Which quality management approach is best for small-scale, research-based projects?

ISO9001:2008 suits all the organizations of any size and type, with its Process approach model. This provides opportunities to establish process for Design and development also.

There is a Small Business standard developed by CQI which is established in line with how the small businesses are run today.

When it comes to Quality approach, there are many methods to establish in Quality model for the organization - TQM,5P, etc which suits small businesses to reap benefits from the Quality improvement techniques.