This qualitative inquiry explored the impact of the quality assurance unit using ZOU as a case study. The study generated data from participants at their work places, natural setting with the researchers as a key instrument in data collection whereby they conducted interviews. The inquiry focused on participants' perspectives and their subjective views of the impact of the quality assurance unit at ZOU. In addition to interviews, document analysis (media reports and internal documents) were

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... ucted to gather evidence on the activities of the quality assurance unit. The research sought to identify the impact of the quality assurance unit in ZOU; therefore, the population for the study was the ZOU staff full time staff compliment of about 850, a part time staff compliment of about 1100 and a student body of about 11000 and major stakeholders. The manager quality assurance, 4 of the 10 regional directors, 4 of the 10 regional quality assurance coordinators, 4 of the 10 student representative council members, 12 of the 200 full time academics in 6 Faculties of ZOU were interviewed. This study has established that the Quality Assurance Unit in ZOU has positively impacted on teaching and learning, research and managerial practice resulting in the institution receiving three international awards between 2012 and 2015. Customer satisfaction improved over the period from 30. 4% in 20114% in to 77.3% in 20134% in . University ranking improved from 11 in 20114% in to 5 in 2014. Academics research output has increased from 242 in 2013 to 282 in 2014. In view of the several achievements made by the Quality Assurance Unit in ZOU the study strongly recommended that the unit continues to strive for excellence. Continued managerial support through resource allocation to address non-conformities is vital.