The Innovation Action Group (IAG), under the leadership of Associate Vice-President, Innovation, Sanjeev Gill, will identify, evaluate, and prioritize process improvement opportunities across our administrative functions in accordance with the Terms of Reference.
IAG areas of focusÌý
Initially, the IAG will focus on four key areas: enhancing travel administration, standardizing hardware and software procurement, improving access to information and transparency, and conducting departmental process reviews. We will be sharing updates with the University community as work progresses in these areas.
For more information about these areas of focus, contact the IAG program manager Connie van Oostveen.
Enhancing travel administration
Recent communications regarding international travel expenses have highlighted questions regarding efficiency of approvals and the processes required for international and domestic travel expenses. We want to ensure that our travel expenses can be processed in a way that is efficient, with appropriate reviews in place. We also know that travel expenses need to be carefully considered during this time of fiscal restraint. The IAG will work to streamline travel processes, review opportunities for cost savings, automate workflows where appropriate, and eliminate redundant procedures. The group will coordinate with departmental and procurement initiatives already underway to minimize duplication.
Standardizing hardware and software procurement
In a recent review of the IT function, cost savings opportunities were identified related to IT hardware, software, and license procurement. Beginning with desktop rollover programs, the IAG will recommend standard procurement practices to improve efficiency and consistency across all areas of the University. The IAG will also review ongoing analyses of campus-wide subscriptions (publications and software) and propose simplifications to reduce costs
Improving access to information and transparency
The functional reviews completed for IT and Finance identified access to information as a barrier to efficiency in some areas. The IAG will examine opportunities to expand access to information and data, andÌýrecommend strategies to improve transparency, strengthen trust, and enable more effective change management.
Conducting departmental process reviews
The IAG will be conducting reviews of select departments as part of a pilot program to identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, including process re-engineering, workflow automation, and other continuous improvements. The reviews will be carried out by a small internal À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ team with skills in Lean methodologies; emerging technologies, including AI; and process improvement experience. The reviews will be coordinated with unit representatives that have been assigned by their respective Executive Council leader. This will ensure that unit leaders will remain informed on the progress of reviews.
An initial pilot is underway within WatSPEED, looking specifically at the Client Success function to increase revenue. The second pilot will include the recruitment and sessional hiring processes in HR utilizing digital technologies like AI. Subsequent unit reviews and projects will be identified collaboratively by the IAG and Executive Council members.Ìý
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