Quality and productivity management systems in medium-sized agricultural enterprises in the La Maná canton

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between the implementation of quality management systems (QMS) and productivity in medium-sized agricultural enterprises in the canton of La Maná, Ecuador. It is based on the premise that, in a competitive context, systematic quality practices can improve agricultural yields, optimize resources and reduce losses. The objectives include identifying the quality systems used and characterizing their adoption; measuring productivity through indicators such as yield per hectare and efficiency in inputs; determine the correlation between quality adoption and productivity; propose a conceptual model; and offer recommendations for companies and authorities. A descriptive-correlational quantitative cross-sectional design was used, applying a questionnaire to medium-sized companies. The instrument included 15 items on the Likert scale grouped into three dimensions: quality management, productivity and impact perception. Internal reliability was verified with Cronbach's alpha, obtaining 0.94 (global), 0.89 (SGC), 0.80 (productivity) and 0.71 (perception), exceeding the threshold of 0.70. For the analysis, composite indices (SGC-Global and Prod-Global) were calculated as averages of their items and Spearman's correlation was used. In addition, firms were grouped into Low, Medium, and High levels according to SGC-Global and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare medians of Prod-Global. The results show a strong positive correlation between SGC-Global and Prod-Global (ρ = 0.866; p = 0.333), although not significant due to the small sample size. The Kruskal–Wallis test did not show significant differences in productivity between the three quality levels (H = 2.0; p = 0.368), although the descriptive trend suggests that greater adoption of QMS coincides with higher productivity. Likewise, the items of training and continuous improvement were closely associated with reduction of losses and better yields (ρ = 1.00), partially supporting the hypotheses. In conclusion, these preliminary findings suggest that the effective adoption of QMS positively influences the productivity of medium-sized agricultural enterprises in La Maná; however, it is necessary to expand the sample and adopt a longitudinal approach to confirm this effect statistically and over time. It is recommended to promote continuous training, monitoring of indicators and formal certification as key strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector.