Evaluation of Cost Management in the Formalization of Gastronomic Microenterprises in Commune 5 of Cúcuta Evaluación de la gestión de costos en la formalización de microempresas gastronómicas en la comuna 5 de Cúcuta

Abstract

The culinary sector has established itself as one of the primary sources of employment in cities like Cúcuta, Colombia, though it continues to face high levels of informality and low formalization of businesses. In this context, cost management emerged as a critical factor for improving profitability and formalization among gastronomic microenterprises. Cost management allowed businesses to identify real revenues by carefully deducting expenses, facilitating informed decisions regarding resource allocation and pricing. Additionally, efficient management could contribute to improving the quality of the products and services offered, thus enhancing customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. This research project aimed to analyze cost management as a key element of formalization for gastronomic microenterprises in commune 5 of Cúcuta. Through a case study involving various gastronomic microenterprises in the area, it sought to identify the cost management practices used and evaluate their impact on the formalization of these businesses. It also examined the barriers and challenges faced in formalization and proposed strategies to improve cost management and promote business formalization in the local gastronomic sector. The findings from this study contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by microenterprises in efficiently managing costs and their relationship with business formalization. Ultimately, the recommendations made were expected to serve as a guide to enhance cost management practices and facilitate access to formalization for gastronomic microenterprises in Cúcuta.