Hidden Costs in Higher Education:
A Literature Scientific Analysis
ANDREA RAMÍREZ1, EDISON CALDERÓN2, NORBERTO MORALES3, ROSA BURGOS4,
RAÚL RAMÍREZ5
Facultad de Administración de Empresas,
Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo,
Panamericana Sur Km 1 1/2, Riobamba,
ECUADOR
1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1128-2272
2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4016-6801
3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3968-5700
4https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8379-7761
5https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4964-8636
Abstract: - Hidden costs are a relevant issue in the financial planning of institutions. In the context of higher
education, this relevance serves to ensure stability, efficiency, and excellence in the development of
institutional activities. The study's objective was to analyze the patterns of publication, collaboration, and
evolution of research on hidden costs in higher education. A bibliometric methodology was used, with the
search for documents in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. This search resulted in a total of 152
documents published from 2015-2023. The evolution of the production, the most cited authors, the countries
with the highest production, the co-occurrence of keywords, and an author network analysis were identified.
The results show that the distribution of documents is 44.73% for Scopus and 55.27% for WoS. The scientific
production increased from 5 publications in 2015 to 23 in 2023. The United Kingdom is the country with the
largest amount of research and Europe stands out as the continent with the largest contribution in this area. The
authors with the most publications are Armstrong, N., Kleijnen, J., and Worthy, G. The constant increase in
scientific production linked to hidden costs in higher education is evident. Such growth translates into a
significant increase in publications and citations, thus reflecting the relevance and interest in the subject.
Key-Words: - Bibliometric analysis, hidden costs, higher education, financial planning, financial sustainability,
institutional activities, operational efficiency, scientific production.
Received: April 7, 2023. Revised: November 2, 2023. Accepted: November 14, 2023. Published: December 1, 2023.
1 Introduction
Effective management of hidden costs has proven to
be a critical factor for the competitiveness and
sustainability of organizations in a challenging
business environment, [1]. Consideration of
Strategic Cost Management (SCM) has become
essential to achieve not only cost reduction but also
improved competitiveness in a constantly evolving
marketplace, [2]. However, the focus on SCM is not
exclusively internal, Ogutu and others, [3], highlight
how the identification of costs not only depends on
internal factors but is also influenced by structural
aspects of the sector and systemic factors, which
reinforces the need for effective differentiation
through logistics optimization, [4].
Hidden costs are described as those that are not
only difficult to measure, but also often invisible in
accounting or management reports, [5]. In this
sense, [6], consider the identification and
measurement of hidden costs, which permeate the
organization's operations, as a competitive
advantage. In a constantly evolving market, where
simply knowing production costs is no longer
enough, Souza and others, [6], emphasize the need
for more complete and detailed information,
highlighting the role of identification and
measurement of hidden costs as an essential tool for
management.
According to, [7], hidden costs can negatively
bias the evaluation of the impact of strategic
decisions by masking key costs for management.
The authors in, [8], point out that these costs, often
ignored due to their complexity during the
implementation of strategic decisions, can lead
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2638
Volume 20, 2023
managers to disregard the real costs of a strategic
decision. The authors in, [9], highlight the
connection between unaccounted costs and financial
performance, underlining the importance of
addressing these areas in educational management.
Hidden costs are found in various institutional
actions and processes, this phenomenon is explained
by, [10], who stresses the importance of identifying
and accounting for environmental costs as a
manifestation of hidden costs in the construction
business environment. Similarly, [11], gives a
notion by indicating that a lack of training can
generate considerable hidden costs in an
organization, in the form of process errors, loss of
resources and time, decreased quality of work,
customer dissatisfaction, and, ultimately, loss of
revenue. Within the context of higher education, the
contemplation of hidden costs acquires a dimension
of vital importance, educational institutions are
confronted with challenges around strategic
planning and financial management, which leads to
the need for an in-depth analysis of accounting
costs, [12].
The identification and management of hidden
costs in higher and secondary education is essential
for improving the quality of education and the
financial health of educational institutions. In the
context of higher education, hidden costs include
elements such as absenteeism, occupational
accidents, staff turnover, lack of quality, and direct
productivity loss, which can amount to up to
$12,000 per person per year, [13]. In particular,
faculty turnover in higher education can affect the
composition and quality of teaching staff, with
teachers who leave an institution generally being
less effective than those who stay, [14]. In the case
of secondary education in Colombia, hidden costs
are related to the low quality of public education in
comparison to private education, and the impact of
this difference on household choices for one
educational option over another, [15].
In the organizational and accounting field in
general, it is important to consider a wide range of
costs, including direct and indirect costs,
opportunity costs, and quality costs, when designing
strategies in their processes to enter and remain in
force in emerging markets, [16]. For the operation
of an organization, it is necessary to consider not
only accounting costs, but also hidden costs and
other factors that can affect profitability, [17].
Hidden costs are those costs that are not easily
identifiable or quantifiable, but that can have a
significant impact on the profitability and success of
an organization, [18], [19].
The authors in, [20], [21], suggest that the hidden
costs derived from the lack of emotional and
psychological well-being can have economic
repercussions, so it is essential to prioritize the
safety and both physical and mental well-being of
students. This will not only promote individual
academic achievement, but also the competitiveness
and prestige of the educational institution, these
aspects extend to broader areas, such as hidden costs
for students and their families, costs linked to
extracurricular programs, and sports activities, [15].
The hidden costs in higher education can vary in
nature and origin, yet all represent significant
barriers for students and academics alike. On one
hand, the hidden costs associated with applying for
financial aid, as documented in, [8], include the
complexity of the FAFSA process and the
challenges of the verification process, which can
affect a student's eligibility for financial aid and,
ultimately, their decision to enroll in an educational
institution. On the other hand, [22], highlights the
hidden costs related to engaging with network
technologies such as Twitter and Facebook, which
are essential for contemporary academic activities.
Online harassment in these spaces,
disproportionately affecting women and individuals
from certain races or ethnicities, can lead to self-
censorship and negatively impact the health and
well-being of academics, as well as diversity and
innovation in academic research.
The importance of this issue has led several
authors to discuss how to address and mitigate
hidden costs in the context of higher education, to
address hidden costs educational institutions must
implement effective financial risk management
policies and transparent communication with the
broader educational community, [23]. Hidden costs
are important to implement for proper resource
management, improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of education, and ensure equitable
access to quality education for all students, [15]. For
example, hidden costs arise such as those related to
the maintenance and repair of facilities, teacher and
administrative staff turnover, expenses arising from
the cancellation of educational programs, and costs
generated by student dissatisfaction, these elements,
although not initially contemplated in the initial
calculations, have a financial and strategic impact
on educational institutions, [11].
The efficient management of hidden costs can
contribute significantly to improving the
profitability, competitiveness, and long-term
sustainability of academic institutions, [24]. The
identification and analysis of these latent costs
become fundamental pillars for strategic and
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2639
Volume 20, 2023
effective management in the educational context,
generating especially valuable benefits in the human
sphere, which is one of the most relevant elements,
[19], [25]. Effective cost management through
adequate financial planning demands an institutional
culture that allows early detection and mitigation of
its impact on the organization, [26].
These costs, instead of being accounting costs,
are understood as economic costs due to their link
with resource scarcity and opportunity costs,
allowing their application in management, [5].
Hence, unskilled labor can be a driver of these
hidden costs, [9]. Four main categories of activities
are identified that tend to accumulate more hidden
costs (Table 1): logistics activities, balancing
operations, quality-linked actions, and change
operations, [27]. Consequently, proactive, and
accurate consideration of these latent economic
factors becomes essential for effective management
in various contexts, including the field of higher
education.
Overcoming the obstacles and limitations
associated with the identification and management
of these costs requires a comprehensive and
systematic approach, [28]. In general terms,
research in this area continues to evolve, and it is
anticipated that in the future new categories of
hidden costs will be identified and more advanced
tools and methodologies for their detection and
management will be forged. The identification and
analysis of hidden costs play a crucial role in
strategic management, enabling higher education
institutions to make informed decisions about
educational projects and programs, [10]. This
approach has driven research on this topic;
therefore, this research performs a comprehensive
bibliometric analysis to identify trends, influential
authors, and relevant countries on the topic,
assessing the evolution of research and future
perspectives in higher education and other sectors,
[29], [30].
Table 1. Hidden costs
Activities
Description
Logistics
operations
These costs, linked to the handling of
materials, are generated by a variety of
professionals, and include the costs of
receiving, storage, internal distribution,
shipping, and transportation.
Balance
operations
These ensure harmony between demand,
processing, and delivery of materials,
involving personnel costs, procurement of
materials, and the prompt availability of
these resources.
Quality
These costs are linked to product quality,
extending beyond the simple perception of
final product control.
Change
operations
These comprise alterations in products and
specifications, production costs, quality-
related costs, and the costs associated with
having a structure that can easily adapt to
the change process.
Dysfunctions
Description
Surplus
These refer to remuneration given without
obtaining equivalent work in return, which
may arise from severance payments or
personnel shortages.
Overconsumption
Use of energy, materials, and supplies
whose cost would be reduced if the
company did not have to solve faults or
problems.
Overtime
Time spent on troubleshooting rather than
on actual production.
Opportunity cost
Missed opportunities related to the
manufacture and/or marketing of a
product.
Source: Benin and others, [27].
2 Methodology
Data Sources
A thorough bibliometric analysis was carried out
using two of the most prestigious databases in the
academic field, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS),
[31]. As mentioned by, [32], this methodology aims
to understand and evaluate the scientific production
of a specific topic through indicators that measure
the productivity and quality of research. In this
sense, the evolution of scientific production, the
most cited authors, the countries with the highest
production, the co-occurrence of keywords, and
network analysis were identified. The study period
established goes from 2015 to 2023.
Scopus and WoS stand out as top-tier research
platforms, providing comprehensive facilities for
exploring, assessing, and disseminating knowledge
across a range of fields including the sciences,
social sciences, arts, and humanities. These
databases play a pivotal role in streamlining and
enhancing the processes involved in scientific
research, [33].
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2640
Volume 20, 2023
A strategic search was conducted on both
platforms, using the search terms hidden cost and
higher education. First, for Scopus, the search was
performed in the title section, abstract, and
keywords. The following search algorithm was
obtained: ("hidden costs" OR "invisible costs" OR
"unaccounted costs" OR "unseen costs" OR
"unmeasured costs") AND ("higher education" OR
"organizations" OR "enterprises"). The WoS
platform was searched for (costs OR expenses OR
expenditures) AND (hidden OR indirect OR
unaccounted OR unplanned OR unforeseen).
Table 2. Search parameters for document filtering
Type
Scopus
Title, abstract,
keywords
2239
Type of document
1223
Year of publication
832
Categories
154
Open access
84
Total
152
Source: Prepared by the authors
Table 2 details the parameters used to refine the
search for information, each parameter represented a
specific filtering criterion, and there was a slight
variation in the filtered results, where the WoS
database generated a greater number of results. The
consideration of thematic categories and type of
document allowed the search to be oriented towards
works within the areas of interest. This strategic
search methodology highlights the need for a
rigorous approach in the collection of academic
literature, with a diversity of filtering criteria to
access relevant documents.
Data Analysis
The present bibliometric study was conducted
utilizing the VOSviewer software. This tool offers a
range of features that render it ideal for conducting
in-depth bibliometric analyses. VOSviewer can
handle extensive datasets and can create maps based
on various types of data, such as citations, co-
authorship, or co-occurrence of data. The software
provides a user-friendly interface and supports
multiple visualization techniques, [34].
In bibliometric analysis, there are two main
parts. The first is the descriptive and performance
analysis. In this analysis, general information on
sources and types of documents was provided. In
addition, statistical data on the annual and total
number of studies and citations were calculated.
Then, the most cited studies were presented based
on the top 9 studies. Finally, the most productive
authors, sources, institutions, or countries were
introduced. The second analysis was based on
scientific mapping and network analysis.
Cooccurrence networks and authors' participation
were analyzed based on a network approach (Table
3).
Table 3. Bibliometric analysis approaches
Methodology
Description
Analysis
units
Functionality
Result
Citation
Calculate the impact
magnitude for files,
authors, or journals by
considering their citation
rate.
The
journal
author
profile
It is easy to quickly locate
the most significant
research in this field
New research works have less time to
accumulate citations, which can result in
bias when compared to older research
works that have had more time to be
cited.
Co-citation
Connect files, authors, or
journals based on their
presence in the
bibliography.
The
journal
author's
profile
This is seen as the most
prevalent and dependable
method for connecting to
files, authors, or journals
using reference citations.
The quote serves to gauge
the impact level, thereby
identifying the most vital
research contributions.
This approach applies to the referenced
articles, but it is not ideal for mapping
research because citations take time to
accumulate. As a result, new publications
cannot be directly linked and must instead
be connected through unclear and
complex rules. A significant number of
citations are required to map the articles,
making it difficult to find articles with
few citations. Moreover, when conducting
a Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI)
or Web of Science (WOS) researcher
citation reference, only information about
the first author is accessible.
Bib. Coupling
Establish connections
between files, authors, or
journals by assessing the
quantity of shared
references.
The
journal
author
Profile
There's no need to
accumulate citations for
immediate use. This can
be applied to newly
published works that
This method is constrained to a relatively
short period of usage, typically up to five
years, as it fails to distinctly identify the
most significant research through
quotations. Consequently, it becomes
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2641
Volume 20, 2023
Methodology
Description
Analysis
units
Functionality
Result
haven't been cited yet, as
well as burgeoning
research areas and more
niche sub-disciplines.
challenging to ascertain the importance of
specific publications.
Co-author
Establish connections
between the authors
participating in the
authorship.
Author
The author can present
proof of collaboration and
map out the social
framework within the field
of cognition.
The act of co-authoring as a form of
collaboration is not consistently
acknowledged or given due credit.
Co-word
Connect keywords that
are found in the same
title, summary list, or
keyword section.
The primary text of the
documents is utilized for
the analysis, in contrast to
other methods that rely
solely on bibliographic
metadata.
Words can manifest in various forms and
can carry different interpretations
depending on the context.
Source: [35].
3 Results
The results show several findings that contribute to
the understanding of how hidden costs are addressed
within higher education institutions. In general, the
data collected indicate that there is a very active and
recognized community of researchers in the fields of
accounting, economics, and financial sciences, who
seek to improve business management, determine
the risks presented by organizations, and provide
solutions to those risks.
The diversity in the findings is the result of
numerous publications originating from different
countries, each employing a unique approach to
investigate the hidden costs in higher education.
Regardless of their geographical origin or
methodological differences, these studies
consistently maintain the central goal of uncovering
and exploring the hidden expenses associated with
the pursuit of higher education. These hidden costs
can encompass a range of factors, including, but not
limited to, indirect expenses such as transportation
and accommodation, unexpected fees, and
opportunity costs related to potential income loss
during the study period, in addition to costs
presented for institutions in relation to the different
resources that are handled.
Development of Bibliometric Analysis
Figure 1 illustrates the number of research papers
published in the Scopus and WoS databases
between 2015 and 2023 and shows a trend of
increasing scientific production. In total, 158 papers
related to the topic of hidden costs and higher
education were identified, showing a low number of
articles published on both platforms in 2015.
However, the scientific production increased by
460% from 5 papers to 23 in the last year. The
distribution of documents in both databases is
44.73% for Scopus and 55.27% for WoS.
Fig. 1: Scientific production by years
Source: Prepared by the authors
The information presented on the 20 authors with
the most research (Table 4). Armstrong, N., is the
most prominent author with 14 publications, which
represents 9.21% of all publications in this area.
Table 5 presents the ranking of the countries
that have contributed the largest number of
publications and shows that the United Kingdom
occupies first place with the largest number of
publications on both platforms, followed by the
United States. In general, there is a greater number
of countries from the European continent showing
interest in publishing on this topic, followed by
Asia, America, and Africa, respectively.
Publications cover all continents. In the
Americas, the predominant countries are the United
States and Canada in North America, and Brazil in
South America. The continent with the highest
percentage of publications is Europe. In Asia, India
and China stand out, while Australia stands out in
Oceania (Figure 2).
510 11 12 16 20 26 29 23
0
10
20
30
40
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Number of documents
Year
Scopus WoS
Total Γραμμική (Total)
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2642
Volume 20, 2023
Table 4. Number of documents by authors
Author
Number of publications
% Total
Armstrong, N.
14
9,21%
Kleijnen, J.
11
7,24%
Worthy, G.
9
5,92%
Joore, MA.
9
5,92%
Stevenson, M.
9
5,92%
Riemsma, R.
8
5,26%
Carolan-rees, G.
8
5,26%
Clowes, M.
8
5,26%
Duffy, S.
7
4,61%
Fayter, D.
7
4,61%
Petrou, S.
6
3,95%
Tappenden, P.
6
3,95%
Wong, R.
6
3,95%
Ramaekers, BLT.
5
3,29%
Ryder, S.
5
3,29%
Van Asselt, ADI.
5
3,29%
Boland, A.
4
2,63%
Craig, J.
4
2,63%
Grimm, SE.
4
2,63%
Source: Prepared by the authors
Table 5. Number of documents by country of
publication
Country
Scopus
WoS
Total
% Total
England
13
18
31
20,4%
United States
8
9
17
11,2%
Netherlands
6
7
13
8,6%
Australia
5
8
13
8,6%
Germany
5
7
12
7,9%
Canada
4
6
10
6,6%
France
4
5
9
5,9%
Spain
3
4
7
4,6%
Switzerland
3
4
7
4,6%
China
2
3
5
3,3%
Italy
2
3
5
3,3%
Wales
2
3
5
3,3%
Scotland
2
2
4
2,6%
Belgium
2
2
4
2,6%
Sweden
2
-
2
1,3%
Denmark
1
1
2
1,3%
Ireland
1
1
2
1,3%
Brazil
1
1
2
1,3%
India
1
-
1
0,7%
Malaysia
1
-
1
0,7%
Source: Prepared by the authors
Fig. 2: Map of scientific production by country
Source: Prepared by the authors
The National Natural Science Foundation and
the Ministry of Education of the People are the
most prominent institutions in relation to hidden
costs in higher education, with values close to 10,
while the American Anthropological Association
and the American Accounting Association are less
Production (%)
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2643
Volume 20, 2023
relevant on the subject (Figure 4). For their part,
the Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 and the
University of Johannesburg are the main funders of
research on this topic, exceeding the value of 7
papers, in contrast to Stanford University and the
State University System of Florida, which have
sponsored less research (Figure 3). These graphs
underscore the influence and role of certain
organizations in the literature on hidden costs in
higher education, and it is crucial to consider these
affiliations when interpreting research in this field.
Fig. 3: Most relevant affiliations
Source: Prepared by the authors
Fig. 4: Documents by funding Sponsor
Source: Prepared by the authors
Table 6 provides a list of academic journals
ranked by their level of activity, as measured in
terms of the number of articles published, their
2022 SJR impact index, and the academic
categories to which they belong. "Global Business
And Organizational Excellence" is the most active
journal with 9 articles published, but it has a
relatively low SJR index of 0.52 in the Business
and International Management category (Q2). In
contrast, "Strategic Management Journal," with 5
articles published, boasts the highest SJR index on
the list, at 8.5, within the same category, but in Q1,
indicating a higher quality or impact in its field.
The other journals vary in their level of activity,
SJR index, and academic categories, including
Education, Accounting, Geography, Planning and
Development, Business Ethics, and Construction,
all in quartile 1 (Q1) except for "Global Business
And Organizational Excellence." This suggests that
while some journals may be more active in terms of
publications, they do not necessarily have a higher
impact in their field.
Table 6. Most active source title
Journal
Articles
SJR
(2022)
Categories
Global Business
And Organizational
Excellence
9
0.52
Business and
International
Management
(Q2)
Strategic
Management
Journal
5
8.5
Business and
International
Management
(Q1)
Educational
Evaluation and
Policy Analysis
3
1.83
Education (Q1)
British Accounting
Review
3
1.28
Accounting (Q1)
Sustainability
3
0.66
Geography,
Planning and
Development
(Q1)
Journal of Business
Ethics
2
2.59
Arts and
Humanities (Q1)
Area
2
0.82
Geography,
Planning and
Development
(Q1)
Higher Education
Quarterly
2
0.77
Education (Q1)
International Journal
Of Sustainability In
Higher Education
2
0.75
Education (Q1)
Energy
1
1.99
Building and
Construction
(Q1)
Source: Prepared by the authors
Bibliometric Map
Figure 5 shows the patterns and relationships
between the keywords most used by researchers in
the set of documents analyzed. It is possible to
observe the frequency with which the keywords are
linked, which are: Economic burden, care, costs,
costs, cost-effectiveness, and health care costs.
These keywords are the most used by researchers to
refer to the topic of hidden costs and their impact
on business management.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Stanford University
State University System of Florida
China Agricultural University
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Toronto
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Universidad de Málaga
University of Illinois System
University of Johannesburg
Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3
0 2 4 6 8 10
American Accounting Association
American Anthropological Association
Baylor University
Boston University
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und…
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
European Regional Development Fund
Tillväxtverket
Ministry of Education of the People's…
National Natural Science Foundation…
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2644
Volume 20, 2023
Fig. 5. WoS keyword concurrence diagram
Source: Own elaboration using WoS data, with the
VOSviewer program.
Figure 6 represents the authorial concurrence
map, which shows the collaboration networks
among the authors who have published on the topic
of hidden costs and higher education. It can be seen
that of the total number of authors only 20 present
collaboration among themselves, and have
collaborated to a greater extent, and represent a
clearly defined cluster within the diagram, the
authors are: Adhikari C, Cerda A, Chattu Vk, Chuc
N, Correia T, Garcia L, Jakovljevic M, Than Hn,
Khatri Rb, Kouassi E, Krstic K, Kumara As, Liu
Ys, Mariita Rm, Osabohien R, Simonyan M, Toan
Tk, Varjacic M, Wang I, Wijeretne T.
Fig. 6: WoS author concurrence diagram
Source: Own elaboration using WoS data, with the
VOSviewer program.
Figure 7 presents the patterns and relationships
between the keywords most used by researchers,
showing the frequency with which, the keywords
are linked, which include terms such as: decision-
making, process, economic sciences, economics,
and social effects. These keywords are the most
used by researchers to refer to the impact of hidden
costs on the economy of companies and industry in
general.
Fig. 7: Keyword concurrence diagram in Scopus
Source: Own elaboration using Scopus data, with the
VOSviewer program.
Figure 8 presents a concurrence map showing
the collaboration networks among the authors. In
this map, it can be seen that out of the total of 98
authors, only 14 are selections that present a
connection with each other, have collaborated to a
greater extent, and represent a clearly defined
cluster within the diagram, the authors are: Dey A,
Ganesham P, Gupta A, Kumar V, Mahanta H, Patel
C, Patel M, Patel R, Sahay N, Sahu B, Shinde C,
Tole P, Verma S, Vivekanandna P.
Fig. 8: Scopus author concurrence diagram
Source: Own elaboration using data from Scopus, with
the VOSviewer program.
Table 7 shows the thematic variety of the main
research, although this work focuses on hidden
costs in higher education, it addresses topics
ranging from educational technology to geopolitics
in higher education. Recent works denote current
issues and the diversity of journals in which they
were published, the articles point to the breadth of
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2645
Volume 20, 2023
academic fields and the variability in the number of
citations denotes their impact on the scientific
community.
Table 7. Top of most cited documents
Authors
Journal
Title
Year
Total
citations
[36]
International journal of
sustainable in higher
education
Barriers to energy efficiency and the uptake
of green revolving funds in Canadian
universities
2015
17
[22]
Learning, media, and
technology
The hidden costs of connectivity: nature and
effects of scholars’ online harassment
2021
15
[37]
Research in higher
education
The assumed benefits and hidden costs of
adult learners' college enrollment
2015
8
[38]
Area
Cosmopolitans sidestep: university life,
intimate geopolitics, and the hidden costs of
“global” citizenship
2019
8
[8]
Educational evaluation and
policy analysis
The hidden costs of corroboration:
estimating the effects of financial aid
verification on college enrollment
2021
6
[39]
Sustainability (Switzerland)
Problem-focused coping strategies,
workplace bullying, and sustainability of
heis
2020
4
[40]
PLOS ONE
A clinical trial to evaluate the dayzz
smartphone app on employee sleep, health,
and productivity at a large US employer
2022
3
[41]
2020 IFEES World
Engineering Education
Forum - Global Engineering
Deans Council, WEEF-
GEDC 2020
Ethics in Engineering Education 4.0
2020
2
[42]
Community College Journal
of Research and Practice
Inclusive access: a multi-institutional study
of academic outcomes from a statewide
community college automatic billing e-
textbook pilot
2023
2
Source: Prepared by the authors
The papers show an empirical focus on
outcomes and focus on quantitative evaluation, e.g.,
financial aid in college enrollment, effectiveness of
mobile apps, and employee productivity. This
research addresses the financial side of higher
education institutions, as well as that of students,
highlighting the interest in understanding and
quantifying the practical outcomes of interventions
and strategies. Thus, the diversity of approaches
and disciplines in the field of higher education is
evident, as well as the relevance of understanding
and solving current problems.
4 Discussion
Hidden costs acquire substantial relevance within
higher education institutions, given their nature of
not being easily visible or identifiable to the naked
eye, which has a direct impact on their operation
and effectiveness, [43]. According to, [44], in this
context, hidden costs can manifest themselves with
both direct and indirect effects generated by
elements such as occupational accidents, affecting
both students and the institution itself. Similarly,
[1], raises the possibility that these hidden costs are
also present in educational institutions, where the
lack of conflict resolution and the lack of a
professionalized administration impact the quality
of teaching and operational efficiency, at all stages
from implementation to the provision of final
services, [45]. It is also important to consider, [41],
assertions that hidden costs can also result from
underinvestment in fundamental public services
such as education and health, essential elements for
the well-being of society.
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2646
Volume 20, 2023
In this study, several aspects have been
examined, related to hidden costs that are often not
visible at first glance and have important
implications in educational management, [46].
Jointly, hidden costs have been identified in areas
such as investment in student welfare, costs derived
from untapped opportunities, and educational
resource management costs, [47]. As well as costs
linked to inefficient use of resources, costs
associated with student training and support
programs, and costs related to campus safety, [48].
Each of these components demonstrates how
hidden costs impact the quality and efficiency of
higher education, highlighting the importance of
addressing them effectively.
It is essential that higher education institutions
can identify and effectively manage these hidden
costs to optimize their profitability and long-term
sustainability, [49]. In this context, reducing costs
linked to quality becomes relevant by
implementing robust quality control systems and
fostering continuous improvement of educational
processes, [50]. Costs related to inventory
management can be decreased by adopting
effective educational resource management systems
and optimizing educational logistics, [51].
In the context of higher education, hidden costs
can also generate social and environmental
impacts, [52]. For example, costs associated with
safety can be directly related to accidents in the
academic environment and injuries that affect the
health and well-being of students and staff, [53]. In
a similar area, the costs allocated to training and
skills development of teachers and administrative
staff can positively influence job satisfaction and
the efficiency of the work performed, thus
improving the overall quality of the education
offered, [54].
Hidden costs are a concern that encompasses a
variety of areas, including higher education and the
social and economic sphere in general. Ruiz and
others, [55], scholars agree that resource planning
is essential in the management of higher education
institutions, as it enables the organization and
control of resources, as well as the evaluation of
costs. Each of these authors adopts a unique
perspective when examining different aspects, in
the same way, [56], highlight hidden costs linked to
social emergencies, highlighting examples such as
the decline of human capital in educational
institutions, emphasize how hidden costs can
transcend educational boundaries and manifest
themselves in social dimensions in a significant
way.
Due to the continued relevance of this challenge
in the field of educational education, researchers
have also put forward strategies to address these
hidden costs, as, [57], expose, these authors
emphasize the need to implement effective quality
controls and to have trained personnel, proposing
the creation of performance indicators, conducting
audits, and promoting communication and
teamwork. Contrasting this perspective, De Souza
and others, [58], argue that factors contributing to
the occurrence of hidden costs include lack of
planning, insufficient staff training, lack of quality
control, and omission of preventive maintenance of
equipment. At the same time, it the important to
identify and measure these costs in the educational
setting to implement measures that reduce them
and, therefore, improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of institutions. Likewise, [56],
considers that cost reduction in general is a
fundamental strategy to improve the finances of
educational institutions, proposing techniques such
as optimizing the use of resources, reducing supply
costs, improving teaching processes, and
minimizing financing costs as ways to achieve this.
5 Conclusions
It is necessary to deepen and broaden the research
on hidden costs in the context of higher education,
to strengthen academic institutions in the
identification and optimal management of their
resources. This field of research encompasses
topics ranging from financial management, human
resource management, supply chain logistics, and
risk management. In this sense, this area is not only
intended to enrich the understanding of hidden
costs in the higher education environment but also
promises to unveil novel practices and approaches
that will generate improvements in the
effectiveness of hidden cost detection and
management.
The growth in scientific production is evident,
such growth translates into a significant increase in
the number of publications and citations, and this
increase shows the relevance and interest of
researchers in hidden costs. Through rigorous
bibliometric analysis, it is suggested that the most
advanced and promising areas of research are those
that focus on the identification, quantification, and
mitigation of hidden costs. In the same sense, the
management of these costs is established as a
primary principle, to foster the progress of
educational institutions and enhance their capacity
to provide an excellent educational service.
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2647
Volume 20, 2023
In the Scopus and WoS databases, a relevant
number of papers and research related to hidden
costs in higher education are highlighted. This
highlights the commitment of academics and
experts to study this topic. There is a concentration
of European authors, which indicates a particular
emphasis on this geographic region. Likewise, an
active interaction among researchers is identified,
which allows for the exchange of ideas and the
socialization of their findings. This research
promises to enrich both knowledge and financial
practices, fostering a more robust and competitive
academic environment, which is an advantage for
the academic community and educational
management.
References:
[1] P. P. Datta, “Hidden costs in different stages
of advanced services A multi-actor
perspective of performance based
contracts,” J Bus Res, vol. 121, pp. 667–
685, 2020, doi:
10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.03.036.
[2] M. Porporato and J. Tiepermann Recalde,
“Activity-Based Costing (ABC): Applying a
Tool for Strategic Management in Service
Companies,” (Costos Basados en las
Actividades (ABC): aplicando una
herramienta para la gestión estratégica en
empresas de servicios), Cuadernos
Latinoamericanos de Administración, vol.
17, no. 32, Jul. 2021, doi:
10.18270/cuaderlam.v17i32.3448.
[3] H. Ogutu, G. F. Adol, Z. Bujdosó, B.
Andrea, M. Fekete-Farkas, and L. D. Dávid,
“Theoretical Nexus of Knowledge
Management and Tourism Business
Enterprise Competitiveness: An Integrated
Overview,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 3.
2023. doi: 10.3390/su15031948.
[4] P. Morano, F. Tajani, F. Di Liddo, M.
Locurcio, and D. Anelli, “An Econometric
Model for the Analysis of the Influence of
the Refurbishment Costs on Housing
Prices,” WSEAS Transactions on Business
and Economics, vol. 19, pp. 414–420, 2022,
doi: 10.37394/23207.2022.19.37.
[5] M. Silva, L. Corrêa, and A. Ruas, “Project
Management in Civil Construction: Time,
Cost and Quality,” (Gerenciamento de
projetos na construção civil: tempo, custo e
qualidade project management in civil
construction: time, cost and quality), Revista
CONSTRUINDO, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1–20,
2018, [Online].
http://www.fumec.br/revistas/construindo/in
dexAceitoem21/12/20181 (Accessed Date:
November 15, 2023).
[6] J. Souza, M. Silva, E. Ramos, W. Porto, and
I. Souza, Analysis of Hidden Costs in the
Production of Mozzarella Cheese in a
Cooperative in the Southern Cone of
Rondônia,” (Análise dos custos ocultos na
produção de queijo muçarela em uma
cooperativa no cone sul de Rondônia),
Contaduría Universidad de Antioquia, vol.
