During the course of the project, I conducted 255 online surveys and 5 in-person interviews, giving me the opportunity to explore real consumer behavior. This helped me understand that product quality, price, and health impact are the most critical factors influencing purchasing decisions.
Analyzing the data and formulating research hypotheses enhanced my logical thinking and data-handling skills. Additionally, presenting findings through charts and graphs taught me how to communicate insights clearly and effectively. Working under the guidance of Dr. Mai Thi Dung, I learned the importance of teamwork and the steps necessary to publish a research paper in an international journal.
When our study was published in the International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), I felt a great sense of pride. More importantly, it helped me realize the value of applying scientific research to solve real-world problems in the community. This project not only allowed me to grow professionally but also inspired me to pursue more meaningful research initiatives in the future.
Throughout the research process, I conducted 393 online surveys and reviewed 45 academic materials on consumer behavior theories, green marketing, and sustainable consumption. This experience allowed me to apply quantitative research methods to analyze data and interpret moderating factors, including demographic variables, personal traits, and cognitive styles, about the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI).
The research expanded my understanding of the relationship between environmental awareness, consumer behavior, and sustainable purchasing decisions. Specifically, exploring the role of environmental consciousness gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of promoting sustainability education to encourage responsible consumer behavior.
Under the guidance of Dr. Hoang Vu Hiep (National Economics University), I collaborated with the research team to publish our findings in the Journal of Ecohumanism - International Scopus Q2. This milestone not only enhanced my research skills but also contributed to spreading the message of sustainable consumption to the broader community.
As the team leader, I assigned tasks to team members and supported them throughout the process. My personal contributions included conducting in-depth research on landmarks, focusing on their history, stories, and unique features. Additionally, I explored the service industry to gain a comprehensive understanding of the tourism sector and to prepare for potential questions from the judges.
During the competition, I delivered a presentation discussing the challenges of the tourism industry and our rationale for pursuing this project. Through this experience, I learned the importance of effective leadership and communication in managing a team. Delegating responsibilities and guiding team members helped me appreciate the importance of smooth teamwork and a strong sense of accountability. Researching Ha Long's tourism and service industry deepened my understanding of how local culture and history intersect with modern tourism needs. Additionally, preparing for judges' questions enhanced my critical thinking skills and ability to respond under pressure.
Overall, this project strengthened my organizational, analytical, and presentation skills while giving me greater confidence in my ability to lead and contribute to initiatives that address real-world challenges.