Analysis of the Process Costing System and Business Profitability in Aquaculture Production Companies in theProvince of Santa Elena

Abstract

The present research study aims to analyze the application of the costing system by processes and business profitability by collecting and analyzing financial data from aquaculture companies in the province of Santa Elena, identifying their advantages, limitations and
their significant contribution to profitability. The methodology used
the quantitative approach with descriptive design to evaluate the cost and profitability indicators of representative aquaculture companies in the region, focusing on the main productive stages: larviculture, growth, fattening, harvest and post-production. The results of this research revealed that feed and energy costs represent the most significant components, while the fattening and harvest stages concentrate
the highest percentage of operating expenses. In addition, differences
were identified in the allocation of indirect costs between companies,
which affects the accuracy in determining the cost per unit produced.

This study demonstrates that the proper implementation of the costing system by processes contributes to cost control and improves managerial decision making, especially in a highly competitive sector such as aquaculture.