Model for the Strategic Governance of the Integrated and Sustainable Local Development of the Portoviejo Canton in the Province of Manabí, Ecuador
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The research tries t develop a strategy proposal to achieve integrated local development that contributes decisively to the improvement in the economic, social, and environmental situ-ation of the territory in the Portoviejo canton. Various definitions related to strategies and the analysis of various models exposed by different schools of strategic thought are offered for the establishment of the relationship between the models and planning and territorial ordering.
The authors address an important topic on sustainable urban and rural development, and also try to construct a novel approach to access the planning and territorial ordering in areas such as Portoviejo canton. However, I have several concerns on the method and theoretical contribution of the paper as below, for the authors' and Editor's consideration.
1. The author try to bridge many research streams and wants to build a wholly new framework, yet their new framework does not jump out of the current thoughts on sustainable and inclusive development that the author cites in the paper. They should speak to the current research in the discussion section to improve their novelty and theoretical contributions.
2. The logic among indicators and models that the authors connect and integrate need to be future improved, not only based on their field work, but also need to draw from the literature they mentioned in the literature section.
3. I would strongly suggest the authors apply the framework they proposed into at least one of the local topic to test and verify that this so-called new strategic management framework has the potential to solve local sustainable development issues and have real impact, instead just be valued by experts.
4. The author may want to discuss whether the conclusions they obtained in Portoviejo canton area could be generalized to other context or economies. If not, they should consider submitting to other journals that focus more on the local context.
I wish the manuscript went well.
The authors may want to use professional language editing to improve the overall quality of the paper.
Author Response
The authors of the article want to thank the referee for the work, contributions and recommendations, which are welcome to improve the content of the work.
Please see attachment for responses to the referee.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
This is an interesting article devoted to the extremely important issue of strategic governance of local development. Its greatest value is the theoretical part, as well as the empirical descriptive and qualitative parts. The idea of quantitative research raises my doubts. I consider them relatively insignificant and carried out with a large dose of discretionary, quantified assessments. However, if the editors consider it valuable enough, the article may be published. At the same time, I recommend using the word governance instead of management, which better expresses the idea of governing development on a local scale.
Author Response
Answer.
The authors of the article want to thank the referee for the work, contributions and recommendations, which are welcome to improve the content of the work.
Point 1: This is an interesting article dedicated to the extremely important question of the strategic governance of local development. Its greatest value is the theoretical part, as well as the descriptive and qualitative empirical part. The idea of ​​quantitative research raises my doubts. I consider them relatively insignificant and carried out with a large dose of discretionary and quantified evaluations. However, if the editors find it valuable enough, the article may be published. At the same time, I recommend using the word governance instead of management, which better expresses the idea of ​​governing development at the local level.
Response 1: The excess of discretionary and quantified evaluations that contribute little to the objective of the article was reduced. The word management was replaced by that of governance, which allowed enriching the conceptual idea of the model that is proposed.
Once the necessary corrections were made in correspondence with their indications, the article was reduced to 30 pages and 121 bibliographical references.
Based on the indications and recommendations made by the arbitrators, the article was reworked and its length was reduced.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper deals with an interesting topic regarding strategic management in the context of sustainable development - from the theoretical point of view. The authors have made great efforts to prepare the paper. However, there are some issues that require improvement.
The method and material section must be separated from the results section, in their present form they are somewhat mixed. The Method section needs to be improved, and more clearly described – the aim of this section is to precisely present the research tool, and sequential steps in the analysis.
The diagram on Figure 2 is overall – suitable for many research but it will be helpful for readers to have a diagram of the research methodology presented and described in this paper
The research problem and purpose of the study must be corrected. The objective of the research given on page 3 has not been achieved, no strategy proposal for the Portoviejo canton has been identified - a theoretical model has been developed.
It is not clear which indicator 1-9 means what? How are these indicators included in the model in Figure 6?
In the research results and methodology, there is no link to the Proviejo canton. What connections are between the selected region and research assumptions – if it is a theoretical model, is it suitable only for this region? Why? If it's a theoretical model then it's not necessarily related to a specific region? There is a lack of such justification in the work.
In the Introduction - it is superfluous to give such a broad definition of "strategy".
Other remarks:
Lines 52-59 – lack of references in the text, names are indicated without giving the exact references
I suggest changing all fragments: “ the authors of [15] conclude..” by giving the names of these authors, so Cardona and Cecilia [15] conclude…. etc..(line 72, 77,114, 119…..)
Line 354: Source: The authors of this article change for: own elaboration
References are in bad format
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 3 Comments
Answer.
The authors of the article want to thank the referee for the work, contributions and recommendations, which are welcome to improve the content of the work.
