From classmates to research partners, three K17 students majoring in International Business at FPT University have earned notable academic success, jointly publishing five scientific papers — including three in top-tier Q1 international journals.
In the fast-paced academic environment where students often dedicate themselves to mastering their chosen disciplines, a group of students took on a path that was both demanding and deeply rewarding: scientific research. The team, named 4U, consists of Tran Thanh Tu, Nguyen Phuong Thy, and An Gia Khuong — all from K17, International Business. Together, they not only achieved impressive academic results but also accumulated invaluable experience in teamwork and collaboration.
An Academic Bond Sparked by a Mentor’s Encouragement
Few would expect that the strong connection within 4U began with a surprising twist of fate. Initially just classmates with little interaction beyond polite greetings, the trio bonded during a Soft Skills for Growth (SSG) course led by Ngo Thi Thuy An, Head of Admissions at FPT University.
During one session, Phuong Thy openly shared her passion for academic research with Ms. Thuy An. Recognizing their potential and eager to ignite student-driven scholarship, Ms. An encouraged the three to form a research team.
“Maybe it was the trust Ms. An placed in us, or some invisible connection between the three of us, but despite our differences in personality, we found a common voice and have supported each other ever since,” shared Thanh Tu. From that point on, 4U became not just a research group, but a close-knit academic family.
After three years of dedicated work, the group’s efforts have paid off. To date, 4U boasts five international publications in reputable Scopus/ISI journals — three of which are ranked Q1.
Among their projects, one of the most complex was a paper titled “Applying ChatGPT in Education: The Impact of Knowledge Management Factors on Student Satisfaction and Continued Use”, published in IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies in April 2024.
“The topic was so new that we didn’t have much foundational literature to rely on. We had to read extensively in English, build the research model from scratch, and engage in many heated discussions to adapt our hypotheses to the context of education and technology in Vietnam,” Tu recalled.
Another major challenge was collecting data. Knowing that ChatGPT was still unfamiliar to many students, the group carefully designed a user-friendly questionnaire with illustrative examples. They even held orientation sessions to ensure participants clearly understood the tool before responding.
“Thanks to our persistence, mutual support, and guidance from our academic mentors, we completed the study — and having it published in a Q1 journal was a proud milestone for all of us,” said Phuong Thy.
Expanding Impact through Additional Publications
Beyond the IEEE article, 4U published two more studies in Q1 journals. Their paper in the Journal of Information Technology Education: Research (August 2024) applied the Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) to assess student satisfaction and long-term engagement with ChatGPT. Findings revealed that expectation confirmation and perceived benefits significantly influenced continued use of the tool.
Their most recent work, published in Computers in Human Behavior Reports (March 2025), explored how Augmented Reality (AR) technology in marketing affects consumer purchase intentions on e-commerce platforms. The study showed that AR not only boosts user engagement but also strengthens trust and perceived value during the shopping experience.
Teamwork Principles: Listening, Respecting, and Pursuing Shared Goals
The group’s success stems not only from individual strengths but also from a solid foundation of collaboration and teamwork.
From the start, the team carefully selected topics that were both timely and academically valuable. This thoughtful approach ensured a smooth workflow, with each member contributing their expertise — from research modeling and questionnaire design to data analysis and manuscript writing.
“In our group, roles aren’t rigid, but they also don’t overlap. Everyone has their own responsibilities, and we rotate tasks regularly — not just to deepen our understanding of the research, but to grow our skills and experience along the way,” said Gia Khuong.
When asked about the “secret” to their effective teamwork, all three emphasized the importance of listening, respecting different viewpoints, and working toward a shared goal.
“In reality, we didn’t always agree. Some debates got intense — even stressful. But over time, we realized those arguments were mirrors reflecting what needed improvement in ourselves. Through them, we learned to adjust, understand one another better, and work more effectively,” Tu reflected.
The lessons learned during their research journey not only helped 4U successfully complete their academic work but also became valuable assets in other school and life activities. “A good team isn’t one that never argues, but one that learns how to grow from disagreements and stays united even under pressure,” the group concluded.
Mentorship and Institutional Support: The Cornerstones of Success
Throughout their academic journey, 4U expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and encouragement from Ms. Ngo Thi Thuy An — not just a supervisor, but a mentor who “lit the way” and fueled their passion for scholarly pursuit.
“She always listened patiently, gave direct but thoughtful feedback, and created space for us to think freely — even if it meant making mistakes, as long as we learned something from them. Thanks to her, we didn’t just improve our research skills, we learned how to work professionally and maintain a growth mindset,” said Phuong Thy.
Additionally, Thanh Tu noted that the university provided extensive support — from administrative procedures to scheduling and facilities — allowing them to fully focus on their work. “We didn’t walk this road alone. And that’s what made it truly meaningful,” Tu affirmed.