Mapping Core Practices in Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) to ISO 9001:2015 Requirements

Organizations adopting agile frameworks often struggle to maintain compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems – Requirements, particularly during certification audits where evidence of conformance is mandatory. From an ISO 9001 auditor’s perspective, this tension reflects a fundamental challenge: agile practices prioritize flexibility, minimal documentation, and rapid iteration, while ISO 9001 enforces structured processes, documented information, and traceability. This study addresses that challenge by investigating how Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD), a governance-oriented agile framework, can be aligned with ISO 9001 requirements without compromising agility. The research employs a Multivocal Literature Review (MLR), incorporating both academic and practitioner sources, and applies Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) to synthesize insights. Guided by Process Compliance Theory, the study conceptualizes the mapping of DAD practices to ISO 9001 clauses as a hybrid governance approach, embedding compliance checkpoints and documentation enhancements within DAD’s adaptive structure. This theoretical framework explains how organizations can operationalize compliance through adaptive mechanisms rather than rigid controls. The findings identify six DAD practice pillars, namely Full Delivery Lifecycle, Focus on Process Goals, Defined Roles and Responsibilities, Agile Governance, Context-Sensitive Practice, and DevOps and Enterprise Awareness. This study also demonstrates their varying degrees of alignment with ISO 9001 clauses. Practical adaptations, such as lightweight documentation strategies and integrated compliance reviews, are proposed to bridge gaps. By combining auditor-informed insights with theoretical framing, this study contributes a structured mapping framework and actionable recommendations for organizations seeking to maintain agility while achieving ISO 9001 certification.