Point 1: The method and material section should be separate from the results section; in their current form they are somewhat mixed up. The Method section needs to be improved and described more clearly; the goal of this section is to accurately present the research tool and the sequential steps of the analysis.
Response 1: Regarding the methodology and the materials used, its content was improved and was as follows:
- Materials and Methods
2.1. Applied methodology
A complex methodological framework was used that started from the application of theoretical and empirical methods that allowed for processing the results obtained, their systematization, analysis, and explanation, and the discovery of common elements, which made it possible to arrive at precise conclusions that allowed for answers to the research problem [103].
As theoretical methods, the deductive paradigm was used, which revealed the essential relationships of the research object and allowed for the examination of the problem, the consultation of the theories related to territorial planning, and the design of the research hypothesis, as well as the general and specific objectives, to arrive at precise conclusions about the subject under study among the empirical methods we used.
The observation that allowed an approach to the research problem and its possible solution and the measurement of the results of the analysis of the data obtained from the evaluation of the experts were part of the empirical methods. Direct observation allowed determining the praxis developed by the social actors involved in the development process of the proposed model.
This was nonexperimental, essentially descriptive, and qualitative research that included both office and field work.
The research had a systemic character that allowed for gathering and measuring information from different sources to achieve a complete and precise idea of the subject studied. The collection of information, the ordering and processing of the data, and the analysis and synthesis of the information on the object of study made it possible to base the comparison and interpretation of the results. The application of statistical methods in the processing of information contributed to the solidity of the investigation.
Triangulation was used to obtain the existing regularities in the information obtained and verify the virtues and deficiencies of the comprehensive sustainable development model in the interest of reducing the possibility of errors when comparing data and information from different sources [104].
To give a higher level of scientific rigor, expert criteria were applied to validate the proposal. The experts issued their opinions on the model in question, and the random magnitudes that were valued by the statistical methods were considered. Among the advantages of the application of the procedure is that it does not require consensus, and the validation through the criteria expressed by the experts is valuable when there is no historical data, or when those that do exist are inaccurate, especially when trying to anticipate the structuring of a new procedure. It is also advantageous when the research has a theory with the purpose of evaluating the quality and effectiveness of a model, such as the one proposed as a result of this research.
The application of logical and statistical procedures allowed for decision making with a higher degree of reliability. The procedures included the elaboration of the objective, the selection of the experts, the choice of the methodology, and its execution.
Point 2: - The diagram in Figure 2 is general: suitable for many investigations, but it will be useful for readers to have a diagram of the research methodology presented and described in this document.
Response 2: In the new version of the article, figure 1 (previously figure 2) is presented, which shows the research methodology diagram, and its content is clearly developed.
Figure 1. Diagram of the research methodology.
Source: own elaboration.
The research work begins with the conception of the research idea, which allowed an approach to examine the reality presented by the planning process to achieve integrated local development and improve the economic, social and environmental situation related to territorial development.
The analysis carried out during the conception of the research idea, allowed us to appreciate that the territorial planning process does not respond in practice to a strategic vision of development, with an idea of ​​centralized governance, not very inclusive and with a lack of integrity, with the layout short-term goals that do not guarantee compliance with sustainable development indicators. Which allowed the formulation of the research problem.
After identifying the research problem, the examination of the general theories referred to by the schools of thought and linked to the process of strategic governance of territorial planning was carried out, which allowed us to investigate concepts and processes that make it possible to enrich the knowledge related to the identified problem and the possible solutions that allow proposing a model for the strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development.
The conception of the study design constitutes the basis of the quality of the research, since it is the moment where the methodological design and the strategy to respond to the problem posed are established. The objectives are determined and the hypothesis, the methods, techniques and instruments to be used are established, as well as what is related to data collection and its treatment for analysis.
After the study design is conceived, we proceed to the analysis of the population and determination of the research sample and the way to access it.
The collection and analysis of data for the study is carried out, to know the behaviour of the territorial development plans prepared and their behaviour, to define the most effective sources that can provide information. Among them, the interviews with specialists related to the subject, the forms for the evaluation by the experts and the observation guide that will allow the in-depth examination of the information required for the investigation.
The interpretation and analysis of the results is the final part that allows reaching the conclusions of the investigation. All the information obtained is defined and processed and presented in an orderly and comprehensible manner through a clear, synthetic description, illustrated with tables and figures that make the results understandable and that allow precise conclusions to be reached. The contributions of the research and its versatility for future projects are analysed.
