Exploratory factor analysis of consumption patterns of necessities in MSMEs in the province of Chimborazo (2024). A more in-depth study

Abstract

Introduction. In the current context of territorial economic dynamization, it is strategic to strengthen the productive and commercial activities of MSMEs through analytical approaches that allow understanding their supply patterns. In this framework, this study is oriented to the multivariate exploratory factor analysis of the consumption patterns of necessities in MSMEs in the province of Chimborazo during the year 2024, as a tool to support sustainability, loyalty and commercial optimization processes. To analyze the latent structure underlying the consumption of essential products in the MSME sector of Chimborazo, using a multivariate statistical approach based on exploration factor analysis with a matrix of tetrachoric correlations. Methodology. The research adopts a quantitative approach of a non-experimental and cross-sectional nature. An exploratory factor analysis was applied using tetrachoric correlations, a technique suitable for dichotomous variables such as Yes/No. The final sample was composed of 511 complete cases corresponding to the consumption of six basic products: rice, bread, boneless beef, whole chicken, liquid milk and eggs. Sample adequacy was evaluated by KMO and Bartlett's sphericity test, as well as internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Results. The analyses showed the presence of a one-dimensional factor that explains the overall consumption pattern of the products analyzed. Factor loads were moderate and consistent with a general construct of supply behavior. In the complementary analysis, no statistically significant differences were identified in the median monthly income according to milk consumption or by age groups, which indicates the absence of a relevant association between these variables within the sample studied. Conclusions. The assumptions of homogeneity and homoscedasticity were met, although normality was not verified in the distribution of income. The omega coefficient showed a moderate internal consistency acceptable for a brief and dichotomous scale, reaffirming the exploratory nature of the study. We found no evidence of a significant relationship between milk consumption, age and income. The factor obtained constitutes a valid empirical approach to understand integrated consumption patterns in MSMEs in Chimborazo. General area of study: Business Administration. Specific area of study: Productive commercial activities of sustainability. Object type: Original.