La competitividad en microempresas del sector terciario: Un estudio cualitativo por medio del Método Delphi

Jaime Miguel Losada Strange; José Armando Hernández Bernal

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-2052

Authors

Jaime Miguel Losada Strange Ceipa University Foundation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7834-1724
José Armando Hernández Bernal La Salle University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6880-8530

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2052

Keywords:

Delphi Method, Qualitative research, Competitiveness, Resource-Based View, Microenterprises, Tertiary Sector, Aburrá Valley, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Qualitative research has emerged as a key methodology in various academic disciplines, standing out for providing an in-depth and contextualized understanding of the phenomena studied. Methodology: The Delphi method is a qualitative research technique used to reach an informed consensus among a group of experts through rounds of questionnaires. It allows for the management of complex problems and the exploration of areas with limited information. For this study, a group of 42 experts was selected, separated into three segments to attempt to assess the differences in perceptions regarding the proposed criteria. Results: A consensus was found among the Entrepreneurship Centers with a structural approach and an operational approach for the Trade Experts. On the other hand, the responses of entrepreneurs vary according to their practices and economic activities. Discussion: The results lead us to question what are the true actions and approaches that allow a microenterprise in the tertiary sector to surpass the 5-year threshold and survive over time. Conclusions: A high consensus is evident for the vast majority of variables, especially the “traditional” ones; it has been seen that the results vary between the more academic segments and the more practical ones.

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Author Biographies

Jaime Miguel Losada Strange, Ceipa University Foundation

Financial engineer, specialist in management and marketing management, master's degree in marketing, and doctoral student in administration at La Salle University. Lecturer in marketing, competitiveness, value creation, and market segmentation at undergraduate and graduate levels at various universities in Colombia, and consultant.

José Armando Hernández Bernal, La Salle University

Business Administrator, Economist, Specialist in Financial Management, Master of Economic Sciences, Doctor of Administration. Director of the Finance and International Trade program at La Salle University. Associate researcher at Minciencias.

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