The analysis and discussion of the results allows arriving at the reasoned conclusions with clear arguments about the investigation, where the fulfilment of the proposed objectives and the verification of the hypothesis are verified. The most relevant theoretical contributions and the possibilities of replicating the results in future research are exposed.
The preparation of the report and its publication constitute the hallmark of the investigation. The writing must be clear, concise and concise, capable of communicating the objectives pursued, how it was carried out, what are the main results and what are the main conclusions and recommendations that were reached once the investigation was completed.
The publication of the results constitutes the last step of the investigation and for this reason it is not the least important, since it represents a valuable contribution to the collective construction of knowledge. It constitutes a contribution to the generation of knowledge and encourages other researchers to advance in strategic planning for inclusive and sustainable territorial development.
Point 3: The research problem and the purpose of the study must be corrected. The objective of the research given on page 3 has not been achieved, no strategy proposal has been identified for the Portoviejo canton – a theoretical model has been developed.
Response 3: The research problem was modified and worded as follows:
How can you achieve the improvement of strategic planning that allows integrated local development and improves the economic, social and environmental situation related to territorial development in the Portoviejo canton?
The objective of the investigation was modified and was written as follows:
Propose a model for the strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton in the province of Manabí, Ecuador.
To improve the sequential idea of ​​the article, the figure related to the governance model, strategic management of integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton was changed in order. The figure was located in section 3.1, figure 3, as part of the research results.
Point 4: - Not clear which indicator 1-9 means what? How are these indicators included in the model in Figure 6?
Response 4: The description of the indicators is reflected in section 2.4.2.
The indicators are used as elements of appreciation that were used by the experts for the evaluation of the model for the strategic governance of the integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton. In other words, the indicators constitute conditions that were used to evaluate the relevance of the model and are not an integral part of it.
The components of the model as such are described and explained from the structural figure of the model that is reflected in section 3.1. figure 3.
Point 5: - In the results and methodology of the investigation there is no link with the Proviejo canton. What connections exist between the selected region and the research assumptions? If it is a theoretical model, is it suitable only for this region? Because? If it's a theoretical model, isn't it necessarily related to a specific region? There is no such justification in the work.
Response 5: Se reorganizó el contenido de la metodología, resaltando el vínculo que tiene el cantón Portoviejo con la muestra de investigación y los resultados del trabajo.
Point 6: - In the Introduction it is superfluous to give such a broad definition of "strategy".
Response 6: The content of the introduction was synthesized. Especially what is related to the conceptual part and the definition of the word strategy, however the authors request that the following be considered:
The article aims to propose a model for the strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, for which a critical examination related to the definition of strategy and strategic planning is useful. Based on the various postulates that are raised by the different schools of contemporary strategic thought and their repercussions for the construction of models linked to strategic governance, in light of the needs to support the level of decisions in any branch of production, services and in the application of science, technology and innovation, to guarantee the viability of the objectives to be achieved for the construction of territories and localities that are sustainable.
Other observations:
Point 7: - Lines 52-59 – missing references in the text, the names are indicated without giving the exact references.
I suggest changing all the fragments: “the authors of [15] conclude…” giving the names of these authors, so Cardona and Cecilia [15] conclude…. etc… (line 72, 77,114, 119…..)
Response 7: The marking related to lines 52-59 was corrected, according to the initial structure of the article. The fragments where the names of the authors were not recorded were corrected.
Point 8: - Line 354: Source: The authors of this article change for: own elaboration
Response 8: Fonts changed as recommended by article reviewer
Point 8: - References are in bad format.
Response 8: Fixed the format of the references
Based on the indications and recommendations made by the arbitrators, the article was reworked and its length was reduced.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
1. Make the introduction "precise" and define the objective and problem clearly. Your problem is too broad to take up for a paper and your objective is not clear. Do you want to that existing (if any) integrated local development model or do you want to come up with new definition of integrated local development? If so, why do you begin with globalization and decentralization?
For a paper, I suggest just mention the problem or the objective in two three sentences max.
2. Shift some definition to literature review section that will make your intro less heavy.
3. You are trying to address too much-- globalization, decentralization and sustainable local development. Narrow your focus to sustainable local development and cut down your literature review around that topic.
4. Reading your article seems you have some data to test your sustainable development criteria that should be upfront in your introduction/objective section itself.
5. There is no need to mention reliability and other analysis specific things in that should be part of your result/discussion section. The discussion should contain similarity or differences against your results found in literature.
6. Address these comments and try to cut down the write up by reducing the same to 25-30 pages max.
7. Lastly, I would suggest rewrite the paper with a focus on your specific case and then relate how it will contribute to the existing international body of knowledge.
Long sentences. Unstructured paragraphs/sections.
