Relationship between Total Quality Management and School Improvement

The work has examined the potential benefits of applying a Total Quality Management framework to schools in South Africa, in the context of systemic transformation, widespread dysfunctionality and the perceived ineffectiveness of alternative forms of school improvement. Underpinned by a survey of schools in the Tshwane North district and drawing on recent research applying corporate TQM practices to public schooling, it puts forward a TQM framework customised for and relevant to South African conditions.It suggests that TQM provides tools with which the democratic values of participation, transparency and accountability can be enhanced, and the policy objective of improved educational outcomes achieved.The primary outcome of the research, and the contribution made to new knowledge in the field, is the development of such an integrated framework, one which is not only theoretically sound but one which has been customised for South African conditions.This does not mean that TQM is considered the panacea to all questions – it is only one of a number of strategic management approaches that could be used to ensure continuous improvement.