How Are the Results of Quality Assurance Programs Used to Inform Practices at A Distance Higher Education?

Abstract

This paper is to examine the implementation of quality assurance (QA) programs in distance higher education. Different challenges related to the development of QA programs at a distance higher institution and how to manage and implement the programs are discussed to show how the programs have been used to ensure the survival of the institution. A qualitative case study through semi structured interview and documentary analysis was employed to investigate the issue. The evidence indicates that the development and implementation of QA programs were very demanding and called for strong commitment of the top management and staff at all levels. Despite the challenges, the results of quality programs have generated significant benefits for the university through its regular self-assessment and stakeholders’ feedback. The employment of the QA programs has called for different quality guidelines to maintain consistency in the management process and to ensure products and rendered services correspond with quality criteria. The results of this study might support sharing practical recommendations on how QA programs could be adapted in different distance higher institutions with different social and educational settings.