Uma análise SWOT ao modelo de empresa municipal em Portugal

The current paper discusses the organisational and institutional model of municipal companies in the provision of local public services in Portugal. The recent law that came into force defning the legal regime for the local business sector, as well as the growing notion that the new public management models represent great advantages in comparison with the bureaucratic model that characterized the traditional public administration, make this an up to date and relevant matter. The description of this model of local public services provision is in this paper based on a SWOT analysis referring to the model of municipal company. Representing an innovative approach, this study makes an important contribution to the literature regarding the provision of this type of services in Portugal. This analysis leads to the conclusion that the concept of municipal company is based on noble principles and, in theory, it shows advantages towards other means of services provision.