Business Operations & Continuous Improvement

Optimizing operational processes and enhancing productivity by utilizing data-driven insights has been a top priority for our portfolio. Through careful analysis, we identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, improve resource allocation, and refine business strategies, thereby contributing to a more agile and innovative institution. We have been gathering data and insights from Temple’s core business processes, aiming to improve policies and systems to increase efficiency. These improvements are not only enhancing satisfaction with critical service functions but are also contributing to better performance and employee satisfaction across the university. A sample of recent progress:

• Budget and Finance Portal: We developed a new portal for faculty and staff, designed to support their key business roles. This portal has already served 2,561 users with over 38,000 views in the first four months, providing curated resources and tools for travel planning, budget navigation, and a One Stop for Business Processes that are most frequently used by Temple leaders. 

• Efficiency Gains through Technology: Efficiencies in administrative processes have been achieved via better use of technology, cloud-based reporting, and consolidated software solutions (e.g., WDesk, Planful, Concur, PaymentWorks). These improvements have maintained consistent headcounts while increasing productivity to offset transactional growth. 

• Travel Process Consolidation: A Pre-Travel Application and Process were created to centralize and streamline travel planning, ensuring adherence to University policies and efficient use of resources. 

• Cost Savings in Print Services: We completed the implementation of HP managed print services, reducing our annual spend from $1.2M with Xerox (CY19) to $580K with HP (FY24). 

• Collaborative Procurement: Partnering with the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University, we issued an office supplies vendor RFP, selecting ODP/Supra to replace Staples/Guy Brown, effective July 2024, resulting in more competitive pricing. “By combining forces, the universities will save up to an additional 7%, which equates to more than $400,000 annually, in addition to other savings for each school and other contract-related benefits, showcasing how a successful collaboration can have a powerful impact on cost-savings initiatives.” 

Auxiliaries & Partners

Serving one of the largest universities, in one of the nation’s most historical cities, each area of Temple's business operations contributes to supporting the university’s strategic priorities, across 17 schools and colleges. Catering, Campus Partnerships, and Temple Trademark and Licensing are a few of the functions detailed here, working to support the mission of Temple University.

Administrative Council

Key leaders representing the core operations also serve on Temple University's Administrative Council. There are over 100 active members who represent 6 domestic campuses, 17 schools and colleges, and the various departments that support the university enterprise. Admin Council meets periodically throughout the year for timely updates on policy, procedures, systems and information related to fiscal roles and responsibilities.

Continuity Planning

Our Finance and Business Continuity Planning prepares the portfolio's financial and business operations to ensure critical activities continue during any possible disruption. Our goal is to keep this initiative aligned with other emerging needs addressed throughout the university: compliance, assessment and measurement.