Propuesta de un modelo de medición de la competitividad mediante análisis factorial

This article presents a proposal of a model to measure competitiveness at the three geographical levels simultaneously: country, states, and municipalities by using a multivariate factor analysis resulting in the identification of five factors, seven subfactors and thirty variables used to measure and to present the results of an empirical study of several entities: the country, the state of Sonora and nine municipalities that represent 80% of the population and 80% of its Total Gross Production (PBT). The results show that the municipality of Hermosillo was the most competitive in 2010.     

Evaluación del comportamiento de los indicadores de productividad y rentabilidad financiera del sector petróleo y gas en Colombia mediante el análisis discriminante

This research paper presents the results of the behavior of productivity and profitability indicators in the oil and gas sector in Colombia in the years 2008 and 2010 by means of discriminant analysis. Initially there is an analysis of the sector and a theoretical review of the financial management assessment, strategic leverage, stakeholders, agency theory, productivity and profitability indicators and basic concepts of discriminant analysis. In the methodology used, productivity and profitability indicators were calculated for 116 companies in the oil and gas sector from the financial statements in the periods of study. Then, the discriminant analysis technique was used to explain the belonging and discrimination of the indicators studied. From the discriminant function and the means obtained it can be concluded that the analyzed indicators do not present significant differences, which shows a period of stagnation in the periods studied. With the research work it was concluded, by discriminant analysis, that there is a significant difference just for the indicator gross margin. The discriminant function model allows an effective classification of 57.3%.     

Selección de proveedores basada en análisis dimensional

This article presents the evaluation of a group of six suppliers for an electromechanical component of hydraulic bombs. The comparison is made by using the dimensional analysis technique and the attributes evaluated were the component´s costs, product quality, post sale service from supplier, product reliability, supplier’s administration and organization and production technology in their production system. In addition, in order to integrate the opinion of several persons in the selection and decision process, the information analysis was done with the aid of a decision group integrated by five persons with responsibilities in the purchase area. The technique is easy to apply and has been widely accepted by its users, who are making its use extensive to other components supplier’s selection process.     

Aprendizaje,innovación y gestión tecnológica en la pequeña empresa: Un estudio de las industrias metalmecánica y de tecnologías de información en Sonora

In the industrial development in Northwestern Mexico stands out the limited capacity of local firms to integrate into the global value chains and there is an emergent participation of the metalworking sector and information technology as suppliers of goods and services for large exporters. Recent local researches analyze the accumulation of technological capabilities, but they have not researched the relationship with technology management strategies. This paper presents the results of an empirical study of micro, small and medium enterprises in such areas, which allows the guessing of a direct correlation between the level of accumulated skills and the level of technology management.     

Evolución de la capacidad tecnológica en México. Aplicación del análisis estadístico multivariante de cluster

This paper conducts an analysis on the existence of state clusters related with technological capabilities in Mexico. An empirical study was conducted using the technique of multivariate statistical cluster analysis, based on the set of indicators proposed by Cepal (2007), collecting data from various public sources country for 2006 and 2012 in order to study the time evolution of such clusters, trying to see what states have been moving to a cluster located in positions more which have advanced and retreated over the period. The results show the existence of 7 groups of states characterized by different technological capabilities, plus states are identified in decline and progress, both in terms of absorptive capacity and innovation, and in relation to the technological infrastructure capabilities.     

Lógica difusa y el riesgo financiero. Una propuesta de clasificación de riesgo financiero al sector cooperativo

Apply fuzzy logic in financial indicators is a proposal not widespread in the accounting field. This methodology allows us to observe the results of financial ratios with a broader perspective, showing not completely true nor completely false results, because they can take an indeterminate truth value within a set of values, applying the theory of fuzzy logic. The aim of this paper is to present the reader with the application of fuzzy logic in indicators of financial risk, using ratios of the cooperatives segment each Ecuador, and thus validate the level of relevance that has this indicator to compared with the standard meta model and CAMEL ratings. To apply these theory linguistic variables were used, which were valued at scales ranges from 0 to 1. It is determined that the diffuse methodologist applied to financial risks presented a higher level of membership to good credit rating by ensuring a level of low risk and very good solvency. However, in periods of low economic activity it would stagnate at this level for the increased risk.     

