Mapping of sustainability evidence in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sorocaba / SP region: methodology and case studies

• Grant number: 17/04414-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2017
• End date: April 19, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
• Grantee: Camila Gomes Henriques de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências em Gestão e Tecnologia (CCGT). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil represent a large part of the country's economy, accounting for almost 27% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition, the world is currently facing an environmental crisis, largely due to human activities of unsustainable production and consumption. Given this scenario, it is fundamental that SMEs start to adopt more sustainable practices of production, so that they become more competitive in the market and more aware of sustainable development. Thus, this research project aims to map SMEs in the region of Sorocaba / SP regarding the implementation of the sustainability theme in their production management activities. The objective is to map how sustainability has been implemented in practice by the SMEs in the evaluated region, and to generate relevant information for research involving themes related to the integration of Production Management and Corporate Sustainability (SE) in SMEs. Therefore, a Maturity Model based on a bibliographic review involving themes about SE and Production Management will be created. Next, it will be carried out and its practical test with the SMEs of the region of Sorocaba / SP. SMEs will be contacted through a partnership with Trade Unions and / or Business Associations of the region studied. Furthermore, an online survey will be created and shared via e-mail with the identified SMEs, and later, the results of the Maturity Model will be analyzed. From this model, it will be possible to calculate the Maturity Level of each company participating in the research, being possible to identify companies with more proactive or reactive positions regarding the practical implementation of the SE. (AU)