msp programme management training & qualifications explained
TRANSCRIPT
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MSP QualificationsExplainedMSP is Best Practice for Managing Successful Programmes
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Contents
1. What is Programme Management?
2. A New Management Discipline?
3. What are the Training Options?
4. Understanding MSP
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Principles
4.3. Governance Themes
4.4. Organisational Flow
4.5. MSP 2011 Update Whats New
5. MSP Training and Exams
5.1. Introduction
5.2. MSP Foundation
5.3. MSP Practitioner
5.4. MSP Advanced Practitioner
5.5. Diploma in Programme and Project Management
6. FAQs
7. 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 OR PROGRAMME
Narrow Scope Wide ranging
Few / Specific Deliverables Many / Strategic
After Closure Benefits During and AfterTightly Defined Timescale Less Proscribed
No Operational Component Yes
Middle Management Accountability 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 skillsUnderstanding 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
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
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 oftraining 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, GlaxoSmithKlineand the Ministry of Defence
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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 FutureFocusing 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.
OrganisationVision
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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Exam:
Duration 150 minutesFormat 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 150 minutes
Format 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: 0845 450 6120Fax: 0870 855 5321Email: [email protected]: www.focus-on-training.co.uk
Mail: Focus on TrainingFirst FloorOlympus HouseWerrington CentrePeterboroughPE4 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.ukThe only body able to award the chartered manager status and the organisation
behind the diploma in project and programme management