Dlamini, Zanele Sonto2014-03-132014-03-132014-03-13http://hdl.handle.net10539/14141This study seeks to explore the generic management principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and their relevance to education. The major principle of TQM proposes continuous improvement as a strategy towards improving quality. In schools where the focus on improving teaching and learning for the benefit of the student, innovative school principals in collaboration with teachers, pupils and parents, have set up procedures and processes to ensure quality education. The study also considers significantly the extent of the applicability and the effecitveness of seeking continuous improvement in schools. It examines whether some schools in Sw aziland use staff development and teamwork to sustain quality teaching and learning. It also investigates the extent to which leadership management contributes towards managing internal and external pressures associated with the policy of the school, and meeting the demands of the customers (puipls, parents, community, stakeholders, institutions). Therefore TQM as a process requires ownership by all parties, in an organisation. Through the study, findings revealed that the TQM principles could to a certain extent work with some schools in Swaziland. This can be affected by the culture of schooling in the country, the participatory approach and the diversity of the school managers' approach towards decision making. Finally, the study recommends some strategies of creating a continuous improvement system to sustain quality education.enThesis