Modelo de gestão baseado em projetos para pequenas e médias empresas

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are socially and economically relevant at regional and global levels. However, they still suffer from a lack of resources and robustness in their management. Project Management (PM) is an attempt to improve the management and business resources of SMEs. Nevertheless, the SMEs environment hinders the application of PM due to resource shortages, disinterest from managers and owners, often caused by a lack of value perception or project management knowledge. In this context, this thesis aimed to propose a project-based management model for SMEs. The thesis was structured into three studies. The first study used a systematic literature review to understand how PM is addressed in the SME environment in academic literature, identifying the main benefits and limitations of applying PM in SMEs. The second study, conducted in 20 SMEs, sought empirical evidence on how PM practices are applied. Studies 1 and 2 identified the theoretical and empirical landscape of PM application in SMEs. Study 3 was based on these findings to establish conditions for using PM processes to manage SMEs. The PM-based SMEs Management model aims to address limitations of existing models through a step-by-step implementation, considering premises and constraints. For educational purposes, the thesis recommended investors and managers to implement a project-based management model, demonstrating the benefits and implementation guidelines. The model is designed to be robust yet easily understood and applicable in the SME context, consisting of four stages: diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation and validation, which can be performed recursively until achieving a satisfactory management model for managers, owners, and partners. As empirical evidence of the model's application, we present reports from a student company on perceived improvements in their management routine. Despite the initial focus on creating a project-based management model for SMEs, our research necessitated a computer program to support this model. In the program, our management model was replicated, involving the implementation of projectized routines, activities focused on control and formalization without the need for complexity in this process. As a contribution and impact for practitioners, we generated not only the project-based management model but also a computer program adaptable to the needs of applying companies. This research aligns with research line 2: "Project Management," linked to the Postgraduate Program in Project Management – PPGP UNINOVE. This thesis also aligns with other projects of its supervisor related to the projects-axis "People Management and Project Management." It is worth noting that the proposed model and the computer program developed with this thesis focus on an economic and social issue relevant to society, aiming to assist in the success and survival rates of SMEs.