MSP® Foundation

MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) is an internationally recognised best practice programme management methodology. It has been widely adopted and successfully implemented throughout both the public and private sectors around the world. Using MSP, large complex initiatives are broken down in to manageable projects. The methodology helps organisations to improve practices, offer better services and to plan better for the future. MSP is often seen as the next step from PRINCE2 practitioner.

MSP Foundation level introduces delegates to the MSP methodology and gives them the tools for successful programme management.

Audience: Who is the course for?

• Programme managers
• Members of the Programme Management Board
• Those responsible for managing the overall delivery of complex projects and programmes

Course duration:

This is a three day course. The exam takes place in the afternoon of the third day.

Benefits to the individual:

• Recognised qualification
• Gain the confidence to manage uncertainty and complex change
• Learn how to create strategic plans and define the right projects within a programme

Benefits to the business:

• Gives staff tools to successfully deliver programmes on time and within budget
• Reduced downtime and increased productivity
• Minimised risk of programme failure
• Confidence to take on all change programmes and manage them effectively
• The methodology is flexible, scalable, and systematic and can be used for a huge variety of different programmes

Pre-requisites:

Delegates are required to have project management or project board experience. Delegates are expected to spend time before the course reading through the pre-course materials.

This is a three day course conducted through interactive group study using practical examples and activities.

Having completed the course and passed the exam, delegates will be able to:

• Set up and manage complex programmes including defining roles and responsibilities, identifying and controlling risk and communicating the impact that change will have on the organisation
• Understand the importance of continually monitoring the programme's objectives and ensuring that any necessary adjustments are made in response to changes in the operating environment
• Manage the programme right through to a successful conclusion ensuring that all goals have been achieved

The following topics will be covered over the three days of the course:

• Identifying a programme
• Defining a programme
• Programme planning
• Benefits management
• Issue and risk management
• Establishing a programme
• Running a programme
• Closing a programme

There will also be the opportunity to examine a case study and to prepare for the exam.

 Delegates are expected to spend time reading and reviewing course materials each evening throughout the course. This extra study is necessary to pass the exam.

A one hour exam is taken on day three of the course. It consists of 75 multiple choice questions and the passmark is 50%. This is a closed book exam i.e. entrants may not refer to any course materials or their own notes.