74, pp. 81–101, 2019, doi:
10.17533/udea.rc.n74a04.
[7] M. M. Larsen, S. Manning, and T. Pedersen,
“Uncovering the hidden costs of offshoring:
The interplay of complexity, organizational
design, and experience,” Strategic
Management Journal, vol. 34, no. 5, pp.
533–552, May 2013, doi: 10.1002/smj.2023.
[8] J. C. Lee, M. Dell, M. S. González Canché,
A. Monday, and A. Klafehn, “The Hidden
Costs of Corroboration: Estimating the
Effects of Financial Aid Verification on
College Enrollment,” Educ Eval Policy
Anal, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 233–252, 2021, doi:
10.3102/0162373721989304.
[9] A. Araújo Fernandes and A. A. Cunha
Callado, “ERP System and Hidden Cost in
the Civil Construction Sector,” Nexo
Revista Científica, vol. 35, no. 03, pp. 813
828, Sep. 2022, doi:
10.5377/nexo.v35i03.15010.
[10] C. C. Laguna Sánchez, A. Sánchez
Arencibia, and J. A. Laguna Cruz,
“Procedure for the Accounting of
Environmental Costs in Companies Making
Investments in the Construction Sector,”
(Procedimiento para la contabilización de
costos medioambientales en las empresas
que realizan inversiones en el sector de la
construcción), Cuadernos de Contabilidad,
vol. 22, pp. 1–22, Aug. 2021, doi:
10.11144/javeriana.cc22.pccm.
[11] D. Bonilla, R. Macero, and E. Mora, “The
Importance of Training in the Performance
of Administrative Staff at the Technical
University of Ambato,” (La importancia de
la capacitación en el rendimiento del
personal administrativo de la Universidad
Técnica de Ambato), Revista pedagógica da
la Universidad de Cienfuegos, vol. 14, no.
63, pp. 269–273, 2018, [Online].
http://conrado.ucf.edu.cu/index.php/conrado
(Accessed Date: November 15, 2023).
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2648
Volume 20, 2023
[12] J. J. Guamán-Paredes, V. P. Moreno-
Narváez, and J. F. Díaz-Córdova, “Analysis
of the Hidden Costs of Public Higher
Education,” (Análisis de los costos ocultos
de la educación superior pública), Revista
Arbitrada Interdisciplinaria Koinonía, vol.
5, no. 4, p. 65, Sep. 2020, doi:
10.35381/r.k.v5i4.947.
[13] M. I. da C. Santos, P. A. M. Leite Filho, and
M. L. da C. Santos, “Analysis of
Absenteeism as a Type of Hidden Cost in a
Public Education Institution,” (Análise do
Absenteísmo enquanto um tipo de Custo
Oculto em uma Instituição de Ensino
Pública), REUNIR Revista de
Administração Contabilidade e
Sustentabilidade, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 57–65,
Apr. 2020, doi: 10.18696/reunir.v10i2.939.
[14] L. C. Sorensen and H. F. Ladd, “The
Hidden Costs of Teacher Turnover,” AERA
Open, vol. 6, no. 1, p. 233285842090581,
Jan. 2020, doi:
10.1177/2332858420905812.
[15] A. Guarín, C. Medina, and C. Posso,
“Quality, Coverage, and Hidden Costs of
Public and Private Secondary Education in
Colombia,” (Calidad, cobertura y costo
ocultos de la educación secundaria pública y
privada en Colombia), Desarro Soc, no. 81,
pp. 61–114, Aug. 2018, doi:
10.13043/DYS.81.2.
[16] C. Mejía and C. Higuita, “Cost-to-Serve as
a Strategic Decision Variable in Designing
Strategies for Service to Emerging Market
Channels,” (Costo de servir como variable
de decisión estratégica en el diseño de
estrategias de atención a canales de
mercados emergentes), Estudios
Gerenciales, vol. 31, no. 134, pp. 50–61,
2015, doi: 10.1016/j.estger.2014.08.006.
[17] J. Bokrantz, M. Subramaniyan, and A.
Skoogh, “Realising the promises of artificial
intelligence in manufacturing by enhancing
CRISP-DM,” Production Planning and
Control, 2023, doi:
10.1080/09537287.2023.2234882.
[18] A. Negrón, G. Gemar, and M. Noda,
“Identification of Hidden Costs Related to
the Management of Labor Competencies,”
(Identificación de costos ocultos
relacionados con la gestión de competencias
laborales), Ciencias Holguín , vol. 26, no. 1,
pp. 15–26, 2020, [Online].
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2900-3489
(Accessed Date: November 15, 2023).
[19] J. D. Arias Suárez and V. Cano Mejía,
“Management Accounting and Power
Regimes: Literature Review and Critical
Reflection on the Euphemisms of Cost
Systems in Organizations,” (Contabilidad de
gestión y regímenes de poder: revisión de la
literatura y reflexión crítica sobre los
eufemismos de los sistemas de costos en las
organizaciones), Innovar, vol. 31, no. 82,
pp. 45–64, 2021, doi:
10.15446/innovar.v31n82.98427.
[20] J. Diaz, S. Suarez, R. Santiago, and E.
Bizarro, “Workplace Accidents in Peru:
Analysis of Reality Based on Statistical
Data,” (Accidentes laborales en el Perú:
Análisis de la realidad a partir de datos
estadísticos), Revista Venezolana de
Gerencia , vol. 25, no. 89, pp. 312–324,
2020, [Online].
https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?
(Accessed Date: November 15, 2023).
[21] M. P. Llanos Encalada and C. A. Caicedo
Torres, “Consequences of Psychosocial
Risks on the Performance of Workers in a
Port Terminal in Guayaquil,”
(Consecuencias de los riesgos psicosociales
en el desempeño de los trabajadores de una
terminal Portuaria en Guayaquil), ECA
Sinergia, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 35–57, Jan.
2022, doi:
10.33936/eca_sinergia.v13i1.3315.
[22] C. Gosse et al., “The hidden costs of
connectivity: nature and effects of scholars’
online harassment,” Learn Media Technol,
vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 264–280, 2021, doi:
10.1080/17439884.2021.1878218.
[23] M. M. Sosa Castro and R. Arriaga
Navarrete, “Indebtedness and stock returns
on the Mexican Stock Exchange (2017-
2021),” (Endeudamiento y rendimiento
accionario en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
(2017-2021)), Análisis Económico, vol. 38,
no. 97, pp. 111–128, Jan. 2023, doi:
10.24275/uam/azc/dcsh/ae/2022v38n97/Sos
a.
