MYPE-Navigator: A Scalable Web-Based Financial Literacy Platform for Micro and Small Enterprises: Design, Implementation, and Empirical Validation in Emerging Economies

Xiomara Picon; Claudia Palpan; Jose Santisteban

doi:10.48084/etasr.15356

Authors

Xiomara Picon Information System Engineering Department, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2736-4312
Claudia Palpan Information System Engineering Department, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5557-4054
Jose Santisteban Information System Engineering Department, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4526-642X

Volume: 16 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 31564-31570 | February 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.15356

Received: 7 October 2025 | Revised: 9 November 2025 and 15 November 2025 | Accepted: 17 November 2025 | Online: 11 December 2025

Corresponding author: Jose Santisteban

Abstract

Financial literacy is a decisive driver of the sustainability and competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), especially in emerging economies where access to tailored training is limited. This paper introduces MYPE-Navigator, a scalable web-based platform that strengthens financial competencies through interactive modules, gamification, and partnerships with institutions. The platform was developed in three phases: (i) conceptual modeling, (ii) modular, cloud-based implementation, and (iii) empirical validation via a quasi-experimental design. Fifty MSE owners participated and were assigned to the control and experimental groups; expert reviews and usability tests using the System Usability Scale (SUS) complemented the evaluation. The results show a 19.47% gain in financial knowledge for the experimental group and a SUS score of 90.37, exceeding standard benchmarks. Compared with existing solutions, MYPE-Navigator integrates communication tools, reward mechanisms, and context-specific content designed for Latin American MSEs, with strong potential for adaptation to other regions. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of LMS-based interventions in improving financial literacy in informal and resource-constrained business settings.

Keywords:

digital financial education, micro and small enterprises, educational technology, platform, learning management system

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