Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Certification Training in BOLOGNA

The MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes) Foundation certification is an entry-level qualification that confirms an individual's understanding of the MSP framework for programme management. It demonstrates that you have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the MSP principles, governance themes, and transformational flow to be able to work effectively as an informed member of a programme management team.

To prepare for the MSP Foundation exam, it's recommended to:

Study the official MSP manual: This is the core reference.

Attend an accredited training course: While not mandatory, it significantly helps with understanding and applying the framework, and many find it the most effective way to prepare.

Utilize practice exams: Take sample papers to familiarize yourself with the question style and time constraints.

Understand the terminology: MSP has specific terms and definitions that are crucial to know.

Focus on the principles, governance themes, and transformational flow: These are the pillars of the framework.

The MSP Foundation exam has the following format:

Multiple-choice questions: All questions are multiple-choice.

Number of questions: 60 questions.

Passing score: 36 marks out of 60 (60% correct).

Duration: 60 minutes.

Open book/closed book: It is a closed-book exam; no reference materials are allowed.

Yes, you can often find free MSP Foundation sample papers or practice questions online. Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) that offer MSP courses often provide sample exams on their websites. Additionally, AXELOS (the owner of MSP) may offer official sample papers or guidance on their resources. A quick Google search for "MSP Foundation sample exam" or "MSP Foundation practice questions" will yield various options.

Key concepts and terminology in MSP Foundation include:

Programme: A temporary, flexible organization created to coordinate, direct, and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to an organization's strategic objectives.

Outcome: The result of change, normally expressed as new ways of working.

Benefit: The measurable improvement resulting from an outcome, perceived as an advantage by a stakeholder.

Stakeholder: Any individual, group, or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by, a programme.

Tranche: A group of projects and activities that provides a coherent set of outcomes and benefits, usually providing an increment of capability.

Blueprint: A detailed description of the new operational model, defining the capabilities required and how they will be delivered.

MSP Principles (always true, guiding obligations):

Remaining aligned with corporate strategy

Leading change

Envisioning and communicating a better future

Focusing on benefits and threats

Adding value

Designing and delivering a coherent capability

Learning from experience

MSP Governance Themes (areas where decisions are made and controlled):

Organization

Vision

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Benefits Management

Blueprint Design and Delivery

Planning and Control

Risk and Issue Management

Quality Management

The MSP transformational flow describes the lifecycle of a programme, from conception to closure, through a series of integrated processes. These include:

Identifying a Programme: Defining the programme's purpose, vision, and initial scope.

Defining a Programme: Developing the detailed programme blueprint, plans, and business case.

Delivering the Capability: Managing the projects and tranches to produce the required outputs.

Realizing the Benefits: Ensuring that the outcomes from the capability lead to the expected benefits.

Closing a Programme: Formal closure of the programme, including lessons learned and transition of responsibilities.

Managing Tranches: Overseeing the delivery of distinct increments of capability.

Key roles in an MSP programme include:

Sponsoring Group (or SRO - Senior Responsible Owner): Accountable for the programme, securing funding, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Programme Board: Provides overall direction and decision-making for the programme.

Programme Manager: Manages the programme on a day-to-day basis, coordinating projects and activities.

Business Change Manager(s): Responsible for ensuring the successful adoption of new capabilities and the realization of benefits within the business.

Programme Management Office (PMO): Provides administrative support, standards, and assurance for the programme.

Project Managers: Manage individual projects within the programme.

For programme managers, the MSP Foundation certification is highly beneficial as it provides a robust framework for managing complex change initiatives that go beyond the scope of single projects. For project managers, it offers valuable insight into how their projects fit into a larger strategic context (a programme), enhancing their understanding of programme-level governance, benefits realization, and stakeholder management. It can enhance career prospects by demonstrating a commitment to professional development and a broader understanding of strategic delivery.

While it is technically possible to self-study for the MSP Foundation exam by purchasing the official manual, it is highly recommended to undertake an accredited training course. Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) provide structured learning, experienced trainers, and often include the exam fee. The complex nature of programme management and the nuances of the MSP framework are often best understood through guided instruction and real-world examples provided in a training environment. Additionally, some examination institutes might require proof of training from an ATO for taking the exam.