Driving Operational Excellence

Supporting Algoma's growth and transformation

In response to recent growth and the continued development of business processes, Algoma University has recently established the Business Transformation Office (BTO) as a dedicated support function focused on enhancing customer service for our students, adding business efficiencies, ensuring compliance, and driving overall operational and service excellence for overall organizational success. 

The BTO provides expertise in process and policy improvement, project management, and operational excellence, among other services, to help departments streamline workflows, optimize performance, automate processes for lean transformation, and incorporate new technologies to build resilience. As a central resource, the BTO ensures that initiatives align with university priorities and are executed effectively and sustainably.

In addition to supporting projects and driving efficiencies, the BTO plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with mandates set by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Ontario Auditor General’s Office, and the Board of Governors. This involves overseeing regulatory requirements, managing reporting obligations, and aligning with accountability frameworks.

At the core of its mission, the BTO is committed to supporting the institution with enhancements to ensure facilities and support services are meeting the needs of the university’s core business; delivering high-quality education and impactful research.

The BTO also leads efforts to enhance business sustainability and risk resilience by proactively addressing risks that could impact the university’s long-term objectives. The BTO is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement by integrating lean methodologies across departments. This includes streamlining processes, utilizing technologies to support high performance, reducing redundancies, and upskilling staff to adopt efficient practices that drive innovation and productivity.

Furthermore, the BTO provides regular updates to the Board on major initiatives and key performance metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making and transparent oversight. Through collaboration and innovation, the BTO is dedicated to ensuring that Algoma remains agile, accountable, and well-positioned for future success.

Ideas Intake Form

Our Team:

Our team comprises 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.

Ilham Punjani
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.

Simrit Gill
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.

Tarran Provak

The BTO is eager to collaborate with you to enhance processes and drive positive change across the university. If you have ideas for improvement or initiatives you’d like to discuss, please share them with us through our Ideas Intake Form. Your insights are invaluable as we work together to elevate Algoma University’s operations, strategy and sustainability in an ever changing environment.

Partner with the BTO to drive transformative excellence through lean practices and innovation!