[24] C. Valencia González and C. A. Pinzón
Muñoz, “Colombian Companies Boosting
International Trade in the Pacific Alliance,”
Revista Científica Pensamiento y Gestión,
no. 51, pp. 94–112, Oct. 2021, doi:
10.14482/pege.50.658.155.
[25] L. Vega De La Cruz, M. Pérez, and A.
Nieves, “Procedure for assessing the level
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2649
Volume 20, 2023
of maturity and efficiency of internal
control,” (Procedimiento para evaluar el
nivel de madurez y eficiencia del control
interno), Revista Científica “Visión de
Futuro,” vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 212–230, 2017,
[Online].
http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=3579
55446006 (Accessed Date: May 28, 2023).
[26] J. A. Tapia-Alba and C. Chiatchoua,
“Analysis of the relationship between
entrepreneurial activity and economic
inequality,” (Análisis de la relación entre
actividad empresarial y desigualdad
económica), Revista CEA, vol. 7, no. 14, pp.
1–26, May 2021, doi:
10.22430/24223182.1597.
[27] M. M. Benin, S. de Moura Lisboa, M. A. de
Souza, and D. Gomes Machado, Hidden
Costs: A Study of the Characteristics of
Publications in National Accounting
Journals,” (Custos Ocultos: Um Estudo das
Características das Publicações em
Periódicos Nacionais de Contabilidade),
Contabilidade, Gestão e Governança, vol.
19, no. 2, pp. 274–291, Aug. 2016, doi:
10.21714/1984-3925_2016v19n2a6.
[28] R. A. Gómez Montoya, J. A. Cano Arenas,
and E. Montoya Bernal, ABC costing
method with Monte Carlo simulation in
supply chain logistics in industry 4.0,”
(Método costeo ABC con simulación de
Monte Carlo en la logística en la cadena de
suministro en la industria 4.0), Cuadernos
de Contabilidad, vol. 21, pp. 1–15, May
2020, doi: 10.11144/javeriana.cc21.mcas.
[29] Sriyono, S. P. Nugroho, A. Soeprapto, and
A. Sirait, “Strategic management
accounting techniques for strategic costing
in village-owned enterprises,” International
Journal of Professional Business Review,
vol. 7, no. 6, 2022, doi:
10.26668/businessreview/2022.v7i6.810.
[30] M. A. Kredo Tengtarto, M. Laksono
Singgih, and N. Siswanto, “Cost
optimization in disruption conditions: a case
study in small medium enterprise,” Journal
of Profess. Bus. Review. |Miami, vol. 8, no.
5, pp. 1–16, 2023, doi:
10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i5.1474.
[31] M. Dubyna, O. Popelo, N. Kholiavko, A.
Zhavoronok, M. Fedyshyn, and I.
Yakushko, “Mapping the Literature on
Financial Behavior: a Bibliometric Analysis
Using the VOSviewer Program,” WSEAS
Transactions on Business and Economics,
vol. 19, pp. 231–246, 2022, doi:
10.37394/23207.2022.19.22.
[32] R. Sinchigalo Martínez, L. Morales
Carrasco, and A. Argothy Almeida,
“Research trends in Development
Economics. A bibliometric analysis,”
(Tendencias de investigación en Economía
del Desarrollo. Un análisis bibliométrico),
Journal of sciencie and research, vol. 8, no.
3, pp. 142–159, 2023, doi:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8115470.
[33] N. E. Sudakova, T. N. Savina, A. R.
Masalimova, M. N. Mikhaylovsky, L. G.
Karandeeva, and S. P. Zhdanov, “Online
Formative Assessment in Higher Education:
Bibliometric Analysis,” Education Sciences,
vol. 12, no. 3. MDPI, Mar. 01, 2022. doi:
10.3390/educsci12030209.
[34] U. A. Bukar, M. S. Sayeed, S. F. A. Razak,
S. Yogarayan, O. A. Amodu, and R. A. R.
Mahmood, “A method for analyzing text
using VOSviewer,” MethodsX, vol. 11, Dec.
2023, doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102339.
[35] I. Zupic and T. Čater, “Bibliometric
Methods in Management and Organization,”
Organ Res Methods, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 429–
472, Jul. 2015, doi:
10.1177/1094428114562629.
[36] J. Maiorano and B. Savan, “Barriers to
energy efficiency and the uptake of green
revolving funds in Canadian universities,
International Journal Of Sustainability In
Higher Education, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 200–
216, 2015, doi: 10.1108/IJSHE-07-2012-
0062 WE - Social Science Citation Index
(SSCI).
[37] K. N. Kim and R. M. Baker, “The Assumed
Benefits and Hidden Costs of Adult
Learners’ College Enrollment,” Res High
Educ, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 510–533, 2015,
doi: 10.1007/s11162-014-9351-x WE -
Social Science Citation Index (SSCI).
[38] M. Dimpfl and S. Smith, “Cosmopolitan
sidestep: University life, intimate
geopolitics and the hidden costs of ‘Global’
citizenship,” Area, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 635–
643, 2019, doi: 10.1111/area.12497.
[39] A. Muazzam, A. Anjum, and A. Visvizi,
“Problem-focused coping strategies,
workplace bullying, and sustainability of
heis,” Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 12,
no. 24, pp. 1–13, 2020, doi:
10.3390/su122410565.
[40] R. Robbins et al., “A clinical trial to
evaluate the dayzz smartphone app on
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2650
Volume 20, 2023
employee sleep, health, and productivity at
a large US employer,” PLoS One, vol. 17,
no. 1 January, 2022, doi:
10.1371/journal.pone.0260828.
[41] B. Swartz, “Ethics in Engineering Education
4.0,” in 2020 IFEES World Engineering
Education Forum - Global Engineering
Deans Council, WEEF-GEDC 2020, Cape
Peninsula University of Technolgy, Cape
Town, South Africa: Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2020. doi:
10.1109/WEEF-
GEDC49885.2020.9293643.
[42] E. Spica, “Inclusive Access: A Multi-
institutional Study of Academic Outcomes
from A Statewide Community College
Automatic Billing eTextbook Pilot,”
Community Coll J Res Pract, vol. 47, no. 3,
pp. 197–216, 2023, doi:
10.1080/10668926.2021.1990161.
[43] O. R. Molina De Paredes, “Profitability of
agricultural production from the perspective
of real costs,” (Rentabilidad de la
producción agrícola desde la perspectiva de
los costos reales), Visión Gerencial , vol.