Proofing may solve the problem. Before going for proofing, I strongly recommend to work on reducing the content.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 4 Comments
Answer.
The authors of the article want to thank the referee for the work, contributions and recommendations, which are welcome to improve the content of the work.
Point 1: Make the introduction “precise” and clearly define the objective and the problem. Your problem is too broad to address in one article, and your goal is unclear. Do you want that existing integrated local development model (if there is one) or do you want to come up with a new definition of integrated local development? If so, why start with globalization and decentralization?
For an article, I suggest simply mentioning the problem or goal in two or three sentences maximum.
Response 1: The research problem was modified and worded as follows:
How can you achieve the improvement of strategic planning that allows integrated local development and improves the economic, social and environmental situation related to territorial development in the Portoviejo canton?
The objective of the investigation was modified and was written as follows:
Propose a model for the strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton in the province of Manabí, Ecuador.
The introduction was reworked and the conceptual part related to globalization and decentralization was synthesized, with the aim of making the introductory part of the article less heavy.
The conceptual content related to globalization and decentralization was synthesized.
However, the authors of the article request that the importance of the conceptual part linked to the traditional visions of globalization and decentralization and its repercussions for the development of new archetypes of territorial planning models be considered. We believe that both categories have repercussions for the analysis of the concept of local development and strategic planning.
In accordance with their recommendations, some sustainable development criteria were approved for the introductory part of the article.
Point 2: - Change some definition to the literature review section to make your introduction less heavy.
Response 2: The content of some definitions in the literature review section was changed and reduced, with the aim of making the content of the article less heavy.
Point 3: You are trying to address too many things: globalization, decentralization and sustainable local development. Narrow your focus to sustainable local development and reduce your literature review on that topic.
Response 3: It was possible to reduce and synthesize the content in the literature review, but the authors very respectfully request that the following be considered:
Globalization and decentralization are theoretical categories of social analysis that influence the criteria of local development.
We consider it necessary to show a brief review of these issues and their repercussions to achieve a strategic governance model that has its inclusive axis of action of integration in the local territory, to break with a centrist vision defended by globalist schools of thought.
While the ideas of decentralization require the theoretical contribution of new archetypes of strategic development, with clear ideas and a vision that focuses on local potential to build an inclusive and sustainable society.
Point 4: - Reading your article, it sounds like you have some data to prove your sustainable development criteria which should be at the beginning in the introduction/objectives section.
Response 4: In the new version of the article, some content and data related to sustainable development were readjusted and moved to the introduction section.
Point 5: - It is not necessary to mention reliability and other specific aspects of the analysis that should be part of the results/discussion section. The discussion must contain similarities or differences with the results found in the literature.
Response 5: Based on their recommendations, they avoided mentioning the reliability and
the discussion section was reworked to read as follows:
- Discussion
For the support, the theoretical principles on which the model is based, the premises on which it is erected and the establishment of relationships between its components were considered, so that its properties and significance were clear for all the actors.
The evaluation carried out by the experts of the nine indicators of the model for the strategic governance of the
integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton that is proposed, can be considered as a theoretical contribution to achieve territorial development, which is demonstrated by its novelty and correspondence with the current ideas published on sustainable and inclusive development, which are framed in the following characterization.
For the strategic model of integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton, sustainability occupies the centrality of the model, which allows to bring together the economic, social and environmental processes that characterize daily life in the Portoviejo canton. The relationship between any sustainable model over time and competitiveness is very close, but the role of sustainability in achieving territorial competitiveness not only involves inter-business relationships and the results of the productive sector, but also spills over into the entire territorial environment, in correspondence with what was stated by the authors De Lima and Magaña [20]; Da Silva and others [21]; Rodríguez-Santalla and others [22]; and Dueñas and Rangel [23].
In accordance with the ideas of Flores [113], he states that in the territorial systemic competitiveness approach, companies do not compete in isolation, but this depends on the degree of business cooperation in the respective production chains, as well as the respective territorial environment. In this way, the territorial strategy of cooperation of actors and construction of socio-institutional conditions for local development, must be able to identify future productive opportunities, as well as the capacities required for it by human resources.
It is about achieving development in all areas of life and for all citizens through the rational use of the resources that the territory possesses, but with a vision that their deterioration or disappearance will affect the quality and standard of living of the future generations, which must be protected by current generations. Thus, the necessary balance between the growth of the economy, respect for the environment and social well-being is achieved, in correspondence with the vision that Hernández exposes [1].
