Abstract:
Given its importance and relevance for the management of water resources, the inspection activity is configured as an instrument of the State Water Resources Policy of Bahia. In this sense, this research evaluated the inspection process of the use of water resources under state domain, within the scope of the Institute of Environment and Water Resources (INEMA), from a process management approach. Initially, the role of INEMA as an executive body of the State Water Resources Policy and related legislation is contextualized, highlighting the importance of qualitatively evaluating the institutional flow of inspection, still little explored in the literature. The guiding question sought to understand how this inspection process occurs in practice, from the emergence or registration of demand to the conclusion of administrative procedures. The research adopted a qualitative approach, with a case study at INEMA, using a bibliographic and documentary review to identify the current regulatory framework and individual interviews with managers of the units involved. Through content analysis, the interviews were categorized into: characterization of the interviewees; institutional perception on the topic; and support for mapping the current flow. Next, a scope and mapping diagram was created in BPMN notation, using modeling software to represent the “as is” of the process, noting that the process map created reflects the version raised in the sample of interviewees, serving only as a model for analysis and improvement. The results identified factors that favor performance, such as technical competence, prior planning, the existence of processes (although not formalized) and technological infrastructure, as well as significant obstacles, such as insufficient personnel, lack of internal formalization and structured governance, deficiencies in technological systems and lack of specific training. Based on this, existing good practices and gaps in the institutional flow were identified. As contributions, improvements are proposed aimed at the preparation of an ordinance on the process (which materializes as the final product of this research); the dissemination and training on the content of the ordinance; BPMN mapping with periodic review and accessible repository; and the creation of a committee or process management group with a routine of indicators. Future studies are suggested on quantitative analysis of processing times, comparative mapping (benchmarking) with other state environmental and water resources agencies on good water inspection practices, and review of the proposed standard to align with evolving operational and technological demands.
