Application of the enterprise management tools Lean Six Sigma and PMBOK in developing a program of research management

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2012 Oct-Dec;10(4):480-90. doi: 10.1590/s1679-45082012000400015.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: Introduce a program for the management of scientific research in a General Hospital employing the business management tools Lean Six Sigma and PMBOK for project management in this area.

Methods: The Lean Six Sigma methodology was used to improve the management of the institution's scientific research through a specific tool (DMAIC) for identification, implementation and posterior analysis based on PMBOK practices of the solutions found.

Results: We present our solutions for the management of institutional research projects at the Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein. The solutions were classified into four headings: people, processes, systems and organizational culture. A preliminary analysis of these solutions showed them to be completely or partially compliant to the processes described in the PMBOK Guide.

Conclusion: In this post facto study, we verified that the solutions drawn from a project using Lean Six Sigma methodology and based on PMBOK enabled the improvement of our processes dealing with the management of scientific research carried out in the institution and constitutes a model to contribute to the search of innovative science management solutions by other institutions dealing with scientific research in Brazil.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / economics
  • Biomedical Research / organization & administration*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / economics*
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Humans
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Program Development / economics
  • Program Development / methods
  • Program Development / standards*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Task Performance and Analysis