Abstract:

Established in 1999, YCMOU is a major open university with a rapidly growing student population that seeks to be a university to all. It uses a three tier system of provision involving eight regional centres and employing over 4500 academic counsellors at over 1400 local study centres. This case study examined the administrative concerns at YCMOU through interviews with a wide range of staff, students and present and former senior personnel and analysis of university documents. Three major themes were identified: sustainability, organization, and quality. Its sustainability requires it to remain aware of the latest developments in technology; it has implemented an extensive quality assurance model, and its organization employs partnerships. YCMOU provides an interesting hybrid of Peter's industrial model melding bureaucratic, entrepreneurial and collegial components.