Recently, students of the "Strategic Management in a Global Context" (SBA543) course at American University Kyiv had the opportunity to learn from a world-class professional — Dr. James M. Crick, Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Leicester and Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa.
The lecture was organized by Dr. Hanna Shvindina as an initiative to enhance the academic experience through international collaboration and exposure to contemporary research and practice.
Dr. Crick’s session focused on the intersection of marketing and entrepreneurship, drawing on his extensive research on internationalization, collaborative strategies (including coopetition), and strategic orientations. Through a case-based approach, students were encouraged to critically examine real-world business scenarios, reflecting on how firms navigate complex strategic environments and build competitive advantage.
The topic of coopetition is particularly relevant in the course, as Dr. Shvindina has a strong research interest in this field and has collaborated with international colleagues on related studies. This alignment added depth to the discussion, connecting global academic research with classroom learning.

The lecture provided students with valuable insights into coopetition. By integrating research-based perspectives with practical examples, Dr. Crick facilitated a highly engaging and intellectually stimulating discussion.
Guest lectures by leading international scholars remain an integral part of the AUK academic model, reinforcing the University’s commitment to bridging academic research with practical application in global management education.
We are very grateful to James M. Crick for an inspiring lecture and fresh insights!
You can learn more about Dr. James Crick’s professional background here.