On July 30, 2022, at the University of Economics - the University of Danang, an International Conference for Young Researchers in Economics and Business/SR-ICYREB took place. Immediately after the opening session, there were joint reporting sessions and thematic reports of the event.

One of many very topical topics, the subject of the research is one of the key economic sectors of Da Nang, selected to report at SR-ICYREB 2022 is the topic Investigate the impact of Covid-19 on commercial and service sectors in Danang.

The author group of the research project "Investigate the impact of Covid-19 on commercial and service sectors in Danang"

The author group includes Tran Thi Huyen Trang, Le Thi Phuong Anh, Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, and Nguyen Tien Vuong (specializing in Investment Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics - the University of Danang).

“After many topics were raised and discussed by the group, we realized that each idea (theme) has its own inadequacies. After that, the direct instructors suggested and analyzed for our group that the urgent problem at that time was the Covid-19 pandemic. And when we have chosen the central topic (the impact of Covid-19), we have aimed to be all areas of the Da Nang economy… But when we analyze the data in-depth and run the economical models, the group had many difficulties in data and model fit, many contents had to return to find the theoretical basis. The group was looking for a solution while thinking about changing the direction of the topic. It can be said that this is also a very difficult period for the group.

Previously, when the teachers in the review committee (at the Faculty-level research topic defense session) directed us to narrow the scope of our research and choose only 2 areas of Commerce - Services in Da Nang, see this as the main object. Obviously, there is a reality that we have also felt is that Da Nang - a tourist city, has suffered many serious consequences. In particular, trade and services are two areas related to tourism activities, which are greatly affected. We decided to study in a focused way, accurately assessing the impact of the pandemic. From there, making appropriate recommendations and policies for Da Nang city," shared Tran Thi Huyen Trang and Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung.

Due to the change in the research object, the group had to come up with new ideas and revise almost the entire implementation protocol. Another difficulty is that it is a relatively new research topic (the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the two sectors of commerce and services), and the search for a theoretical basis from previous research papers, as well as data collection and data processing, are huge obstacles. Another difficulty is having to invest meticulously, turning from a scientific research report into a true scientific article to attend International Conference for Young Researchers in Economics and Business. (SR-ICYREB).

The representative of the author group presented the research topic on the morning of July 30, 2022

Then the official stage of implementing the project (from the end of May 2022 to the middle of June 2022), also coincided with the time of the final exam, the group had to try their best to balance the time to both complete the paper and ensure the results of the exam. “Due to the complicated development of Covid-19, the team was forced to work together on online platforms (from October 2021 to mid-February 2022). This also causes quite a lot of difficulties in teamwork. In addition, in the early stages, we were not exposed to the "Scientific Research" module, so we had to put in a lot of effort. Another challenge, with only a month left before the topic is reported, team members are infected with Covid-19. The progress of completing the article has become a huge burden,” Nguyen Tien Vuong said.

Compensating for many difficult challenges, in the process of implementation, the group also encountered many advantages. Mr. Nguyen Danh Khoi and Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Yen (lecturers at the Faculty of Economics - the University of Economics - the University of Danang) are two excellent instructors. During the research process, with the two teachers, there were days when it was too late to work, even when it was time for the teachers to rest, but the whole group received answers to their questions. Some days, there were very in-depth comments and suggestions, helping the group to stay on the right track and soon complete their research. "The enthusiastic guidance of the teachers accompanied and encouraged, added spirit, strength, and encouraged the group to overcome many difficulties" - the whole group shared.

According to Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh, another great advantage is that the whole group is in the same class, "We have been together for 3 years now, we study together, play together, do group assignments and complete deadlines. Of course, in the process of working, there were times when the whole group had a blunt argument because the common goal was to perfect the article in the best way. The good thing is that each member respects the spirit of listening, and absorbing outstanding and relevant ideas. So all issues have been resolved unanimously, and the consensus is very high. “In addition to having access to much new knowledge, I feel really lucky to be with my friends, everyone is always cheering, sharing, and most of all, listening and respecting each other's opinions,” Phuong Anh said. It is known that in order to have today, confidently report the topic to the Review Board, "half of the working process, we are "together" through the computer screen, the meeting lasted for hours". At the sprint stage, near the deadline to submit the paper, the group joked, "We spend more time in the library and at school than at home."

In order to successfully carry out the research project "Evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on the commercial and service sectors in Da Nang”, the team has applied the analysis methods from the learned modules to research the topic, specifically: the team has combined qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to help assess the impact of Covid-19 on the commerce and service sectors more objectively - analyzed by Phuong Dung. "When I know how to successfully apply the knowledge I have learned to the research paper, I have a deeper understanding and a firmer grasp of what I have learned," Tien Vuong said. As for Phuong Dung, participating in scientific research gives her the opportunity to have access to research methods. She has learned more about how to think and look at problems in a scientific and objective way. Contacting the content that the teacher conveys, she gained a lot of experience in shaping her thinking as well as the way she works.

From the perspective of a scientific article, from the perspective of a student (third year), the authors also boldly make suggestions. “With the group's analysis and evaluation, I hope that the research results will be the data foundation for the group's further research process or can support information, data, etc. for other research. On the other hand, based on the research results, the Da Nang city government can consult and consider making decisions for future policies to restore the trade and service sectors in particular and the whole economy of Da Nang in general, when "an unsystematic incident similar to" Covid-19 occurs"- Phuong Anh cited. Meanwhile, according to Tien Vuong, the impact of Covid is negative in this area, but it has positive implications in other areas. Based on the research results, the group proposed that the Da Nang city government both focus on restoring industries negatively affected by COVID-19 to recover, and also pay attention to investing in industries with good resilience.

See the article Students dedicate a plan for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia Magazine

T. Ngoc - T.Hoang