Continuous improvement

Ontario Tech will continue to strive for greater efficiencies, building on years of collaboration through shared services, joint procurement, digital transformation and administrative streamlining to ensure any funding received is used responsibly to deliver value and support our priorities. Along with expanding enrolment and seeking new revenue sources for priority areas, we are taking proactive measures to control costs by identifying efficiencies, implementing AI solutions and prioritizing spending. For example, upgrading our IT systems and software platforms will streamline administrative processes, allowing staff to focus on higher-impact tasks rather than high-volume, often manual, activities.

Using resources from the government’s Efficiency and Accountability Fund, the university hired KPMG to assist us in finding opportunities to optimize resources while continuing to meet the evolving needs of our students, staff, faculty and local communities. Their preliminary findings highlighted opportunities for economies of scale, alternative revenue sources and service enhancements:

Grow to achieve economies of scale: As a maturing university, fixed operating costs are distributed across a smaller number of students, thus negatively impacting our financial viability. As we grow, we will not maintain the same staffing ratios.

Increase alternative revenue streams: Ontario Tech will expand its unique learning offerings and optimize the use of specialized venue spaces to generate ancillary revenues. By offering more than just degree programs, the university will broaden its appeal and diversify its income.

Enhance automation: Further automation can help highly qualified personnel move away from transactional tasks to focus on student services and strategic actions. KPMG noted that areas such as human resources, information technology, and facilities would benefit from streamlined processes and clear roles. Once effective process mapping is in place, further improvements can be realized through automation and AI systems.