Teaching Philosophy

I believe that effective teaching goes beyond delivering knowledge – it is about cultivating curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in applying ideas to real-world contexts.

With more than two decades of full-time university teaching experience, I have developed a deeply experiential approach that integrates strategy, technology, hands-on experience, and reflection, encouraging students not only to understand systems but to think critically about how technology shapes organizations and society. My passion for teaching remains the reason I continue to find fulfillment in academia – it is in the classroom, both physical and virtual, that ideas come alive!

I view teaching as a shared journey of exploration. Each class is an opportunity to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and confidence in applying ideas to real contexts.

Current Courses

I teach across multiple programs at the Telfer School of Management and the University of Ottawa's interdisciplinary graduate programs in Digital Transformation and Innovation. My teaching portfolio spans undergraduate, graduate, and executive education levels.

ADM 1370 – Applications of Information Technology for Business (BCom)

Introduction to information technologies and business applications through hands-on projects that develop digital literacy and analytical thinking.

MBA 5264 – Digital Organizations (MBA)

Explores leadership and transformation in digitally enabled enterprises through case discussions, guest speakers, and strategic simulations.

ADX 5270 – Strategic Information Systems Management (EMBA)

Focuses on aligning business and IT strategies, featuring live consulting field projects and executive-level digital transformation exercises.

ADM 4396 – Cyber Security Management (BCom)

Examines cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management using contemporary cases and interactive simulations.

DTI 6160 – Cyber Security Systems and Strategies (MSc)

Integrates managerial, architectural, and operational perspectives of cybersecurity with applied exercises in threat intelligence and resilience.

DTI 7101 – Research Workshop in Digital Transformation & Innovation (MSc)

A guided seminar for developing research ideas, conducting literature reviews, and short research proposals.

DTI 7102 – Interdisciplinary Research Methods (MSc/PhD)

Provides methodological foundations and practical techniques for designing, conducting, and evaluating empirical and applied research.

DTI 6401 – User Experience Principles and Practices (MSc)

Merges design thinking and usability engineering principles with practical workshops on UX research and evaluation.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning (ExL) is the cornerstone of my teaching practice. I design my courses so that students learn by doing – through case analysis, live simulations, technology workshops, and interactions with industry professionals. These methods help students bridge theory with practice and develop confidence in applying what they learn.

Key experiential elements include:

  • Case Discussions that link theory with real-world challenges.
  • Technology Workshops & Walkthroughs that build practical digital skills.
  • Guest Speakers from alumni and industry who bring professional insights.
  • Simulations that recreate decision-making in dynamic business and cybersecurity contexts.

This approach ensures that students engage deeply with material, collaborate across disciplines, and develop transferable skills essential for lifelong learning and leadership.

Teaching Achievements

Ian Telfer Teaching Excellence Fellowship

2021–2024; Renewed 2024–2027

University of Ottawa Award for Excellence in Teaching – Nominee

2018, 2019

Most Innovative Project in Online Education – Nominee

uOttawa TLSS, 2021–2022

Top-tier Student Evaluations

Across undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs

Teaching evaluation graph showing consistently high ratings

Student Perspectives

The tutorials were not only detailed but also stimulating. This made our classes very fun and interactive! I loved how Prof. Ruhi uses these sessions to make sure that students truly understood the content.

— BCom Student, ADM 1370 – Applications of IT for Business

This course was different from other business courses—hands-on, realistic, and incredibly relevant. The cybersecurity simulations were fun and showed how what we were learning applied to real-world problems.

— BCom Student, ADM 4396 – Cyber Security Management

An amazing course, perfectly aligned with my professional role. Excellent guest speakers, engaging simulations, and an instructor who makes complex ideas practical and thought-provoking.

— MBA Student, MBA 5264 – Digital Organizations

Before this course I had not even heard the term Information Systems. Now it's one of my favourite subjects. Dr. Ruhi explains things so clearly that I can now communicate and advocate for IT in my organization.

— EMBA Student, ADX 5270 – Strategic Information Systems Management

Professor Ruhi is great as always—he builds rapport with students, keeps us engaged, and encourages participation. The balance of technical and managerial content in this cybersecurity course was perfect.

— MSc Student, DTI 6160 – Cyber Security Systems and Strategies

This was one of the best courses I took in my academic career. The professor's approach to research methods was inspiring and made complex concepts accessible and exciting.

— PhD Student, DTI 7102 – Interdisciplinary Research Methods

Graduate Supervision and Mentorship

I have supervised and mentored more than 60 graduate students (PhD, MSc thesis, and project-based) across topics such as AI governance, human-AI collaboration, cybersecurity, blockchain, UX, and digital transformation.

Many of my students have gone on to leadership roles in industry and academia, and I continue to collaborate with several through joint publications and research projects.

Select Publications on Scholarship of Teaching & Learning