MSP Qualifications Explained

MSP is Best Practice for Managing Successful Programmes

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Programme Management Training MSP Qualifications Explained

Strategic change in an organisation is often brought about linked projects. Managing such a programme requires skill project manager. The successful Programme Manger not only projects but provides leadership, allocates resources and activity is fully consistent with the day to day requirements of through a programme of sets beyond those of the directs a series of discrete ensures that the project the business.

The skills of the Programme Manager correspond as closely to those of the General Manager as the Project Manager. It becomes more difficult to provide tightly defined methodologies or training. However, as Programme Management has emerged as a discipline so a variety of specialist training has become available. MSP or Managing Successful Programmes is best practice guidance which forms the foundation of the most widely recognised accredited qualification scheme. Its in the same family as PRINCE2. For those looking to acquire skills and qualifications in Programme Management this guide explains the options available and the structure of the MSP scheme. Prepared by:

Steve Twine
Managing Director Focus On Training

About:
Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields of Project Management and IT Service Management. A comprehensive range of PRINCE2, MSP, PMI, MoR, PMI, APM and ITIL courses from leading accredited training organisations can be booked at our project management site:
www.focus-on-training.co.uk

With a network of over 50 high quality training partners Focus specialises in offering you the widest choice of accredited Project and Programme Management courses in the UK, helping you achieve Best Practice performance and certification as an individual or an organisation. Steve Twine is Managing Director and leads the Project Management team at Focus. He has deep experience of complex and high profile international projects within the automotive industry.
info@focus-on-training.co.uk

Version 1.03 October 2011

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Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. What is Programme Management? A New Management Discipline? What are the Training Options? Understanding MSP
4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. Introduction Principles Governance Themes Organisational Flow MSP 2011 Update Whats New

5.

MSP Training and Exams

5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. Introduction MSP Foundation MSP Practitioner MSP Advanced Practitioner Diploma in Programme and Project Management

6. 7.

FAQs Finding and Booking your Course

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1. What is Programme Management?

Programme Management is the direction and implementation of a set of related projects and activities that enable the realisation of predefined benefits and outcomes. The advantages of choosing to manage these projects and activities together may include: Alignment to achieve a common goal Reduction of risk arising from project and organisational interfaces Prioritisation of shared resources Reduction in management effort The distinction between Project Management and Programme Management is not black and white. For instance, a single IT project manager may take personal responsibility for a series of related projects associated with development and deployment of a new application. The term Programme is usually reserved for larger scale groups of projects which underpin strategically important capital investment or business change.

PROJECT Narrow Few / Specific After Closure Tightly Defined No Middle Management

OR Scope Deliverables Benefits Timescale Operational Component Accountability

PROGRAMME Wide ranging Many / Strategic During and After Less Proscribed Yes Senior Management

2. A New Management Discipline?

Todays successful organisations concentrate on horizontal or tranverse management processes with the emphasis on delivery of specific benefits or outcomes. This contrasts with more traditional emphasis on efficient administration of processes within vertical functional areas. Project and Programme Managers take a lead in this area.

Managing Programmes requires a blend of skills which span both general management and project management. The core competencies of a successful Programme Manager will include:
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Strong leadership Effective interpersonal communication skills Understanding of the overall business and its environment Financial evaluation and control Negotiation and conflict resolution

Some would argue that Programme Management is not a discipline in its own right but the evidence to the contrary is best seen amongst the management recruitment pages. The number of programme manager positions has been doubling each year in the UK. It is not only an obvious development option for accomplished project managers but a route for those from other disciplines who wish to take responsibility for delivery of change at a senior level.

3. What are the Training Options?

This guide concentrates on accredited training which will provide professionals (and their employers) with the confidence that learning is structured, thorough and effective. The most popular options are: MSP Managing Successful Programmes Within the same family as PRINCE2 and MoR Flexible best practice guidance The most widely adopted approach in the UK MSP was first published in 1999, refreshed in 2003, 2007 & 2011. Since 2007 there has been strong uptake in both UK and overseas. A hierarchy of training from Foundation Certificate through to Diploma level is now available. Sections 4 to 8 of this guide describe the method and qualifications in detail. Organisations using MSP include Barclays Bank, British Telecom, GlaxoSmithKline and the Ministry of Defence

PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) Within the same family as PMP A high level of international recognition Demands at least 8 years project and program management experience

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Assessment includes both examination and 360o review Structured system of continuing professional development

This qualification was launched in 2006 and as yet has had limited uptake in the UK. However, like the PMP Project Management qualification it is likely to be attractive to those working within US centric organisations with extensive multinational presence.

ISEB Program & Project Support Office (PPSO) Valuable guidance on establishing and running support activities Complimentary to MSP and PgMP Essentials and Advanced Certificates The leading qualification of its kind in the UK Overseen by ISEB the examination board of the British Computer Society

4. Understanding MSP?
4.1 Introduction
MSP offers a framework and systematic approach to programme management based on the cumulative experience of thousands of successful organisations. Using the MSP approach will help organisations deliver change in the face of complexity, risks and interdependencies. Clear focus on outcomes Defined responsibilities and lines of communication Effective planning Engagement of all stakeholders Active management of quality and risk

The MSP manual is based on a framework comprising Principles, Governance Themes and Transformational Flow.

