Research projects and publications of undergraduate students. A success case at an Ecuadorian university

Abstract

This study analyzes the proposal of a strategy for the development of research projects and publications of students in the last year of the Computer Engineering program at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, applied from 2018 to the present. Quantitative descriptive research with a longitudinal approach is developed. The experience assumes that
involving trainees in authentic experiences (where external peer experts will be the evaluators of the work done) is the key to obtaining valid results in a context of generation and dissemination of knowledge. The results show that the pro-
posed process creates an effective system for students to learn to design and apply an applied research project, as well as to produce a scientific product for publication in indexed journals or conferences. The process also involves close accompaniment by the tutoring professor which, together with the phases and requirements described in this work, is a key factor in the training of university students as novice researchers and leads to a relevant experience, with outstand-
ing publications and a favorable perception on the part of the participating students and professor.