A group decision model for diagnosing barriers to achieving goals in a Brazilian Water Resources Program: an analysis of the state of Alagoas

ABSTRACT This aim of this article is to develop a conceptual group decision model capable of diagnosing existing barriers to achieving goals in results-based management in the Water Resource Management (WRM) system of the Brazilian state of Alagoas. The model was based on a Soft Operational Research method, incorporating systematic feedback on non-compliance targets and applied in the context of the transfer of funds from the federal government program to the WRM system in Brazilian states. This program involves the problem of multiple uses of water resources, and it is composed of variables in which actions are necessary to achieve the established goals. The model helped public water resource managers from Alagoas to understand problems related to non-compliance with the goals set by the program, directing management to the improvement of deficient processes. Consequently, we have better water management for its multiple uses, with society as the major beneficiary.