Resilience is psychologically based on having a clear vision of the objectives to be achieved and not letting the effort to achieve them be frustrated by changes in the environment or by unforeseen adverse conditions. It implies adapting to possible changes that arise and considering them as part of daily life, which implies maintaining a positive attitude and considering them as opportunities that can make performance more varied, rich and uplifting, in line with what expressed by the authors Betancourt [46] and Arthur [96].
Before the emergence of crises, avoid considering that these are insurmountable problems, because there are always the resources and the ways to achieve the objectives, even if it is by a different path. The resilience of the model is linked to the flexibility and synergy established throughout its development. Promote in all the social actors involved the self-discovery of new forms of action depending on the circumstances and encourage a positive self-view by granting them the authority to execute decisive actions when circumstances require it, even when it is outside the restrictive frameworks of the model itself. , which endows them with resilience to the permanent and threats to changes in the internal and external environment in which the strategic governance process takes place, in accordance with what was indicated by Rahman and De Feis [97].
The exercise of social responsibility is effective when economic growth is manifested in the satisfaction of the material needs of the social and community fabric, which supposes the investment of the resources available for growth in programs and projects, whose objectives are aimed at improving the environment and the environment, the quality and standard of living of all the inhabitants, the elimination of poverty by improving the income, not of a single sector of society, but of the entire group, to create the conditions that make it possible to achieve the training of human resources in correspondence with the needs of the different territorial strategies, according to the consensus of the actors of territorial development, ideas defended by the authors (De Mattos [14]; and Jaramillo [16].
According to what was proposed by Bardhan [15], acting with social responsibility means that all actors must understand and work in order to resolve, within their respective fields of action, the needs and requests that the various groups of society demand of them and that they will always condition their action to the fact that it is necessary to preserve and improve the conditions of the environment where the impacts generated by said action will be generated.
All the actors in the process of strategic governance acquire in fact a commitment to society and the environment, which means, first of all, that they must develop their management in an efficient and sustainable way, in accordance with what was indicated by Miedes [114].
For the model of strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development that is proposed, inclusivity is an outstanding characteristic. It is based on community action in all areas of daily life under the approach of satisfying the aspirations of all people, which includes the most vulnerable sectors of society: children, young people, the elderly, the disabled, people in social disadvantage that due to their ethnic condition, their level of education, their nationality, religion or other factors, remain out of the focus of attention of the authorities and of society as a whole, which is consistent with the ideas of the authors Barbosa and others [3]; and Senior and others [40].
For the model, inclusion takes place in a scenario in which one cannot fail to recognize the diversity that exists, as well as the heterogeneity of the interests and visions that the actors in the territory have. Castelletti and Canzanelli [115] consider that "social, ethnic, economic and cultural differences, instead of representing obstacles to the efficient exploitation of local resources, especially labor force and natural resources, can be a fundamental element for increase the level of supply of new products and contribute to the development of the country and the region” (p. 9).
The achievement of an integrated territorial approach presupposes that the action perspective of the decision-makers is not focused on a business sector, nor on an ethnic group, nor on certain ecosystems, but rather that their attention should be focused on the territory itself with its heterogeneity and complexity. of its internal relations, that allows to achieve an ordering of the same in correspondence with the needs and human aspirations, through policies and norms that are of common knowledge and acceptance. An approach that pursues the achievement of sustainable human development, in accordance with the ideas expressed by Boisier [8]; the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean [10]; Alburquerque and Perez [102]; and Friden [116].
In this sense, Alburquerque and Pérez [102] defend that the holistic vision is what allows strengthening companies and the local production network, the incorporation of science, technology and innovation in all sectors of production and services, from a large industry, to the work of an office that deals with the claims of the population, to ensure the most efficient organization of all services.
The model that is proposed recognizes that the enhancement of landscapes, the natural environment and the historical heritage make up essential elements that provide the territory with particularities that differentiate it from others and allow the establishment of close links between the territory and the people. that inhabit it, contributing to strengthen the ties of belonging, which in turn promotes the understanding of the integrity of the territory, in accordance with the vision expressed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization [49]; and the authors Olmo [5]; and Biel-Ibáñez [6].
Participatory governance is a perspective that innovates the processes around decision-making in the territory, which go from an autocratic and centralized model to the exercise of a consultation process and the search for consensus, in accordance with the ideas of Bardhan [15].
According to the authors Arteaga [30]; and Miedes [114] participatory governance is that public administration should lead to order and change the territory and the economic, social and environmental processes that occur so that their impact is positive for all inhabitants and that the change is incorporated into the very process of investigation and action of all the actors of society and not only of those who, due to their functions, are attributed to them by the Constitution. It investigates, investigates, at the same time that reality is intervened and transformed.
