The Qualitative Approach in the Research in Production Management in Brazil

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the application of qualitative research in Production Management in Brazil. Therefore, we selected 486 articles from leading Brazilian journals in the area between the years 2007 and 2011. We analyzed qualitative methods that were used and the studied subjects. The methodology was based on documentary research and the analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The results show the methodological characteristic of the studies in Production Management in Brazil in the last five years, as well as major themes that were discussed. It was possible to realize that there was a balance between the quantitative and qualitative work. However, in some moments of the period of analysis, the qualitative method was more used than the quantitative method. With respect to most used qualitative research strategies, it was possible to note that the case study has gained the preference of researchers in relation to other research strategies. In second place, the action research: even if it did not get the same percentage of use found in the case study, presented a considerable use. With regard to the issues, it was possible to note that traditional subjects such as lean and mean production, PDP and ergonomics remain, and that some new ones, such as supply chain management, supply chains and networks, linked to strategy, have assumed some prominence.