Looking beyond the answer: Nguyen Phan Quoc Duy on his path into research

After completing his Bachelor of International Business, Nguyen Phan Quoc Duy had a clear understanding of how organisations operate and how decisions are made in practice. But as he observed the fast-changing business landscape, he began to notice something else – the more complex the environment became, the harder it was to explain why certain strategies worked.

This curiosity led him to pursue the Master of Business Administration at RMIT University, not just to build on what he already knew, but to better understand the forces shaping business decisions, particularly in areas such as strategy formulation and innovation within emerging economies like Vietnam.

Throughout the program, Duy was introduced to a more structured and research-driven way of thinking. Through case analyses and academic discussions, he began to see that effective decision-making is grounded in deeper analysis – not just experience or intuition.

The program pushed me to think more critically and strategically, while helping me build structured thinking and confidence in approaching complex, real-world challenges.

Working in interdisciplinary teams with peers from different backgrounds challenged him to see problems from multiple perspectives. These collaborations went beyond dividing tasks – they required questioning assumptions, navigating different viewpoints, and building ideas together. Over time, this reinforced the value of shared thinking and strengthened his approach to problem-solving.

Access to RMIT’s academic resources, from research databases to market intelligence tools, allowed him to explore topics beyond the scope of his courses. Rather than being limited to set materials, he could follow questions further – moving at his own pace and often beyond what was required in class.

Combined with guidance from lecturers and interactions with academics across both Vietnam and Melbourne campuses, Duy developed confidence in engaging with complex ideas in a more analytical way.

Together, these experiences began to shape his direction. Now working as a research assistant, he is building on the skills developed during his MBA as he prepares to pursue a PhD, focusing on how businesses adapt and innovate in complex environments.

For those considering postgraduate study, his advice is simple: be proactive, engage with opportunities, and take ownership of your learning. “Learn to know, learn to apply and learn to create,” he says.