Driving Operational Excellence
Supporting Algoma's Growth and Transformation
Algoma University is committed to enhancing operational excellence to meet the evolving needs of our students, staff, and University community. As part of this commitment, we have established the Business Transformation Office (BTO)—a dedicated support function designed to drive efficiencies, improve processes, and ensure compliance for sustained organizational success.
The BTO is a centralized resource offering expertise in:
- Process and Policy Improvement: Streamlining workflows, automating processes, and incorporating innovative solutions for lean transformation.
- Project Management: Ensuring initiatives are executed effectively and align with university priorities.
- Operational Excellence: Enhancing customer service, building resilience, and driving continuous improvement across departments.
By optimizing performance and integrating new technologies, the BTO helps the university adapt to change, reduce redundancies, and foster a culture of innovation.
The BTO plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and accountability frameworks established by:
- The Ministry of Colleges and Universities
- The Ontario Auditor General’s Office
- The Algoma University Board of Governors
Key responsibilities include overseeing reporting obligations, managing regulatory compliance, and aligning university operations with mandated standards.
At the core of the BTO’s mission is a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This includes:
- Implementing lean methodologies to optimize efficiency.
- Leveraging business transformation opportunities and technology to enhance performance and reduce redundancies.
- Upskilling staff to adopt innovative practices that drive productivity and creativity.
The BTO also focuses on business sustainability and risk resilience, proactively addressing potential risks to safeguard the university’s long-term objectives.
To ensure transparency and data-driven decision-making, the BTO provides regular updates to the Board of Governors on:
- Major initiatives
- Key performance metrics
- Operational improvements
This collaborative approach helps the university remain agile and accountable while adapting to future challenges.
Through its initiatives, the BTO supports Algoma University’s mission to deliver a high-quality educational experience, support impactful research, and aid outstanding service levels. By streamlining processes, ensuring compliance, and driving innovation, the BTO positions Algoma for continued success and growth in today’s ever-changing landscape.
Our Team:
Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement:
Ilham Punjani
As the Chief of Business Transformation, Strategy, and Sustainability, Ilham leads the BTO with a focus on strategic planning and operational excellence. With over two decades of global experience, including a decade in higher education across the UK, Canada and Asia. Ilham brings a unique perspective and deep expertise. As a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Marketer, PMP-certified Project Manager, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Ilham is well-equipped to drive impactful business transformations and align institutional initiatives with strategic goals.
Katie Uyede
As Director of Business Transformation, Katie oversees EDI, People & Culture, and Student Affairs related projects, ensuring that Algoma University’s operations align with its institutional goals. Her role is to drive efficiency by streamlining processes, implementing best practices from the sector, and fostering collaboration across teams. With a strong focus on innovation and community building, Katie aims to enhance the university’s operations while creating a more effective and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Simrit Gill
As the Director of Business Transformation managing academic and research projects, Simrit specializes in aligning academic initiatives with institutional goals. Her work includes integrating strategic analysis, data-driven decision-making, and process improvements to enhance the university’s academic and research outcomes. Simrit’s ability to identify improvement opportunities and support project implementation is vital to the success of academic innovation at Algoma University.
Tarran Provak
As the Director of Business Transformation overseeing operations, Tarran focuses on process optimization, operational improvements, and change management. As a certified Project Management Professional and PROSCI certified Change Management Practitioner, her expertise in leading projects and change across cross-functional teams ensures the efficient execution of initiatives that align with the university’s strategic objectives.
