The use of PDCA method and quality tools in agribusiness management in Mato Grosso do Sul State

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and use of the method Plan, Do, Check, Action (PDCA) and quality tools in agribusiness from Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), and the relationship between the use of these techniques and performance companies that use them. For this, it was carried out a descriptive exploratory study using a sample of food processing industries of Mato Grosso do Sul, applying a semi-structured questionnaire to professionals leaders of the industries. It was found that the number of agribusinesses that use the PDCA is small, while a moderate number of companies that use a tool in quality management processes. Regarding the impact of using these techniques in industrial processes, it was observed that there were improvements in most of the agricultural industries that use them. It was found that lack of knowledge of these techniques is one of the most important factors for not using them. It was possible to identify some characteristics of firms that use more effectively the PDCA and quality tools, which are: higher headcount, increased educational level of their teams and higher level of automation processes.