Implantação do ciclo PDCA como instrumento de gestão em projetos de engenharia

Abstract

This study presents the application of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle as a management tool in the mechanical and piping department of an engineering design company. The main objective was to employ PDCA as a structured method for continuous improvement, while the specific objectives included reducing rework, standardizing activities, and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement within the project environment. The PDCA cycle served as the guiding framework for the improvement process, supporting action planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and consolidation of results through standardization. The research was conducted in two stages: a literature review for theoretical grounding and a case study for the practical application of the methodology. Initially, a diagnostic assessment was carried out through a questionnaire administered to employees, identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities for process improvement. Based on the findings, an action plan was developed using the 5W2H tool, integrated into the planning phase of the PDCA cycle. The execution phase involved conducting training sessions, reinforcing operational best practices, and implementing a technical verification checklist. Systematic monitoring-corresponding to the Check and Act stages-revealed a significant reduction in nonconformities, demonstrating the effectiveness of PDCA as a methodological support for continuous improvement. It is concluded that the PDCA cycle, combined with the 5W2H tool, constitutes a robust and efficient approach for enhancing quality, standardization, and operational efficiency in engineering projects.