On 14 December 2022, the cities of Khmelnytskyi and Sheffield (United Kingdom) signed a Twinning Agreement, initiating a new phase of international cooperation encompassing education, culture, and community development. Within the framework of this strategic partnership, collaboration has been established between Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU) and Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom), yielding tangible educational results.
One of these outcomes is the introduction of the innovative course Hotel Operation Tactics and Strategy (HOTS) into KhNU’s curriculum—a modern business simulation developed in collaboration with British partners.
This semester, students from the Faculty of Management, Administration and Tourism, as well as the Faculty of International Relations and Law, are participating in the program, which integrates international experience with a practice-oriented approach. HOTS allows students to work in conditions closely resembling real business environments, make strategic management decisions, and analyse their outcomes.
The particular value of the course lies in the direct involvement of Sheffield Hallam University instructors, leading British hospitality experts. Classes are taught by Professors David Grem and Ian Elsmore, who bring up-to-date European approaches, research expertise, and innovative teaching methodologies into the educational process.
David Graham is a recognised expert in hotel management, holds a PhD, and serves as Chief Research Fellow at the Academy of Higher Education. His research interests include transformations in the restaurant industry, foodservice management, and innovations in education, particularly gamification.
Ian Elsmore is a senior lecturer in hospitality and a researcher with extensive experience, specialising in research methods, small business management, and human resource management. His work focuses on the complex processes of adapting historic buildings for modern hospitality use, as well as on studies of European funding and management practices.
The learning format involves teamwork within a “virtual hotel,” where students allocate roles, make management decisions, analyse financial and operational indicators, and develop a strategic business plan. This approach promotes not only professional competencies but also critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills in an international environment.
On 18 March, an inaugural online meeting of course participants brought together KhNU students and instructors from the United Kingdom. The session presented the capabilities of the HOTS platform, organized team work, and set the first assignments for participants. Attendees included KhNU Rector Serhii Matiukh, Vice-Rector for Academic and Scientific Work Kateryna Skyba, and Dean of the Faculty of Management, Administration and Tourism Yevhenii Rudnichenko. The project coordinators are Tetiana Tomalia and Nataliia Antoshkova, Associate Professors of the Department of Tourism and Hotel-Restaurant Management.
This project is a vivid example of how international partnerships can transform into real educational opportunities for students. The collaboration between KhNU and Sheffield Hallam University not only strengthens the international component of academic programs but also supports KhNU’s integration into the European educational space.
KhNU highly values the support of its British partners and continues to actively develop international connections, opening new opportunities for students and faculty.