Challenges in adopting ISO/IEC 29110 standardized processes in Agile VSEs

• Luis T. Portela-Peñúñuri ITSON
• Gilberto Borrego ITSON
• Ramón R. Palacio ITSON

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/cibse.2025.35340

Abstract

Very small software entities (VSEs) face challenges when attempting to incorporate structured quality practices into their agile environment. The ISO/IEC 29110 standard aims to address these challenges; however, its adoption still faces some issues. This study identifies adoption barriers through an ongoing systematic mapping aiming to prioritize those with the highest impact on standard adoption. Preliminary results highlight organizational barriers, technical challenges, and psychosocial factors. These findings lay the groundwork for future research to compare factors with case studies, aiming to develop an adaptive framework that closes the gap between agility and standardization, enabling VSEs to adopt critical disciplines of the standard.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 29110, Agile Methods, VSEs, Systematic Mapping

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