The network internationalization model applied to construction professional service company

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized economy, the international expansion is no longer exclusive to large multinational corporations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are progressively exploring opportunities beyond domestic markets. Among these, Construction Professional Services (CPS) companies - characterized by their project-based operations, reliance on technical expertise, and proximity to physical construction activities - face a unique set of challenges and opportunities when attempting to internationalize. While international business literature has examined manufacturing and technology-based companies, less attention has been given to professional services in the construction sector, particularly to those operating at a micro or SME scale. This thesis aims to contribute to this underexplored area by investigating the internationalization process of a Portuguese CPS company, Bessa Araújo. Although it is a micro-company with a highly skilled team, the company has managed to operate successfully across various geographies, including Latin America and Africa. Using a qualitative, case-based methodology, this study analyzes the motivations that drove the company abroad, the strategies employed, and the operational, institutional, and cultural challenges encountered along the way. By drawing on interviews and first-hand accounts from the key decision-maker within Bessa Araújo, this research provides insight into how micro-CPS companies can adapt to complex international environments, often with limited resources. Special attention is given to issues such as human capital transfer, regulatory requirements, technological logistics, and cost-control strategies. The findings aim not only to enrich the academic discourse on SME internationalization but also to offer practical implications for similar firms seeking to expand their operations internationally.

Date of Award	11 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ricardo Reis (Supervisor)