MSP

Managing Successful Programmes Basics

Framework | Accreditation and Exams | Re-registration

Framework

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a framework - not a methodology - that focuses on delivering business benefits through delivery of new capabilities from projects. The capabilities are transitioned into business operations to deliver the business benefits and the realisation of benefits is managed. MSP is the OGC Best Practice standard for defining and implementing change within any type of organisation.

It is about benefits realisation, pure and simple, and must be sold on this basis at Board level. Without Board support, there is no point using MSP. Programmes must add value. There is a lot of overhead and expense in running a programme and if it does not add value, just run a big project instead. MSP is suitable for specification led programmes, political and societal change programmes and particularly for business transformation programmes.

The Principles in MSP advise how to:

  • Organise personnel to ensure responsibilities and lines of communication are clear
  • Manage the business case development and delivery
  • Plan the work in a way which achieves results
  • Ensure that the organisation benefits from undertaking the programme
  • Ensure that all interested parties (the stakeholders) are involved
  • Resolve issues which arise
  • Identify and manage risks
  • Ensure quality
  • Keep up to date information which tracks the continually changing environment
  • Audit a programme to ensure standards are being followed to achieve OGC approval

The Processes in MSP describe how to:

  • Identify the aim of the programme and envisaged benefits to the organisation
  • Define the programme, and specify how the organisation will be different afterwards
  • Establish the programme Governance processes
  • Monitor and co-ordinate the projects within a programme to a successful conclusion
  • Manage the transition between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ ways of working, always ensuring benefit
  • Close the programme and ensure the ‘end goal’ has been achieved

 

Accreditation and Exams

There are three levels of accreditation for MSP which result in an internationally recognised qualification:

The Foundation certificate is typically for those who will be involved in programme management, but not necessarily in a leading role. A good example would be programme support office personnel.

The Practitioner certificate is for delegates requiring an in-depth understanding of MSP and an appreciation of how the elements of MSP interact. For example, current or prospective programme managers.

The Advanced Practitioner certificate is designed for practicing and experienced Programme Managers or for those who have significant experience of programme environments and may be moving into the programme management area.

MSP Foundation Exam Format

  • 40 minutes allowed
  • Multiple choice examination
  • There are 50 multiple choice questions with 50 marks available in total.
  • Closed book exam
  • The pass mark is 30 out of 50 available (60%)

MSP Practitioner Exam Format

  • 2.5 hours allowed (no reading time)
  • Objective testing examination
  • 8 questions per paper with 10 marks available per question - 80 marks available in total
  • Open book exam (manual only)
  • The pass mark is 40 out of 80 available (50%)
  • Pre-requisite: A pass in the Foundation level examination

MSP Advanced Practitioner Exam Format

  • 3 hours allowed (no reading time)
  • Essay based written examination
  • 3 questions with 75 marks available in total
  • Open book exam (manual only)
  • The pass mark is 38 out of 75 available (50%)
  • Pre-requisite: A pass in the Foundation and Practitioner level examinations

 

Re-registration

All MSP Practitioners and Registered Advanced Practitioners have the opportunity to re-register their accreditation within 3-5 years of their original certification date. Re-registering your accreditation demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and will keep you updated on any revisions of the frameworks.

Please note that your qualification will not expire after 5 years, however you will no longer be a "Registered" Practitioner. To reclaim your Registered Practitioner status you can complete the re-registration exam at any time.

MSP Practitioner Re-Registration Exam Format

  • 1.25 hours allowed (no reading time)
  • Objective testing examination
  • 3 questions per paper with 10 marks available per question - 30 marks available in total
  • Open book exam (manual only)
  • The pass mark is 15 our of 30 available (50%)

MSP Advanced Practitioner Re-Registration Exam Format

There are two options to re-register for the Advanced Practitioner, the first is to complete the original Advanced Practitioner examination again, (see above.) Alternatively you may prepare a 2000-4000 word disseration on a specific subject (select from a number of topics) which demonstrates the application of MSP on a real-life programme or a generic case study that can be provided. The dissertation requires a pass mark of 38 out of 75 available and has no time restriction.

To re-register your MSP accreditation with Adaptive Frameworks please contact us for more information.