Aplicación de análisis discriminante para evaluar la productividad como resultado de la certificación BASC en las empresas de la ciudad de Cartagena

This research paper presents the evaluation of productivity in companies in the city of Cartagena as a result of the certification of said companies in the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition (BASC). The methodology used calculated productivity indicators at 23 companies certified at BASC. Next, we used the Discriminant Analysis technique to explain the belonging and discrimination of each group of productivity indicators evaluated, resulting in the correlation between certified companies and increased productivity indices for 2008 and 2010. From the discriminant function obtained and the statistics analyzed, it can be concluded that certification in BASC standard showed no improvement in the indicators selected, but presented significant differences in the Gross Profit / Value Added (IP1), Operating Income / Operating Capital (IP5) and Net Income / Operating Capital (IP6) indicators.     

Corrupción como proceso organizacional: comprendiendo la lógica de la desnormalización de la corrupción

This article discusses the basic assumptions of an individualist vision on corruption. A different argument based on “social density” of the phenomenon is proposed instead: the process of normalization of corruption. Under this umbrella, corruption is a political concept that looks to impose a particular vision on what are “right” behaviors based on a sharp and unrealistic separation of the public and private sphere. A review of the organizational literature on corruption is developed, with the aim of understanding how organizational processes of socialization triggers behaviors that make corrupt acts to appear as “normal” under the organizational logic. Persons find themselves in a “slippery slope”, generating agreements and social dynamics that are able to produce corrupt logics under the normal life of an organization. A plea for discussing the social processes needed to “un-normalize” corruption is defended a conceptualization that goes beyond an individualist and moralist vision of the phenomenon.     

El coeficiente de Hurst y el parámetro α-estable para el análisis de series financieras Aplicación al mercado cambiario mexicano

This paper addresses the utility of estimating the parameter α of α-stable distribution and the Hurst coefficient for financial series in periods of high volatility. By estimating the Hurst coefficient and the parameter α we seek to explore the violation of two assumptions in modeling financial series, the assumption that the series are normally distributed and that the successive returns are independent. We present the case of the peso dollar Fix Mexico exchange rate in the 1992–2011 period. One of the main results is the identification of fractal characteristics and heavy tails in the series for some periods in different magnitudes, such differences are accentuated during crisis periods. Characterizing the series by these parameters through an index will improve decision-making on the type of analysis that is methodologically correct to apply in a specific time window for asset pricing and risk management.     

Dinámica de la inversión extranjera directa en los estados de México: un análisis de cadenas de Markov espaciales

The aim of this investigation is to analyze the evolution of the spatio-temporal distribution of foreign direct investment (FDI) across Mexican states. The literature that analizes foreign direct invesment in Mexico is numerous and diverse; however, it is argued that the analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of FDI conditioned to spatial interaction effects in Mexico, is still absence. In this sense, by applying the spatial Markov chain approach as proposed by Rey (2001), we found a divergence process in the FDI inflows among mexican states that seems to get stronger over time. In particular, during the period from 2006 to 2013, the process of divergence towards higher-FDI-inflows quantiles occurs among states spatially associated with neighbors in lower-FDI-quantiles.     