16, no. 2, pp. 217–232, 2017, [Online].
https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=465
552407013 (Accessed Date: May 28, 2023).
[44] K. Acevedo and M. Yánez, Occupational
Accident Costs: Cartagena-Colombia, 2009-
2012,” (Costos De Los Accidentes
Laborales: Cartagena-Colombia, 2009-
2012), Ciencias Psicológicas, vol. 10, no. 1,
pp. 31–41, 2016, [Online].
http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=4595
45834004 (Accessed Date: November 15,
2023).
[45] C. Duarte, “Offshore: Exploring the worlds
of global outsourcing,” Cuad CENDES, vol.
33, no. 93, pp. 131–136, 2016, [Online].
http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=4035
2382009 (Accessed Date: May 28, 2023).
[46] R. C. Gómez and E. Negrin-Sosa,
“Evaluation of storage logistics costs in
oilfield service entities,” (Evaluación de los
costos logísticos de almacenamiento en
entidades de servicios petroleros), Ciencias
Holguín, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 40–50, 2018,
[Online].
https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?
(Accessed Date: November 15, 2023).
[47] C. Mejía, O. C. Soto, H. M. Gámez, and J.
P. Moreno, Packaging size analysis in the
value chain to minimize logistics costs: a
case study in Colombia,” (Análisis del
tamaño de empaque en la cadena de valor
para minimizar costos logísticos: un caso de
estudio en Colombia), Estudios
Gerenciales, vol. 31, no. 134, pp. 111–121,
2015, doi: 10.1016/j.estger.2014.06.009.
[48] Y. K. Wan, R. T. L. Ng, D. K. S. Ng, and R.
R. Tan, “Material flow cost accounting
(MFCA)-based approach for prioritisation
of waste recovery,” J Clean Prod, vol. 107,
pp. 602–614, 2015, doi:
10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.05.024 WE -
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-
EXPANDED).
[49] S. Boria-Reverter, A. García-Gonzalez, E.
Vizuete-Luciano, A. M. Gil-Lafuente, and
M. Crespi-Vallbona, “The costs of corporate
social responsibility in the environmental
field,” (Los costes de la responsabilidad
social corporativa en el campo
medioambiental), Intangible Capital, vol. 9,
no. 2, pp. 459–476, 2013, doi:
10.3926/ic.457.
[50] V. H. Cely-Niño, H. Cifuentes-Aya, and G.
C. Torre-Marín, “Rational efficiency in
agro-industrial process with cold chain:
Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic
measurement,” Revista Facultad de
Ingeniería, vol. 27, no. 47, pp. 39–49, Jan.
2018, doi:
10.19053/01211129.v27.n47.2018.7750.
[51] G. E. Miño, J. C. Moyano Alulema, and A.
N. García Flores, “Kaizen in the jean gemba
for micro textile companies in Pelileo city,”
(Kaizen en el gemba de jean para
microempresas textiles cantón Pelileo), ECA
Sinergia, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 85, Jul. 2017, doi:
10.33936/eca_sinergia.v8i1.787.
[52] N. Gaus, A. Saleh, R. Resnawaty, M. A.
Paramma, and Y. Tanjung, “Trading-off
monetary rewards as reinforcers to enhance
task motivation and performance of
publication in academia,” Higher Education
Quarterly, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 800–814,
2022, doi: 10.1111/hequ.12350.
[53] M. Cortés, E. Gragera, and Á. Rodríguez,
“Identification of intangibles generated by
investments in occupational risk prevention
and their perception in SMEs: Implications
in the service sector and servitization,”
(Identificación de los intangibles generados
por las inversiones en prevención de riesgos
laborales y su percepción en las pyme:
Implicaciones en el sector servicios y en la
servitización), Intangible Capital, vol. 10,
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2651
Volume 20, 2023
no. 2, pp. 342–375, 2014, doi:
10.3926/ic.501.
[54] R. Esquivel-García and M. Delgado-
Fernández, “Procedure to register the costs
of the training of leaders in Cuba Procedure
to register the costs of the training of leaders
in Cuba,” (Procedimiento para registrar los
costos de la capacitación de dirigentes en
Cuba Procedure to register the costs of the
training of leaders in Cuba), Ingeniería
Industrial , vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 267–279,
2013, [Online].
http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=3604
33595004 (Accessed Date: May 28, 2023).
[55] M. Ruiz, A. Bodes, and D. Dominics,
“Methodology of socioeconomic
intervention: an experience in the Cuban
enterprise,” (Metodología de intervención
socioeconómica: una experiencia en la
empresa cubana), Economía y Desarrollo ,
vol. 157, no. 2, pp. 77–90, 2016, [Online].
http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=4255
48450006 (Accessed Date: May 28, 2023).
[56] I. Nappi and H. Eddial, “Real cost of flex-
offices: discourse and reality,” Journal of
Corporate Real Estate, vol. 23, no. 4, pp.
225–242, 2021, doi: 10.1108/JCRE-02-
2020-0006.
[57] J. F. Parra-Acosta and Y. C. Peña-González,
“The theory of hidden costs and
performance: a theoretical approach,” (La
teoría de los costos desempeños ocultos: una
aproximación teórica), Cuadernos de
Contabilidad, vol. 15, no. 39, pp. 725–743,
Dec. 2014, doi: 10.11144/javeriana.cc15-
39.tcdo.
[58] M. A. De Souza, J. R. Alberton, L. H.
Figueria, and R. Pereira, Factors
Determining the Occurrence of Hidden
Costs: A Study in a Rice Agro-Industrial
Cooperative in Rio Grande do Sul,” (Fatores
Determinantes De Ocorrência De Custos
Ocultos: Estudo Em Uma Cooperativa
Agroindustrial De Arroz Do Rio Grande Do
Sul), Revista Universo Contábil, vol. 9, no.
1, pp. 06–27, Mar. 2013, doi:
10.4270/ruc.2013101.
Contribution of Individual Authors to the
Creation of a Scientific Article (Ghostwriting
Policy)
The authors equally contributed to the present
research, at all stages from the formulation of the
problem to the final findings and solution.
Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a
Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself
No funding was received for conducting this study.
Conflict of Interest
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare
that are relevant to the content of this article.
Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(Attribution 4.0 International, CC BY 4.0)
This article is published under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.e
n_US
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS
DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.225
Andrea Ramírez, Edison Calderón,
Norberto Morales, Rosa Burgos, Raúl Ramírez
E-ISSN: 2224-2899
2652
Volume 20, 2023