Abstract:

The objective of this paper is to analyse the role of institutional research in the development of open and distance learning system in South Korea. lnstitutional research of open universities plays a crucial role in implementing appropriate policies into practice for quality assurance. The paper focuses on the role of Research and Development (R &D) activities of Institute of Distance Education (IDE) of Korea National Open University (KNOU) in providing quality distance higher education programmes in South Korea. The paper further discusses research policy of KNOU, organisational structure of IDE, operational mechanism of R &D activities at IDE, research areas covered and research designed used by the IDE's scholars and utilisation of research findings by the KNOU' policy makers while taking day to day policy decisions.