More than two decades ago, Coraggio [26] stated that “participation is not an obstacle, it is an indispensable resource in the times of transition and uncertainty that we are going through, so that the economy is not defined behind people's backs, but that it incorporates it as a fundamental political, social and economic actor. For the rest, solidarity, cooperation and participation are not a restriction on private interest; they are powerful instruments to achieve it” (p. 11).
In the ideas of the author himself Coraggio [117] it is emphasized that participatory governance promotes synergy among all through the establishment of networks of social commitments around the territory. It endows the strategic model with a constant renewal of the motivating forces that promote its implementation. At the present time, participatory governance is capable of promoting citizen awareness to achieve greater rationality in the use of energy, in order to promote the use of renewable sources, the energy savings that come from consumption, from the territory of the canton. of fossil fuels, as well as saving water and other resources and materials.
Having the human capital that allows extending and applying the strategic governance of integrated and sustainable local development, constitutes a real possibility that the Portoviejo canton has to apply the proposed model. There are also precedents that guarantee the understanding of its operation, since the first decade of this century, the territory of the municipality of Portoviejo is immersed in successive strategic plans for the sake of continuous development.
In the opinion of Tecco [118] “not only the businessmen of the area and their organizations are interpreted as agents of local and regional development, but also the institutions that bring together workers, intellectuals, those of a scientific and cultural nature, as well as political parties, educational and research establishments, cooperatives, non-governmental organizations and neighbourhood associations and between these and other actors united around a strategic project it is possible to carry out the key task to take advantage of each and every one of the opportunities that provides the context and to enhance existing strengths. The strategic planning of localities is, at the discretion of the author himself, a useful instrument for such purposes, where the Municipality, in its capacity as Local Government, constitutes a fundamental actor to launch processes of such characteristics” (p. 112).
The various schools of strategic thought refer in one way or another to the dimensions and macro processes that are part of the model. So, in the formal field from the theoretical point of view, there are documented references with technical specifications and consistent criteria, which are used in the field of strategic governance and are sufficiently recognized by actors related to this field of knowledge.
Strategic planning as a macro process is based on a participatory diagnosis of all the actors based on a reality that emerged from the analysis of the vectors of change in the context (PESTEL analysis) and that provides the necessary premises for the design or redesign of plans, programs and projects that will be managed as a strategy, in line with the vision displayed by Yüksel [55].
The execution of the strategy related to the plans, programs and planned projects, where they must be clearly exposed for the knowledge of all the actors, the objectives that are pursued, the lines of action, the goals to be achieved with measurable and verifiable indicators and heads by areas of responsibility, in line with the vision expressed by Arteaga [30]; and Maleka [119].
In the Liao [33] vision, systematic control over the execution of plans, programs and projects as a systematic inspection and verification system in which the applied techniques do not exclude each other, but complement each other in a creative way. according to the level of preparation and skills of those responsible for its execution.
Evaluation within strategic governance is a rigorous process that involves the design and application of verification matrices adapted to the peculiarities of each plan, program or project that is evaluated at the end of its life cycle. The evaluation is intended to be carried out without empirical ambiguities. It is focused on verifying compliance with the indicators and to what extent or proportion, through the measurement and comparison of the standards achieved with the planned or proposed standards and above all, based on costs and the real contribution to the objectives. of sustainable development. The behaviour and responsibility of the actors must also be evaluated in terms of successes or failures in governance, the use of resources and the fulfilment of their social responsibility, which is consistent with the vision exposed by Mebratu [2]; and Liao [33].
According to the ideas of Vázquez Barquero [37], feedback begins with the evaluative analysis of the evaluation results, which implies determining their relevance, the reliability of the results and their impact on strategic governance to achieve integrated local development. and sustainable development of the canton and must be carried out by the actors involved in the evaluated plan, program or project, in such a way that it leads to awareness of the effectiveness of their own management. The results must be disseminated among all the actors that participate or not in the evaluation process. Emphasis should be placed not only on the indicators that have been verified, but also on the factors that contributed to the success or failure of governance. This is the only way to achieve the feedback process that allows readjusting the behaviour of the actors in the development of their activities.
The global result of the plans, programs and projects managed in the Portoviejo canton generate changes in the environment and in its economic, social and environmental dimensions that support sustainable development. The result provides a new territorial reality and with it the need to make readjustments in territorial planning plans, which must be permanently monitored by decision-makers at all levels, in accordance with the vision exposed by Liao [33].
