Measurement of environmental awareness among university students in the graduation process of the industrial engineering program Medición de la conciencia ambiental del alumnado universitario en proceso de titulación de la carrera de Ingeniería Industrial
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Abstract
The global environmental crisis represents one of the most pressing challenges today, demanding the training of professionals with strong environmental awareness. This study aimed to analyze the environmental awareness of Industrial Engineering students at the University of Guayaquil who were in the final stage of their degree process, using a multidimensional approach that included cognitive, affective, conative, and active dimensions. The research was conducted with a sample of 73 students, who completed a 20 item Likert scale questionnaire. Data were processed with SPSS software through k-means cluster analysis, which identified three differentiated profiles: non-conditioned students, students with lower environmental awareness, and students with higher environmental awareness. The results show a clear progression from indifference or lack of knowledge to a high level of environmental commitment, although gaps persist between intention and action in specific sustainable behaviors. It is concluded that, although students exhibit a favorable level of awareness and willingness to protect the environment, it is necessary to strengthen the active dimension through experiential and community-based training strategies
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