SUMMARY The first part of this article deals with the applicability of the total quality management (TQM) definition, the method's principles and the underlying strategy for educational systems. Also discussed are continual improvement methodology, updating of teachers and other personnel members and treatment of the student and industry as customers, as well as other aspects. The second part of the article describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. The third and final parts of the article present a TQM course outline, combining lectures, discussions, suggested reading, a case study and a final project.