The analysis of the vectors that influence the environment (PESTEL analysis) of the new reality as a result of strategic governance, allows for a course correction and, if necessary, to set up new objectives and goals, in line with the national and international legal values and regulations and work proactively based on new scenarios. The analyzes determine the appearance of new premises that will serve as the basis for the redesign or design of new plans, projects and programs, through participatory strategic planning, which values the synergies that arise between all the actors throughout the entire process, which adds a new qualitative value to the cycle of strategic governance, which is corroborated in the vision displayed by Yüksel [55].
The flexibility of the model is the result of the decentralization of strategic governance processes. Each actor responsible for a plan, program or project that must become the de facto leader thereof and exercise their leadership with autonomy and independence within the framework of relationships and synergy established with other leaders and actors from other plans, programs and projects. The flexibility of the structure allows it to act in accordance with the contingencies and changes that can be generated in the canton environment, adjusting its levels of action to the real needs and possibilities, in which the work is carried out, in accordance with the criteria exposed by Fan and Wu [92].
The flexibility in the entire governance process allows the actors involved, in the short term, to use the available resources to achieve rapid adaptation to changes in the environment and, in the long term, to permanently maintain a coherent and competitive organization in order to achieve the goals. proposed objectives, in line with the ideas expressed by Betancourt [46].
The novelty of the results and the theoretical contribution of the research lies in the proposal of a model that is built, from the critical analysis that allows to clarify the concept and the contributions of the different schools of contemporary strategic thought in correspondence with what was indicated by the authors Mintzberg and others [43]; Kelly [98]; Brooks et al. [99]; and Naranjo [101]; and Ingham and Gilbert [120], to integrate the positive elements and the sustainable and inclusive development approach, in a model that allows enriching and perfecting scientific theory in terms of clarity of purpose, concentration of efforts, clarity of the social purpose, as well as the order and consistency of planning.
The proposed model focuses on strategic planning that seeks the performance and responsibility of the staff to produce concrete results, the development of strategic alternatives that mean the aspects of the organizational culture focused on the constant improvement of the internal environment, without neglecting the influence external, so that it allows the adjustment and correction of the planning in correspondence with the unforeseen changes of the environment. This responds to the criticisms made to traditional strategic planning, as stated by Kaufman [69]; and Steinberg [70].
It is important to highlight the need to signify the relevance of the theoretical development deployed in relation to the assessment of the experts, on the indicators of the model of integrated and sustainable local development, under criteria that responds to a logic that provides integralists to sustainable territorial planning, not only at the scale of a canton, but it is useful for its application in other contexts with territorial characteristics similar to those of the Portoviejo canton.
The analysis of the theories linked to the strategic governance of territorial development constitutes the logical foundation for the evaluation of the indicators by experts and provides the opportunity for theoretical enrichment as part of the research contributions.
The analysis of the data provided by the experts revealed that sustainability, participatory governance and the standards used in the model were the characteristics that were considered very adequate, which represents a favorable contribution, since it is necessary to consider sustainability. as the central axis of the entire theoretical-methodological construction around which the model was designed, in accordance with the vision displayed by Barbosa and others [3]; Golusin and Olja [17]; Waas and Tarah [18]; Elliott [19].
It was defined that without participatory governance that truly involves all social actors, it is difficult to achieve the necessary synergies to carry out the plans, projects and programs that the model contemplates to achieve integrated and sustainable development, in line with the vision set forth. by Bardhan, [15].
Being based on recognized standards, the model is easy to understand and interpret, which contributes to higher levels of participation in its execution.
Four other indicators were evaluated by the experts as quite adequate: resilience, inclusion, structure and feasibility. Like any strategy, the ability to overcome changes in the environment is vital for its development, as well as achieving greater inclusion by promoting synergies around the common good. This allows the structure to be flexible in terms of the delegation of functions and the extension of leadership to all levels, which shows correspondence with what was exposed by Barbosa and others [3]; Senior and others [40]; Betancourt [46]; Arthur [96]; and Tecco [118]. The human, material and financial resources available to the territory make the model feasible.
Seven of the nine indicators received high ratings from the experts, which indicates the level of acceptance of the proposed model. Only two indicators: social responsibility and the integrated territorial approach of the model, were considered adequate and were below the rest. Both elements are part of the more humanist vision and perspective that the social actors involved must have, since it is firstly that the work must continue in the interest of people and their needs being the centre of all action and, on the other part, that the territory is a heterogeneous system where social and natural aspects overlap, influenced by economic and technological processes that require comprehensive treatment.
Point 6: - Address these comments and try to cut the writing down to 25-30 pages max.
Response 6: Their comments and recommendations were well received, since they allowed us to improve the quality of the article and reduce its length to 30 pages, including bibliographical references.
Point 7: - Lastly, I would suggest rewriting the article focusing on your specific case and then telling how it will contribute to the existing international body of knowledge.
