
Dr. Alastair Watson is a Scottish academic with a decade of experience in developing and delivering higher education programs worldwide. His professional journey began in the hospitality industry, where he cultivated a deep interest in the hotels, restaurants, and leisure sectors, as well as a fascination with the resilience of SMEs and the entrepreneurs who establish them. In his academic career, Alastair has had the privilege of working at renowned Scottish and Australian universities, both in Scotland and the vibrant city of Dubai.
From his early years in high school, Alastair has consistently been employed, starting with a weekend job crafting picture frames, followed by working in the family newsagent and fancy goods shop. As a country boy at heart, he also gained experience working in small country hotels in a picturesque region of Scotland, eventually becoming a hotel manager himself. His diverse work experiences have instilled in him a deep appreciation for the value of practical work experience and a nuanced understanding of the diverse individuals encountered in life. Alastair’s journey began with the Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) system, leading him to recognize that every individual is unique and learns in their own distinct way.
It is this understanding of individuality and diverse learning styles that has motivated Alastair to join the AEE team. He is driven by the desire to businesses in comprehending, visualizing, and applying their newfound knowledge in a practical manner that will enable them to recognize its genuine value in the workplace.
UKHEI Experience | Years |
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Dundee University: Associate Dean Quality and Academic Standards, Senior Lecturer in Management University of Wollongong in Dubai: Assistant Professor in Management Heriot-Watt University (Dubai): Assistant Professor in Management & Marketing Heriot-Watt University: Graduate Teaching Assistant (Management & Marketing) | 2021 – 2023 2016 – 2021 2015 – 2016 2012 – 2015 |
Industry Experience | Years |
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TRG Plc Frankie & Bennys: General Manager, Regional Trainer, Regional Recruitment Co-ordinator Best Western Hetland Hall Hotel: General Manager Portland Hotel Management: Deputy General Manager Shieldhill Castle: Events Co-ordinator, Operations Manager | 2009-2014 2007-2009 2005-2007 2002-2005 |
Education | Years |
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University of Wollongong in Dubai: PG Cert in Inclusive Education: Strategies, Policies and Legislation; Psychology for Educators Swinburne University: PG Cert in Curriculum Design & Assessment; Nature of Learning & Teaching; Design & Delivery of Online Learning Heriot-Watt University: PgCap: Teaching Heriot-Watt University: PhD in Management Strathclyde University: PGDip International Hospitality Management Napier University: BA Business Information Management Bell College of Technology (now University West of Scotland: HNC Business Admin, HND Business Information Systems | 2021 2017 – 2019 2013 – 2014 2012 – 2015 2004 – 2005 2001 – 2002 1996 – 2000 |