Medición de la intensidad en el uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en Escandinavia

One characteristic of the processes related to technological innovation in the Scandinavian countries is the high participation level of public and private agents. The objective of this strategy is to assimilate knowledge and to spread it out in the best possible way. Thus, in this article we identify the profile of ICT users; we try to establish how important they are for these countries, their good use of these technologies and how they impact on their communication processes. The results derived from the research prove that: 1) Swedish and Danish homes are a reference when it comes to the utilization of ICTs, 2) Finnish companies lead the way in the adoption of ICTs, followed by Danish and Swedish companies; 3) When it comes to provision and implementation of public services on a technological platform, the leading countries are Denmark, Finland and Sweden; and 4) When it comes to the utilization of ICTs in infrastructures, the EU leadership is headed by Sweden and Denmark, far ahead from the other Member States.     

Análisis del comportamiento estadístico y aproximación fractal en la recaudación del impuesto sobre nóminas y asimilados en el estado de Quintana Roo

This paper analyzes the tax collection from payroll tax on staff and non-staff in the state of Quintana Roo from 2000 to 2010. Its main contribution is to identify the statistical revenue behavior using a fractal approach, establishing iterative patterns at both state and municipal level, for the entire analyzed series of 132 months as well as shorter time periods. It serves as a trigger for application in other locations and charges in order to explore some features of taxation. Two statistical criteria were used to determine normal or abnormal series of municipal tax collection during the study period, namely, the Empirical Rule criteria and parameters using Chebyshev’s theorem. As a contrast, the Jarque-Bera test was applied on residuals, concluding that the fiscal revenue from the state of Quintana Roo (municipal data) does not follow a normal distribution, which is why the fractal approach has been used. The results with data for tax collection by municipalities throughout Quintana Roo show the presence of a fractal behavior (repetitive and cyclic) in revenue, which can be interpreted as the presence of a consolidated tax base, thus justifying the conclusion that there is strength (the observed level of collection) in local public finances. The same conclusion is obtained, with different temporal cuts, when analyzing and detecting the presence of specific fractal revenue behavior observed in municipalities of Benito Juarez (Cozumel) and Othon P. Blanco from 2000 to 2010.     

Estudio de la relación entre satisfacción laboral y el desempeño de los trabajadores de las ferias libres

This study analyzes and discloses the relationship between Job Satisfaction and Performance variables of a total population of 264 workers in Chilean Free Fairs. Out of the total population to which this research applies (264 individuals), the sample taken corresponds to 60% of each Fair, which is equivalent to 158 individuals. In order to obtain the objectives we applied a 54-item instrument. The first part collects general information about respondent; the second part collects average information of sales and salary to measure the workers’ productivity and the third part studies job satisfaction. Once performed the analysis of data collected, the results show that the dimensions of job satisfaction, boss relationship satisfaction and recognition satisfaction have a statistically significant relationship with productivity: daily sales/daily working hours. Good management of these can positively contribute to an increased competitiveness of Free Fairs. Another outstanding aspect included in this study is satisfaction with the physical environment, which has a statistically significant relationship between daily and monthly salary, which significantly contributes to the hours spent at work by individuals as well as the wage they perceive.     

Contratos de riesgo de petróleo,patrones de conducta y desempeño de empresas: Análisis de panel de datos

Using data from financial and economic performance of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the exploration-extraction (E&E) business, along with institutional and market orientation of governments and National Oil Companies (NOCs) that receive project offers, the international E&E market is analyzed in both institutional development and behavioral patterns of type of E&E contract following an agency theory approach. Additionally, given Mexico's recent energy reform being launched between 2015 and next 2019, the various types of E&E contracts are analyzed, comparing license contracts with production sharing and risk service ones. Next, using panel data methods an analysis of 17 enterprises between 2005 and 2015 is presented, where so-called global IOCs show higher returns and commitment than specialized ones, demonstrated by their net income and return on equity, or ROE.     