Response 7: Considering their recommendations, the article was rewritten in a third version that achieves more clarity and quality in terms of the proposed objectives. The conclusions set out the scientific contributions of the research.
- Conclusions
The Ecuadorian Law specifies that territorial planning and development plans are the responsibility of the Decentralized Autonomous Governments [121]. However, there is a weakness in the process of putting local strategies into practice, since in most cases they do not go beyond the process of planning programs and action projects aimed at achieving wellbeing in the short term and it is not executed. strategic governance throughout all the processes leading to the integrated and sustainable development of territorial planning.
The methodology for the evaluation of the model for the strategic governance of the integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton, was carried out through the criteria of experts, who assigned a positive assessment to the proposed model.
The relevance and feasibility of the model was evaluated based on the criteria issued by the experts consulted and the conditions exist for its implementation for the sake of the integrated and sustainable local development of the Portoviejo canton, without forgetting the multiple variants that can be developed from the application of the proposed model.
It was possible to propose a model that guarantees the process of strategic governance for the sake of integrated and sustainable local development of the canton of Portoviejo, which allows understanding the systemic and structural functioning of its com-ponents. The model demonstrates its reliability since it considers the level of dependency of the community social system in which it is inserted and responds to a context that integrates sustainability, inclusion, social responsibility, resilience, structure, flexibility and territorial ordering, which demonstrates topicality and scientific relevance.
Although the component elements of the designed model have been proposed, there is no consensus in the literature about which ones should be part of it to achieve integrated and sustainable local development. This is influenced by the great variety of schools of strategic thought that model existing theoretical thought. Therefore, the design has been adjusted in accordance with the unique and unrepeatable characteristics of the territory of the Portoviejo canton of the Manabí province in the Republic of Ecuador, which does not mean that the results of the research cannot be applied to other territories with characteristics similar to the Portoviejo canton.
The results of the research, guided by a complex and systemic methodological framework, constitute a valuable scientific contribution, which provides theoretical and methodological bases that allow its generalization and replication for the study of strategic planning models, under integrated and sustainable criteria in other zones and regions of Ecuador and Latin America, which present similar situations from the socioeconomic, natural and governance point of view.
As a limitation of the study is the little knowledge about the operation and practical utility of the model for the different actors of territorial planning in the Portoviejo canton, and to determine its contribution as an input for the study of land use planning and to guarantee sustainability. of the territory in a local context.
It is recommended that, for future research, a practical validation of the model be carried out. It should also be implemented in teaching, research, and community outreach processes by universities, and its weaknesses and strengths should be determined to allow for the permanent updating of its components. Moreover, good land-planning practices should be identified that facilitate the management of land-use-planning projects focused on achieving sustainability.
Point 8: - Comments on the quality of the English language. Long sentences. Unstructured paragraphs/sections.
Response 8: Work was done on the correction of the English language and grammar, although the article was previously sent for linguistic revision by the specialized MDPI team.
Work was done on the restructuring of the sections of the article.
Considering the indications and recommendations made by the referees, the article was reformulated and its length was reduced.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The revised version has improved compared to that of the first round. I would suggest an acceptation after the authors made further proofreading to their manuscprit.
Nope
Author Response
Answer.
We are very grateful for your work and the time spent reviewing the document.
Point 1: The revised version has improved compared to that of the first round. I would suggest an acceptation after the authors made further proofreading to their manuscprit.
Response 1: The authors agree with their criteria. Thank you very much for the time spent reviewing the article.
The work was reviewed again and some problems related to editing the document were corrected. References were reviewed and clarified.
Fixed numbering errors and capital letters after the period.
To improve the writing, we sent it for a second review to MDPI's English editing services.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The revised version meets my requirements takes into account my comments, improved compared to the version of the first round.
Author Response
Answer.
We are very grateful for your work and the time spent reviewing the document.
Point 1: The revised version meets my requirements takes into account my comments, improved compared to the version of the first round.
Response 1: Correct, thank you very much. However, to improve the writing, we sent it for a second review to MDPI's English language editing services.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments are largely addressed. Method is clear and discussion is engaging.
A little editing needed e.g. numbering, capitalizing letter after full stop etc.
Author Response
Answer.
We are very grateful for your work and the time spent reviewing the document.
Point 1: Comments are largely addressed. Method is clear and discussion is engaging.
A little editing needed e.g. numbering, capitalizing letter after full stop etc.
Response 1: The authors agree, thank you very much for the time dedicated to reviewing the article.
Work was done on editing, errors in numbering and capital letters after the period were corrected.
To improve the writing, we sent it for a second review to MDPI's English editing services.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
