Life at SAIT
Astrid joined the School of Business in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from her industry career. She teaches Managing Strategically (MNGT 395) and Organizational Behaviour (MNGT 250) for the diploma and degree programs. Astrid is a steadfast champion of SAIT's supportive environment and deeply appreciates the opportunity to learn from her colleagues, who share a commitment to student-centered teaching. Astrid’s teaching style combines problem- and inquiry-based learning with Socratic discussions, focusing on scaffolding concepts to create meaningful, relevant learning experiences for her students. Astrid encourages lifelong learning, strong relationship building, and problem-solving capabilities in her students.
Education and certifications
Astrid completed her Bachelor of Commerce and MBA (thesis route in Operations Management) from the University of Calgary, completing both programs with distinction. She has also earned multiple teaching and professional certificates, including:
- University Teaching and Learning (Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning)
- Case Writing and Teaching Cases with Technology (Ivey Business School)
- Strengthening Skills for Career-Ready Students (Cengage)
- Using Research for Evidence-Informed Career Development Practice (CERIC)
Professional Accomplishments
Astrid has taught at various institutions, including within various faculties at the University of Calgary. Her teaching portfolio spans strategy, leadership, research, business skills, operations management, case writing, work integrated learning, and experiential learning. Outside of academia, Astrid is also deeply involved in the competitive swimming community as a referee, coach, and mentor. Her dedication to the sport reflects her passion for fostering growth and resilience in all her endeavors.
Astrid’s contributions have been recognized across various industries in Calgary and beyond, particularly in experiential learning and capstone education. Among her awards, Astrid has received:
- Nominated for the Case Centre 2024-2025 Case Competition in the Outstanding New Case Writer category due to case’s “outstanding quality,” Ivey Publishing
- The Wendy and Steve Brown Award from the Nose Creek Swim Association for outstanding volunteerism
- Best Research Project in the School of Business and 2nd place across the University of Calgary for her thesis on “Group technology/cellular manufacturing: considering human resource and quality issues using computer simulation”
Research
Astrid has contributed extensively to academic publications. Key publications include:
Eliasson, J., and Eckstein, A. (2025). PhD students: Applying for a faculty position. [Conference session]. Canadian Operational Research Society Annual Conference, Edmonton, AB, Canada. (Work in progress)
Davidson, P. & Eckstein, A. (2024). Building the future in Arrow Construction. Ivey Publishing. (Work in progress)
Davidson, P. & Maeda, A. (2023, December 4). Universal Outreach Foundation and Rocky Mountain Soap Co: Developing sustainable CSR. Ivey Publishing. (Case writer)
Davidson, P. & Eckstein, A. (2023, April 21). Growing like a weed: The $36B merger. Ivey Publishing.
Eliasson, J., Snider, B., & Hedges, P. (2022, April 27). Canadian Orthodontics Practice: Bracing for patients. Ivey Publishing. (Case writer)
Balakrishnan, J., Bowne, F. & Eckstein, A.L.H. (2008). A strategic framework for managing failure in JIT supply chains. International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, 1(4), 20-38.
Eckstein, A.L.H., & Rohleder, T.R. (1998). Incorporating human resources in group technology/cellular manufacturing. International Journal of Production Research, 35(5), 1199-1222.
Eckstein, A.L.H. (1994). Group technology/cellular manufacturing: Considering human resource and quality issues using computer simulation (Order No. MM99348) [Master’s thesis, University of Calgary]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Eckstein, A.L.H., & Balakrishnan, J. (1993). The ISO 9000 series: Quality management systems for the global economy. The Production and Inventory Management Journal, 34(4), 66-71.
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.