Impact of Transportation Linking Projects on Student Competency Development

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1441

Keywords:

Linking Projects, Students, Holistic Approach, Education, Transportation, project management, teamwork, Routes

Abstract

Introduction: Linking projects have become integral to Higher Education in Ecuador, necessitating thorough planning, budgeting, continuous monitoring, and rigorous presentation of outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of such projects on student competency development and society, focusing on the Logistics and Transportation Engineering program at Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL). A linking project conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 aimed to enhance public transportation in underserved areas of Loja. Methodology: Methodology involved ten seventh-semester students who conducted a detailed analysis of Loja's urban transportation system using advanced tools to assess demand, service schedules, and route availability. Subsequent stages included designing efficient transportation routes and presenting proposals to stakeholders. Results: Results indicate significant improvements in students' technical skills, project management, and communication and teamwork abilities, alongside heightened social responsibility and community engagement. Discussions: This research underscores the pivotal role of linking projects in fostering holistic student development and addressing societal needs through practical application. Conclusions: The study's findings highlight the transformative impact of linking projects on student learning outcomes and their ability to contribute meaningfully to societal challenges, particularly in the context of public transportation development.

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Author Biographies

Josue Ortega Ortega, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Josue Ortega holds a degree in automotive mechanical engineering from the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS). He also holds a master's degree in Autonomous Vehicle Control Engineering from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Currently, he works as an associate professor in the Logistics and Transportation Engineering career at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL). He has also been part of the Universidad Técnica del Norte as an invited professor in the Master in Automotive Engineering.

Yasmany García-Ramírez, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Yasmany García-Ramírez is a Civil Engineer (UTPL, Ecuador, 2006), specialized in Mountain Roads (UNSJ, Argentina, 2009), and holds a PhD in Civil Engineering (UNSJ, 2014). He is an associate professor at UTPL, teaching undergraduate and graduate road geometric design courses. Currently, he directs a master's program in Civil Engineering with a focus on mountain roads. He has about 40 publications, including books, journals, and proceedings related to roads and civil engineering education.

Fabian Patricio Díaz Muñoz, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Civil Engineer (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador) with a Master's in Infrastructure Planning and Management (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain) and a Master's in Transportation Management with a focus on Traffic, Mobility, and Road Safety (Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Ecuador). Associated as a professor in the Logistics and Transportation program at UTPL.

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Published

2025-02-06

How to Cite

Ortega Ortega, J., García-Ramírez, Y., & Díaz Muñoz, F. P. (2025). Impact of Transportation Linking Projects on Student Competency Development. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1441

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Education

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Copyright (c) 2025 Josue Ortega Ortega, Yasmany García-Ramírez, Fabian Patricio Díaz Muñoz

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