1 Conceptual Model for Supply Chain and Quality Management integration Ana Cristina Fernandes (acfernandes@dps.uminho.pt), Huy Truong, Paulo Sampaio, Maria do Sameiro Carvalho Systems and Production Department, Minho University, Braga, Portugal Abstract This paper presents a conceptual model proposal for Quality Management (QM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) integration and its impact in the companies‟ performance. Based on a literature review, a set of QM and SCM principles that promote the integration have been identified. With this model we consider that we can embrace the most important issues concerning these two organizational areas. Furthermore, the statistical validation of the proposed model and the conclusions reached could help worldwide companies to adopt new management approaches in order to improve their performance. Keywords: Supply chain management, quality management, integration Introduction Recent trends in the business world has forced companies to expand their activities into new regions where they can have access to qualified manpower, lower production costs and high availability of raw materials, giving rise to wider and more complex supply chains but also bringing in new opportunities to leverage their competitive advantages. These changes require the implementation of new organizational models with different suppliers and partners that will be responsible for an important part of the final product and consequently to provide a service of excellence to satisfy customers. In order to produce value and optimize sustainability, it is fundamental to establish successful partnerships within the supply chain organizations. Thus, the use of quality management and supply chain management integrated approaches becomes necessary to accomplish and successfully fulfill all these objectives. Much attention has been dedicated to supply chain management concepts in recent years. However, the relationship between supply chain management and quality management is still very limited (Robinson and Malhotra, 2005). Similar characteristics tie these two management areas together: the adoption of holistic approaches, the promotion of continuous improvement and innovation; customer satisfaction; leadership; strategic planning, among others. Also, areas of each management approach can be seen as complementary and their synergies can contribute to improve the global performance of a company. Considering that both QM and SCM require internal and external collaboration, they offer a unique framework to integrate participation and partnership between stakeholders (Guimenez, 2004). Therefore, since there are some similarities between quality and supply chain, the understanding of their integration can