What is MSP?
MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) is a recognized framework for program management. It provides a structured approach to leading and coordinating a series of related projects so that they deliver benefits and strategic advantages to an organization that the projects cannot create alone.
What is program management?
Program management is the discipline of leading and coordinating multiple related projects and activities to achieve strategic business goals and realize benefits. It focuses on change and impact, in contrast to project management, which focuses on deliverables.
What is an MSP Foundation certification?
The MSP Foundation certification is the basic level of the MSP framework. It shows that you understand MSP’s terminology, principles, themes, and processes, and that you can act as a qualified member of a program management team.
What is a benefit in an MSP context?
A benefit is a measurable outcome of a change that is perceived as an advantage by one or more stakeholders. Benefit realization is central to MSP, as it ensures that the changes create the desired impact and value for the organization.
How does MSP Foundation differ from Practitioner?
The Foundation certification tests your basic understanding of MSP theory. The Practitioner certification, on the other hand, is an advanced level that tests your ability to apply the MSP framework in real-world scenarios and tailor it to specific programs.
Why is the MSP 5 framework important?
MSP 5 is important because it helps organizations manage complex changes systematically. It ensures that investments in projects and programs create the expected strategic value and that the changes are effectively embedded.
Is MSP globally recognized?
Yes, the MSP framework is one of the world’s leading standards for program management. The certification is globally recognized and used by both private and public organizations that work with larger and complex change programs.
What is the basic idea behind MSP 5?
The basic idea is that successful change programs require a clear vision, strong leadership, and a structured approach to realizing benefits. MSP 5 provides a flexible but robust framework to achieve just that.
What is a program in MSP?
A program is a temporary, flexible organization created to coordinate, manage, and oversee a set of related projects and activities with the goal of realizing a group of interconnected benefits.
Why is leadership important in MSP?
Leadership is crucial in MSP because change programs often face resistance. Strong leadership must create a vision, communicate the benefits, and ensure engagement from all stakeholders to navigate successfully through the change.
What are the prerequisites for the MSP Foundation exam?
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the MSP Foundation course and exam. The course is designed as an introduction for anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of program management.
What is the exam format for MSP Foundation?
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. It is closed-book, and you must get 60% correct (36 out of 60) to pass.
How many questions are on the exam?
There are 60 questions in total. To pass, you must have at least 36 correct answers, which corresponds to a passing score of 60%.
How long does the MSP Foundation exam last?
The exam has a duration of 60 minutes. If English is not your native language, you can get a 25% time extension, which gives you 75 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing percentage for MSP Foundation?
The passing percentage is 60%, which means you must have 36 correct answers out of the 60 questions to achieve your certification.
Can I take the MSP Foundation exam online?
Yes, the exam can be taken online with remote proctoring via PeopleCert. This gives you the flexibility to take the exam from home or the office at a time that suits you.
How long is the MSP Foundation certification valid?
The MSP Foundation certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain the certification, you must either retake the exam or collect CPD points via PeopleCert’s membership program.
What does an MSP Foundation certification cost?
The price for an MSP Foundation certification varies depending on the provider and the package content. Courses with the exam typically cost between 8,000–12,000 DKK, while online self-study is often cheaper.
What happens if I fail the exam?
If you do not pass, you can buy a new voucher and take the exam again. Many course providers offer a “Take2” package, where an extra exam attempt is included in the price.
How do I best prepare for MSP Foundation?
Good preparation includes a thorough reading of the MSP Official Manual, participating in an accredited course, and working on practice exercises. Training in terminology and principles is especially important for passing the exam.
What are the 7 principles of MSP 5?
The 7 principles in MSP are the cornerstones of successful program management: 1) Continued organizational alignment, 2) Value the benefits, 3) Learn from experience, 4) Clarify roles and responsibilities, 5) Lead changes, 6) Monitor progress, and 7) Adapt the framework to the situation.
What is a theme in MSP?
A theme is a persistent aspect of program management that must be handled throughout the program. The themes include: Vision, Governance, Benefits, Stakeholders, Learning, Change, and Progress.
What is a governance theme in MSP?
The governance theme in MSP is about how the program is managed, controlled, and overseen. It covers the structures, policies, and decision-making processes that ensure the program is aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.
What is a benefits theme in MSP?
The benefits theme focuses on defining, planning, and realizing the expected benefits of the program. It ensures that the program continues to have a business justification and creates the expected value.
What is a ‘change’ theme in MSP?
The change theme is about leading the organization and employees through the change. It focuses on ensuring that the new methods and processes are accepted and embedded in daily operations.
What is a ‘vision’ theme in MSP?
The vision theme defines the future state and the overall goals for the program. A clear vision is crucial for creating direction and motivation for all stakeholders.
What is the ‘learning’ theme in MSP?
The learning theme ensures that the program continuously identifies and applies experiences from projects and activities. It helps optimize the program and create a culture with a focus on improvement.
