Students’ research on protecting business from economic impacts of COVID-19 published

Three Swinburne Master of Finance students have had their research exploring the global economic impacts of COVID-19 published in a top tier publication, the Journal of Behavioural and Experimental Finance. 

In a rare accomplishment, postgraduate students Nhan (David) Huynh, Dat Nguyen and Anh Dao independently published their article in the journal ranked A by the Australia Business Deans Council (ADBC) Journal Quality List. It is recognised as a top-tier outlet for publishing high-quality research that has undergone rigorous peer review.

The article studies the economic impacts of COVID-19 and explores country-specific factors that can limit the negative consequences of crises of similar nature on stock market returns. 

 The Swinburne authors determined the pandemic and its uncertainty largely impacted international stock markets, with pressure reduced by government interventions and strong healthcare systems.

‘This is considered one of my first achievements in my academic path, and I feel proud of my contributions,’ David says. 

Researching reality

David, Dat and Anh were completing their Master of Finance and Banking (now known as the Master of Finance) in the thick of Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 when David began to study the impact of the pandemic on financial markets.

Due to limited data available, David created an alternative database using open sources to complete the research and create the first draft, before collaborating with Dat and Anh to develop and submit the paper formally. 

‘When we received the news, we were over the moon that our article was accepted! For a student like me, it is such a great success. At some points during the ten months of work and reviews by the journal, I nearly gave up. But I persevered,‘ says David.

David and Dat say in the process they learnt how to be patient, work as a team effectively, and furthered their skills in research, data processing and academic writing. The team wishes to thank Dr Mardy Chiah and Dr Sarod Khandaker who were instrumental to their success.

Dat describes the process as ‘one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my career’ and notes the practicality of his degree ‘really built a solid foundation for my journey’.

Master of Finance students gain in-depth knowledge of finance and experience as independent analysts and researchers.

Foundations for success 

‘The Master of Finance is a forward-looking, specialist program that is designed to boost career prospects in the finance, investment and banking sector for the graduates. This program gives students in-depth knowledge of finance and allows the student to be independent analysts and researchers,’ says Master of Finance Course Director, Dr Sarod Khandaker. 

The course is affiliated with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, a highly respected credentialing program, and covers seventy percent of the Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) needed to sit the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CAIA accreditation exams.

Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance Chair, Associate Professor Mary Dunkley, says the achievement is a testimony to the students’ passion for research and the skills Swinburne’s finance staff equip all students with. 

‘Their ability to develop the article on their own, manage the process and publish in a high quality ABDC A-ranked journal is a phenomenal achievement rarely heard of. I am very proud of our finance staff who are mentoring the students as well as David, Anh and Dat’s achievement.’