Estudio de factibilidad para la creación de una empresa de laboratorios virtuales para simulación de procesos microbiológicos y bioquímicos en la ciudad de Ambato, provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

The practical component within the academic and professional training of students allows linking the theory learnt in the classroom with reality. However, several limitations have been identified that have been accentuated by the COVID-19 health emergency. For this reason, the educational field has seen the need to implement technological tools that make it possible to meet the needs of education and modernise the teaching-learning process. Through the project developed, the feasibility was determined for the implementation of a virtual laboratory company for the simulation of microbiological and biochemical processes. The market study determined the acceptance of 25 and 26 percent of the sample of teachers and students respectively to acquire a licence for their own account. However, 100 percent of teachers and 66 percent of students agree that the educational institution should purchase these licences. The technical study located the company in the city of Ambato, province of Tungurahua, the technical characteristics of the product, the minimum requirements for its execution and the graphic identity criteria. Finally, an economic study and a financial analysis were carried out, where the project reflected an NPV value of 11342.76 USD, an IRR value of 38 percent, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.23 USD and a PRI value of 2 years and 7 months, thus demonstrating the viability of the project.