On the morning of August 31, 2024, the National Economics University (NEU) organized a doctoral dissertation defense ceremony for PhD candidate Pham Thu Van, majoring in Business Administration (E-PhD Program), with the dissertation titled: "Impacts of credit access and innovation on firm performance in Vietnam".

The doctoral dissertation was supervised by Dr. Vu Tuan Anh from the National Economics University.

The ceremony was attended by council members, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bach Ngoc Thang; Dr. Dang Quang Vinh, Prof. Dr. Le Quoc Hoi; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuong Anh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Hoang Tuan, and Dr. Dang Duc Anh.

Additionally, the ceremony was attended by the supervising faculty member, colleagues from the candidate's workplace, friends, and family members of the PhD candidate.

Under the chairmanship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Chairman of the Council, the Council reviewed the academic background, research achievements, learning process, and scientific research results of PhD candidate Pham Thu Van throughout the entire dissertation project implementation process. The Council members highly praised the candidate's academic achievements, research accomplishments, and dedicated efforts during this period.

Subsequently, PhD candidate Pham Thu Van presented her dissertation research findings to the Council.

PhD candidate Pham Thu Van presenting her dissertation summary to the Council

In her doctoral dissertation, PhD candidate Pham Thu Van conducted research on "Impacts of credit access and innovation on firm performance in Vietnam". This research makes two significant contributions to the literature. First, this study represents one of the first investigations into the combined effects of credit access and innovation on firm performance, measured through labor productivity, revenue, and value added, utilizing the Theory of Firm Growth and Resource-Based Theory.

Second, this research demonstrates pioneering contributions in this field by utilizing longitudinal data collected from small and medium manufacturing enterprises across Vietnam. Leveraging data from the biennial SME survey spanning from 2005 to 2013, along with the annual PCI survey, this paper, to our best knowledge, is the first to utilize all available data to create a long-term panel dataset for analysis. Our research distinguishes itself by utilizing the complete set of available data points. It effectively addresses the endogeneity issue in the data through the application of three instrumental variables: distance, credit history, and the significance of innovation, ensuring accurate and unbiased results. This comprehensive approach allows for thorough examination of SME dynamics and growth by capturing trends and patterns over an extended period.

The dissertation's key findings have been published in international scientific journals indexed in ISI/Scopus databases.

PhD candidate Pham Thu Van and Council members

According to the evaluation by Council members, the dissertation reflects PhD candidate Pham Thu Van's rigorous learning and research process. The research findings possess high scientific value and practical applicability.

After deliberation, the dissertation evaluation Council conducted a closed-door meeting, resulting in unanimous approval from all 7 present members. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, on behalf of the Council, congratulated PhD candidate Pham Thu Van on her successful doctoral dissertation defense.

Before concluding the ceremony, PhD candidate Pham Thu Van delivered remarks expressing her gratitude to the Graduate Institute, the Institute for Sustainable Development, her supervising faculty, colleagues, friends, and especially her family for their constant companionship, encouragement, support, and for creating the best conditions enabling her to successfully defend her dissertation and achieve her doctoral degree.

Some images from the ceremony:

PhD candidate Pham Thu Van and her supervising faculty member
PhD candidate Pham Thu Van with faculty members and PhD candidates from the E-PhD Program
PhD candidate Pham Thu Van taking photos with faculty members and colleagues

Article and photos: Institute for Sustainable Development