Challenges of Process Modeling in Architecture and Engineering to Execute Projects and Public Works

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a structure of governance for activities and processes applicable to the architecture and engineering sector for the execution of projects and public works. It is intended that this structure will orchestrate the various necessary actions, ranging from the identification of the complete organization’s delivery scope, through to delivery disorders, activity structure, and the way in which these activities are to be managed. The current literature does not include a complete structure applicable to public service that can be widely used and with short learning time, such as the presented structure. Based on a business process management (BPM) cycle, the stages of planning, analysis, modeling, and optimization of processes were developed. In the planning phase, the typical activities of a sector responsible for the architecture and engineering projects and works of a public institution were identified and categorized, and possible dysfunctions were verified. Subsequently, analysis and modeling of the prioritized processes was performed, and finally, optimization and validation of the modeled processes were completed. The results obtained demonstrated that the proposal can be applied to seek improvements in public organizational environments regarding issues related to architecture and engineering projects and works through the management of their processes. Moreover, the lessons learned have indicated some common problems of the administrative units responsible for this type of activity that need to be addressed.