What is the ‘progress’ theme in MSP?
The progress theme is about measuring and reporting on the program’s performance in relation to the overall plan. It ensures transparency and enables management to make timely decisions about the program’s future.
What is an ‘organizational alignment’ principle in MSP?
The principle of organizational alignment ensures that the program’s goals are always in line with the organization’s strategic direction. It is a prerequisite for securing the necessary management support and funding.
What is the ‘learning from experience’ principle in MSP?
The principle of learning from experience ensures that all team members, projects, and managers continuously reflect on successes and failures. It contributes to continual improvement and knowledge sharing.
What are the 7 MSP processes?
The MSP processes guide a program from start to finish: 1) Identify the program, 2) Design the changes, 3) Start the program, 4) Deliver the changes, 5) Realize the benefits, 6) Oversee the program, and 7) Close the program.
What happens in the ‘Identify the program’ process?
In this initial process, the strategic background is established and the program mandate is created. The purpose is to ensure that there is a clear business justification for the program before major investments are made.
What happens in the ‘Design the changes’ process?
This process focuses on developing the program vision, defining the expected benefits, and creating the overall change plan. This is where you detail how the changes should be implemented in the organization.
What happens in the ‘Start the program’ process?
In this phase, the program organization is established, risk management is set up, and the first projects are initiated. The purpose is to create a solid operational framework for the program so it can run effectively.
What happens in the ‘Deliver the changes’ process?
This process is about leading and managing the individual projects and activities in the program. Here, progress is monitored, dependencies are managed, and resources are allocated to ensure that deliverables happen as planned.
What happens in the ‘Realize the benefits’ process?
This process ensures that the benefits defined in the initial phase are actually achieved. This involves measuring the impact of the delivered changes and ensuring they are embedded in daily operations.
What happens in the ‘Oversee the program’ process?
This process runs throughout the program and monitors progress, risks, budget, and outcomes. The purpose is to give management a continuous overview and the opportunity to make timely decisions.
What happens in the ‘Close the program’ process?
In this final process, it is ensured that all benefits have been realized and that the program is ready to be closed. Here, the program is evaluated, lessons learned are collected, and resources are released.
What is a ‘Blueprint’ in MSP?
A Blueprint is a detailed description of the future state of the organization. It is used in the ‘Design the changes’ process to visualize what the organization will look like after the program has been implemented.
How does MSP support change management?
MSP has a dedicated process for change that ensures employees are involved and supported along the way. Change management is integrated into all phases to reduce resistance and increase adoption of the new solutions.
Who is a ‘Senior Responsible Owner’ (SRO)?
The SRO is the ultimate responsible person for the program. The SRO ensures the overall strategic direction, the business justification, and is responsible for realizing the expected benefits.
What is the role of a ‘Programme Manager’?
The Programme Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the program. The role includes planning, managing projects and resources, and reporting to the SRO.
Who is a ‘Business Change Manager’ (BCM)?
The BCM is responsible for ensuring that benefits are realized and that the changes are embedded in the organization. The BCM works closely with the business and employees to ensure adoption.
What is a ‘Programme Board’?
The Programme Board is the steering committee for the program, led by the SRO. The board makes key decisions, approves budgets, and monitors progress.
What is the role of the ‘Programme Office’ (PMO)?
The Programme Office supports the program administratively and with tools. Their tasks include document management, reporting, quality control, and best practice.
What is a ‘Stakeholder’?
A stakeholder is any person or group that is affected by the program or can influence its success. MSP places great emphasis on identifying and engaging stakeholders early.
What is the role of the ‘Communication Manager’?
The Communication Manager is responsible for planning and implementing a communication strategy that ensures all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the program.
What is the role of the ‘Benefits Manager’?
The Benefits Manager is responsible for identifying, planning, and realizing the benefits of the program. The role ensures that there is a clear plan for how the changes will create real value.
Who is responsible for the day-to-day management of a program?
The Programme Manager has the daily responsibility for the management, coordination, and control of the program under the SRO’s strategic direction.
What is a ‘Programme Vision’?
The program’s vision is a clear and compelling description of the future state of the organization that the program should deliver. The vision creates motivation and provides a shared direction.
What is the difference between MSP and PRINCE2?
MSP focuses on managing change programs and realizing benefits. PRINCE2 focuses on delivering single projects within time, budget, and scope. MSP ensures the strategic alignment, while PRINCE2 delivers the specific products.
What is the difference between a project and a program?
A project creates a unique product, for example, a new IT system. A program realizes a group of benefits that arise when the new IT system is implemented in the organization and employees adopt it.
How does MSP relate to MoP?
MSP (program management) and MoP (portfolio management) are both part of the same Best Management Practice family. MoP focuses on prioritizing and allocating resources to the organization’s overall portfolio, while MSP focuses on managing the individual programs in the portfolio.
