Análise da competitividade no setor de software especializado em saúde e segurança do trabalho no Brasil

Abstract

Due to globalization and increase in competitiveness, companies have been trying to identify and assess the factors related to their performance and their impact in the search for competitive advantage. Since there are countless competitiveness factors that affect the companies development, it's worthwhile that competitiveness analysis be approached in a systemical way. By doing so, it's possible to analyse the influence of external and internal factors which affect directly the competitive environment among organizations. Within this dynamic context, we find the software development department which aims at Labour Health and Safety. This work main objective is to analyse competitiveness dynamics according to conditions of competitiveness and performance linked to the software department attending to the area of Labour Health and Safety in Brazil. The research analyzed the functioning of the structural forces that rule the software area in the Labour Health and Safety field, as well as, the main factors that determine the threats and opportunities that affect competitiveness in the area of Labour Health and Safety. Departing from a multiple case study referring to three companies ranked as most outstanding, data collecting was carried out using a semistructured quideline along with documental research. The research made it possible to identify the determining elements that allowed the participant companies to reach a higher performance and competitive advantage over the other software companies operating in the field of Labour Health and Safety. As secondary goals the research highlights the identification of the main strategies adopted by the companies studied, technology innovation policies, cooperation agreement strategies and staff management related strategies. Concerning the results it was noticed that the software area has tried to broaden it's competitiveness, taking into consideration their conditioning factors. It also has a growth perspective founded mainly on actions intended to identify flaws in the current organizational structures and to make the most out of market opportunities.The increase in business volume, the search for better service levels and certifications, among other initiatives, outline the coming of age for software companies. It was also identified that it's valuable for the companies studied to give special attention to issues concerned with alliances formation and staff management as a way to broaden and support factors linked to competitiveness.