2. The Anatomy of viability: a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of investment project indicators

Abstract

In Mexico, a significant number of ventures fail during their first years of operation due, among other things, to deficiencies in the evaluation of the investment project. Most entrepreneurs start their ventures without a comprehensive assessment of financial, strategic, and operational viability, which limits the timely identification of risks, negatively affecting business performance. The objective of this essay is to analyze the factors that influence the results of an investment project evaluation, highlighting the importance of financial indicators in order to demonstrate their relevance as a tool for decision-making and the design of sustainable business models. The work adopts a qualitative analytical-documentary approach. A systematic review of specialized literature on investment project formulation and evaluation is conducted, along with a conceptual and explanatory analysis of the main financial indicators: NPV, IRR, break-even point, and cost-benefit ratio. The results show that the viability of an investment project depends on the consistency between financial indicators and the strategic decisions made in the planning phases. It is concluded that a comprehensive evaluation of the project allows for the anticipation of risks, the optimization of resources, and an increase in the probability of success of the venture.