Evaluación de la percepción de la calidad de los servicios bancarios mediante el modelo SERVPERF

The purpose of this paper is to assess the quality of the services provided by two major banks in Mexico. The case study is with reference to the branches located in the four major cities of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec: Ixtepec, Juchitán, Tehuantepec and Salina Cruz. The strategic method adopted for this research was the application of a modified version of the SERVPERF model, one of the most important models in this type of study. The SERVPERF model assesses customers’ perceptions according to five criteria: reliability, responsiveness, security, empathy, and tangible factors. Strictly speaking, these criteria or dimensions combined define the quality of the services. The results indicate that the overall customers’ valuation of both banks with regard to their services is high; these results might respond to very low expectations according to specific socioeconomic variables. Additionally, significant differences in users’ perception among groups of people according to various analyzed variables such as occupation, education, and age ranges were found.     

Escuelas de negocios latinoamericanas Un análisis empírico

Drawing on recent available data of a sample of Latin American business schools, this paper aims at identifying the organizational determinants of the students’ success in their post-MBA professional work. These relationships are tested through multiple regressions using panel data with random effects. The main finding is that the level of scholarly knowledge production, operationalized as number of articles published in journals indexed in the Social Science Citation Index, is in a positive and statistically significant way associated with the alumni’s success. The quality of the faculty has also a positive and significant effect upon the dependent variable, although this result is not robust as per different model specifications.     

Gobierno corporativo,financiamiento y género: un estudio de las pymes emisoras de títulos en los mercados de valores argentinos

The aim of this work is to study corporate governance (CG) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from a gender perspective. In particular, we study the participation of women in ownership, management (board and senior management) and external audit in SMEs participating in the Argentinean Securities Market. The results show that participation of women in ownership and in external audit has a significant relationship with financing decisions. However, we do not find evidence of relations among different levels of GC and gender.     

Responsabilidad social de las empresas agrícolas y agroindustriales aguacateras de Uruapan,Michoacán,y sus implicaciones en la competitividad

In Michoacán farming and agribusiness are great economic and social activities. Uruapan is the main avocado producer municipality in the state and avocado industry is the basis for the economy of this municipality. Despite the economic benefits, avocado industry has also caused damage, mainly in the environmental aspect. This research focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a way to contribute to solve this problem. The aim of this paper is to determine the CSR level of avocado companies from Uruapan. In order to know this level, a CSR index was built based on the Cemefi model and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Twelve avocado companies were interviewed and evaluated during july and december 2010. As results we find a CSR level of 51.58%, which is translated as a medium level. We also find a high quality of life level (63.22%), a medium business ethics level (47.85%), a low involvement with the community level (22.95%) and also a low environmental level (24.15%). It has also been identified, from each variable, the main issues that generate competitiveness or that inhibit it. Finally, we give some recommendations in order to develop a CSR strategy to be applied in the sector.     

La crisis del concepto prudencia a causa del tránsito de las normas nacionales austriacas de información financiera a las normas internacionales

As a member of the European Union (EU), Austrian nation has gradually incorporated International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) in spanish, to its accounting and Disclosure of Financial Information processes in replacement of Local National Standards called Unternehmensgesetzbuch (UGB). During this process of convergence, prudence principle has been in crisis within IFRS conceptual frame because it has been changed by fair value principle. That is way this paper presents the basic principles of national Austrian, UGB, compared with those of the IFRS to analyze, first, the reasons why prudence concept went into crisis and, secondly, if fair value principle is right to replace it.     

Impacto de las Normas de Información Financiera en la relevancia de la información financiera en México

In this study, it is shown that the value relevance of the financial information, measured by the coefficient of determination (R²), has improved as consequence of the changes in the financial reporting standards. It is applied the Ohlson model (1995) with accounting variables (earning per share and book value) and the stock market price of Mexican stock market companies, during the period from 1992 to 2010. The econometric results are obtained applying an Ordinary Least Squared Regression Analysis and a Panel Data Analysis. The sample is divided in two periods, before and after the foundation of CINIF, and the Chow test is applied to confirm the existence of a structural change. The book value variable is consistently significant in both periods. The Ohlson model is also applied to sub-samples which distinguish the firm for its size, for belonging to the Food and beverages industry and for its classification as Tangible and Intangible firms.