Can MSP be used with Agile methods?
Yes, MSP is designed to be flexible and can be integrated with agile methods. MSP provides the overall control and governance at the program level, while agile methods (e.g., Scrum) are used in the individual projects to deliver faster and more flexibly.
How does MSP Foundation differ from ITIL Foundation?
MSP focuses on change management and program management. ITIL focuses on IT service management. Both are recognized frameworks, but they cover different aspects of an organization’s operations and change.
What is the difference between MSP and PMI?
MSP is a method with specific principles, themes, and processes for program management. PMI (Project Management Institute) is an organization that offers certifications (like PMP) based on a broader area of knowledge within project management.
Why is MSP 5 better for change than classic project management?
Classic project management often has a narrow focus on delivering a product. MSP, on the other hand, has a holistic focus on realizing benefits and embedding changes in the organization, which is crucial for achieving a strategic impact.
Can a PRINCE2-certified project manager lead an MSP program?
A PRINCE2 project manager has the skills to lead projects, but a program requires additional competencies in governance, benefit realization, and stakeholder management. MSP certification expands these skills and is a good path to becoming a program manager.
What job opportunities does MSP Foundation provide?
The certification opens doors to roles such as program coordinator, PMO staff, or project owner. For many, it is a first step towards a career as a program manager, where the MSP framework is a prerequisite.
How much does a program manager earn in Denmark?
An experienced program manager in Denmark typically earns between 70,000-90,000 DKK per month. The salary depends on experience, responsibility, and industry, but MSP certification can significantly increase earnings.
Is MSP Foundation certification enough to get a job?
Alone, the certification is rarely enough. However, it is a strong qualification that, combined with relevant experience, shows that you understand the structured approach to program management that many organizations demand.
Which industries hire MSP-certified professionals?
MSP-certified professionals are hired in many industries, especially in the public sector, finance, IT, and healthcare. Common to these is that they often work with large and complex change programs where MSP is the preferred method.
Can I use the MSP Foundation certification abroad?
Yes, MSP is a globally recognized standard. The certification is therefore valuable if you work in international organizations or plan a career abroad.
What further education is available after MSP Foundation?
After Foundation, you can take the MSP Practitioner certification, which focuses on practical application. You can also build on it with other frameworks such as MoP (portfolio management) or MoR (risk management).
How does MSP certification help my career?
An MSP certification shows that you can look beyond single projects and understand the strategic change that drives the business. It is a sought-after competence that can open doors to leadership positions and greater responsibility.
What skills does the MSP Foundation course develop?
The course develops your understanding of the program lifecycle, your ability to realize benefits, your knowledge of governance structures, and your ability to navigate a complex stakeholder landscape.
What type of leadership is important in an MSP program?
Change leadership is crucial. A program manager must not only manage projects but also motivate employees, handle resistance, and create a shared vision for the desired future.
How is success measured in MSP?
Success in MSP is primarily measured by whether the expected benefits have been realized and whether the changes have been embedded in the organization. In addition, there are measurements on time, budget, and quality.
What challenges are typically encountered in program management?
The biggest challenges are often a lack of management support, unclear benefits, and a lack of employee engagement. MSP provides tools to handle these challenges, for example, through a clear vision and close stakeholder management.
What is a ‘Benefits Map’ in MSP?
A Benefits Map is a visual tool that shows the connection between the program’s projects, the delivered products, and the expected benefits and business goals.
What is a ‘Business Case’ in MSP?
A Business Case in MSP is a high-level document that describes the business justification for the program. It must be continuously updated and used as the basis for all decisions.
What is a ‘Blueprint’ in MSP?
A Blueprint is a detailed description of the organization’s future state. It is used to communicate and visualize what the organization will look like after the program is implemented.
What is a ‘Stakeholder Engagement Plan’ in MSP?
A Stakeholder Engagement Plan describes how and when you will communicate with the program’s stakeholders to ensure they are engaged and support the change.
What tools support MSP?
MSP is a method that is tool-independent, but it can be supported by tools such as MS Project for planning, Jira for task management, and dashboards to visualize progress and benefits.
How do you secure management support for MSP?
Management support is secured through a clear vision, a compelling Business Case, and a clear benefits realization plan. By showing how the program creates value, the motivation to support the change is increased.
What is the biggest mistake you can make with MSP?
The biggest mistake is treating MSP as a rigid, bureaucratic method. MSP is designed to be a flexible framework that must be tailored to the organization’s culture and the program’s complexity.
How are risks handled in an MSP program?
Risks in an MSP program are handled via a structured process where risks are identified, assessed, and a risk manager is appointed. A risk management strategy is established for the entire program.
How are benefits handled in an MSP program?
Benefits are central to MSP. They are identified, planned, and measured continuously. Benefit realization is a process that continues even after the projects are completed to ensure the desired impact.
