringAbstract
The research conducted aimed to understand the technological skills of future professionals in the Business Administration program at the National University of Loja and their alignment with the demands of the private business sector in the city of Loja, Ecuador. The methodological approach implemented was mixed, along with a sequential exploratory design. To collect quantitative data, a survey was administered to 181 students to identify their level of proficiency in technological skills. To collect qualitative data, five entrepreneurs from Loja were interviewed to understand their views on the most sought-after requirements in the private job market. The results showed that the business sector requires professionals who can handle office automation tools, enterprise software, digital platforms, and data analysis; it was also determined that most students have basic knowledge of office technology tools, however, they showed inconsistencies with advanced tools. In conclusion, a significant disparity was detected between the practical teaching of the career and what the job market demands. Consequently, it is necessary to conduct further research on strategies such as the implementation of internships, projects, and mentorships to strengthen the link between university and industry.
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