4.2 Principles
The 7 MSP Principles are applicable to every Programme and they will help guide practitioners as they implement change. Alignment with Corporate Strategy
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Leading Change Envisioning & Communicating a Better Future Focusing on the Benefits Adding Value Designing and Delivering Coherent Capability Learning from Experience

4.3 Governance Themes

The MSP Governance Themes represent the framework for control of a programme. Organisation Vision Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Benefits Realisation Blueprint Design and Delivery (a model of the future organisational state which underpins the vision) Planning & Control Business Case Risk & Issue Management Quality Management

4.4 Organisational Flow

A series of iterative and inter-related steps drives the implementation of change. Identifying a Programme Defining a Programme Managing the Tranches (a tranche is a group of projects structured around distinct step changes) Delivering the Capability Realising the Benefits Closing the Programme

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4.5 MSP 2011 Update Whats New

This is an incremental revision based on comments and suggestions from the PPM community over the past 4 years. The most obvious changes are 3 new (or renamed) chapters: Benefits Management Risk & Issue Management Quality & Assurance Management

The Benefits Management section is much more consistent with the rest of the manual, and there is practical advice on techniques and categorisation. The Risk & Issue section relates more directly to the programme environment, and there is a new supporting cycle that includes change control. Quality & Assurance management now includes a significant new section on Assurance, and there is particular emphasis on people development. Each Governance Theme chapter now explains how that theme relates to each of the Transformational Flow processes. Throughout the guidance there are hints on practical ways to apply the guidance. There is clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the Business Change Management team.

5. MSP Training and Exams

5.1 Introduction
The MSP qualification structure comprises Foundation, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner certificates. Exams are usually taken as part of an accredited course though self study options are available. A higher level diploma with linkage to PRINCE2 and MSP may also be of interest.

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5.2 MSP Foundation

This workshop is designed to give delegates a sound overview of Programme Management and it introduces the principles of the MSP approach. There are 2, 3 and 4 day options available. On the last day, delegates will undertake the MSP Foundation examination.

Exam: Duration 40 minutes

Format 50 multiple choice questions; closed manual Pass Mark 25 (out of 50) NB 30 marks required to progress to Practitioner level

5.3 MSP Practitioner

This workshop is often combined with the Foundation course and exam enabling delegates to achieve both certificates in 5 days. The intensive course uses a combination of lectures, exercises, case studies, workshops and examination preparation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the MSP Manual.

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Exam: Duration Format 150 minutes 9 sections each with several complex multiple choice questions based on a previously unseen scenario; open manual Pass Mark 90 (out of 180)

5.4 MSP Advanced Practitioner

The usual training is a 2 or 3 day course with an exam on the final day.

Delegates must have attained the MSP Foundation and Practitioner qualifications before attending this workshop. They must also have some experience of performing the role of programme manager and be able and prepared to share this with other delegates and demonstrate it in their examination answers.

Exam: Duration Format 150 minutes 3 essay type questions based on a complex scenario issued when booking the exam; open manual Pass Mark 38 (out of 75)

5.5 Diploma in Programme & Project Management

This qualification has been developed jointly by the Chartered Management Institute and the APM Group (which accredits PRINCE2 and MSP). The training is based on a series of core and optional modular units with the opportunity to specialise in either Programme Management or Project Management. PRINCE2 and MSP are amongst the qualifications which provide exemptions from up to 2 units. (A lower level Certificate is also available.)

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6. FAQs
Where can I train for MSP? Accredited training is available in over 15 UK locations. You will find the widest range of course dates at the Focus on Training website www.focus-on-training.co.uk Do I need to be PRINCE2 qualified in order to take MSP exams? No, though you may find this helpful. Many programme managers have a project management background but experience within other business functions such as IT or quality management can be just as relevant Why does the same course vary in price? Focus works with most of the accredited trainers in the UK and prices may vary by company and venue. However, you will study the same outline, sit the same examination, and gain the same qualification. It just comes down to which is most convenient for you. Which book should I buy if I am studying MSP? You will need the OGC best practice guide Managing Successful Programmes (2007 edition). You will normally receive a copy of this when you sign up for an MSP Foundation course. How long does my qualification last? MSP Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners need to sit a re-registration exam within 3-5 years of their original certification. This will demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and ensure knowledge is up to date. The Advanced Practitioner re-registration involves a 1,500 word dissertation.

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7. Finding and Booking your Course

Booking with Focus makes more sense: A course close to home avoids hotel and travel We offer more choice than anyone Our training partners achieve above average pass marks We can provide independent advice Booking is online and fast

Contact Focus: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Mail: 0845 450 6120 0870 855 5321 enquiries@focus-on-training.co.uk www.focus-on-training.co.uk Focus on Training First Floor Olympus House Werrington Centre Peterborough PE4 6NA

Useful Sources of Additional Information

www.best-management-practice.com This website is provided by OGC (the owner of MSP) in conjunction with APMG (the accreditation authority) and TSO (the publisher of the official manuals) www.pmi.org The US based Project Management Institute which offers the PgMP certification www.iseb-exams.com The exam arm of the British Computer Society which offers accredited training for those responsible for the Programme & Project Support Office www.managers.org.uk The only body able to award the chartered manager status and the organisation behind the diploma in project and programme management

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