Prioritizing supporting ISO standards in quality management systems (QMS): an integrative approach based on the QMS lifecycle stages and the FITradeoff method

Purpose This study proposes a structured decision-support model to prioritize non-certifiable ISO supporting standards according to the lifecycle stage (maturity) of a quality management system (QMS), helping especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) allocate scarce resources coherently. Design/methodology/approach An integrative model was developed by combining a four-stage classification of the QMS lifecycle (planning, implementation, maintenance and improvement) with the FITradeoff multicriteria decision method. A single-case study in a Brazilian SME (textile cluster) evaluated four standards using six criteria reflecting strategy, cost, time, adoption, managerial impact and people engagement. FITradeoff’s ranking variant elicited partial preferences through pairwise and holistic judgments, with Hasse-diagram outputs and sensitivity analysis. Findings The prioritization was ISO 10014 (financial and economic benefits), ISO 10019/CB-25 (consultancy and service selection), ISO 10018 (people involvement) and ISO 10006 (project quality). Results align with an early-stage QMS, favoring quick wins in measurement and financial discipline before capability-deepening actions. Robustness analysis indicated >92% stability. The FITradeoff method proved suitable for SME contexts due to its ability to handle partial information and to reduce cognitive burden in decision-making. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to a single SME case, involving only one decision-maker and a reduced set of ISO standards, which constrains the generalizability and comprehensiveness of the findings. Future research should replicate the model in other sectors and organizational profiles, include multi-stakeholder perspectives and consider a broader range of standards. Comparative analyses with other MCDM/A methods and structured external validation by quality experts are also recommended to strengthen the model’s robustness, flexibility and practical relevance. Practical implications The model yields a stage-aware roadmap that sequences supporting standards, reduces implementation risk and informs policy programs that target QMS maturity-aligned incentives for SMEs. Social implications By enhancing the ability of SMEs to implement structured quality practices, the model contributes to improved organizational performance, competitiveness and sustainability, especially in developing economies. Originality/value This research fills a gap in the literature by applying the FITradeoff method to QMS-related decisions for the first time. It also offers a novel theoretical contribution by linking the lifecycle perspective of QMS maturity with the strategic adoption of supporting ISO standards.