Modelo dinâmico para a gestão integrada da agricultura familiar.

Abstract

This thesis proposes a learning and decision making tool in order to compensate deficiencies related to management activities performed by family farmers managers. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a model of integrated management for family based agriculture. The model integrates different management modules in one shared model. The theoretical structure that supported the research was Family Based Agriculture, Production Systems, Rural Management, Management Systemic Approach, Balanced Scorecard and System Dynamics. The research included an empirical research that supported the diagnostic about the level of management adopted by a group of family based farmers. Based on the diagnostic, it was possible to identify the most important variables in the management process of the rural business. The interdependency of the variables was drawn, resulting in the conceptual model for family based agriculture. Then, this model was translated into a mathematical (operational) language by the means of an adequate methodological tool, resulting in a management simulator. Since different approaches and management tools are included in the simulator, it can be useful for the decision making process regarding business process in family based proprieties. It can also be used by technical assistants, farmers' organization leaders and even financial agents in order to plan, guide and diffuse the business integrated management culture among the farmers and its importance for the satisfactory performance of the productive unit.