MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes) represents proven good practice in programme management  in  successfully delivering  transformational change, drawn from the experiences of both public and private sector organisations. MSP defines programme management as "the action of carrying out the coordinated organization, direction and implementation of a dossier of projects and transformational activities (i.e. the programme), to achieve outcomes and realize benefits of strategic importance to the business". 

Since its first version in 2003 the popularity and adoption of MSP grow across the world as it has been established as the de facto standard for programme management. The experiences of those who have adopted programme management strategies have provided invaluable inputs into the latest edition of the guide, which was published in 2011.

MSP BENEFITS

• Changes can be planned and implemented in an integrated way, ensuring that current business operations are not adversely affected
• Projects and transformational activities can be coordinated and controlled through a clear identification of the roles and responsibilities of all who need to be involved in the leadership of a programme
• Provides a framework for Senior Management to direct the change process whilst ensuring that the focus is always maintained upon the key business objectives.
• People are focused on identifying real business benefits through a formal process
• Facilitates effective response to strategic initiatives by bridging the gap between corporate strategies and projects
• Provides a smooth transition from current to future business operations through the clear recognition and responsibility of preparing the organisation for migration to newer ways of working

MSP KEY FACTS

• Thousands of organizations already benefit from its pioneering and trusted approach
• The number of people taking MSP qualifications increases by around 60% year on year
• Used by leading public and private organizations worldwide
• MSP is very flexible and designed to be adapted to meet the needs of local circumstances.

MSP ELEMENTS

The method is explained in the following key elements:

• 7 Principles derived from lessons learned in programmes that had both positive and negative results. They represent common factors that underpin the success of any programme of transformational change.
• 9 Governance Themes allow organisations to put in place the right leadership, delivery team, robust organization structures, controls and control information, giving the best chance of delivering the planned outcomes and realizing the desired benefits.
• 6 Trasformational Flow Processes provide a route through the lifecycle of a programme from its conception through to delivering the new capability, transitioning to the desired outcomes, realizing the benefits and finally on to the close of the programme.

MSP QUALIFICATION SCHEME

There are currently three qualifications available for MSP; Foundation, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner. Candidates must first sit the Foundation exam. Once candidates have passed the Foundation exam they may take their Practitioner examination. Once candidates have passed the Practitioner exam they may take their Advanced Practitioner examination.

• The Foundation is the first of the three MSP Examinations you are required to pass to become an Advanced MSP Practitioner. This level is aiming to confirm that a candidate has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the MSP guidance to interact effectively with those involved in the management of a programme or act as an informed member of a Programme office team, business change team or project delivery team working within an environment supporting MSP.
• The Practitioner level is aiming to confirm that a candidate has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the MSP guidance to act as an informed member of a programme management team. That is, someone responsible for managing, leading, supporting or advising on work within an MSP environment.
• The Advanced Practitioner level is to confirm that a candidate could lead a programme of transformational change. That is, someone capable of applying the MSP guidance in a complex programme within an environment that uses MSP.