MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes)Programmes are all about linking and managing projects for change and strategic business outcomes. MSP brings together well tried and understood approaches on how to achieve this. If you are a Programme Manager and want to develop your skills or wish to get into Programme Management or are trying to establish a Programme within your organisation have a look at the MSP components outlined below.
MSP OverviewMSP was developed by the UK government with the ownership now with AXELOS. This is the same group who developed the widely accepted PRINCE2® project management method.
For some time now Project Managers have understood the need for formal qualifications and the uptake of the PRINCE2 and PMBoK® certifications has been a reflection of this. There is now a recognition that Programme Management is a separate discipline and the MSP qualification specifically addresses this. Key Differences between Projects and Programmes
There are a number of key differences between projects and programmes which MSP addresses. These key programme differences are:-
Why use MSP? |
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The key advantages of the learning the MSP approach are:-
- You will have the knowledge of a complete and well defined programme management methodology.
- You will have an internationally recognised qualification in the most widely accepted programme approach in the Aotearoa/New Zealand context.
- You can take this knowledge and competence to a market where there is rapidly increasing recognition of, and requirement for programme managers to be certified.
- You will have access to readily available reference material
Advantages of MSP to your Organisation
- Applying the MSP approach to programmes has the following advantages to your organisation or clients:-
- A strong focus on final outcomes, business benefits and step changes in capability.
- Excellent fit with the organisation’s project management method including PRINCE2® and PMBoK® . Note that while MSP does require that the organisation has a project management approach it does not require it to be PRINCE2
- While PRINCE2 (and generally all other project management approaches) demand clarity in terms of objectives, MSP is more able to operate within an ambiguous or emergent organisational strategy.
- A programme layer is highly advantageous in an environment where delivery activities are complicated, with many interdependencies, and where there is going to be major organisational change that needs to be carefully managed.
- A programme layer would also be highly advantageous for significant benefits realisation and tracking as well as complex and/or sensitive stakeholder management.
- If you have a major business problem with no clear solution, MSP will provide you with a framework for developing the preferred option. MSP has the concept of a Blueprint which, like the construction metaphor, describes the future solution from different angles. You can build Blueprints for each solution option, with corresponding Business Cases, to support differentiation. If it turned out that the selected solution could be managed as a project, you could move to PRINCE2 (or any other project management method) or create multiple projects under a programme umbrella.
- If you started down the project path with PRINCE2 (or any other project management approach) and then realised that the complexity was far higher than expected, then MSP would provide the framework for moving to a programme management layer while continuing to operate the constituent projects.
Finally MSP defines artifacts which are useful in a complex project, and which PRINCE2 doesn’t provide (or only in a limited way). These include:-
- Blueprint – Description of the future state;
- Approaches to defining, managing and realising benefits;
- Approaches to defining and managing stakeholders; and
- Cross project resource management.
MSP Application in Aotearoa/ New Zealand
Paul has an active consulting practice in Programme Management and MSP. While PRINCE2 talks about "Tailoring" which should include "Sizing to Fit" but often Paul sees organisations "Upsizing" when what was needed was "Downsizing". In response to this Paul has developed "PRINCE2 Lite" which is a specific approach applicable to the size and scope of organisations in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Paul's training is threaded with real life examples, tools and techniques which are uniquely focused to the challenges of running programmes in Aoteroa/New Zealand.
Paul's training is threaded with real life examples, tools and techniques which are uniquely focused to the challenges of running programmes in Aoteroa/New Zealand.
Not Just Formula Delivery
Project Results achieves excellent exam results, but the primary focus is on being able to apply the approach to the real world after course completion. To achieve this, we provide absolutely the best trainers available, with in-depth experience of real world application and active consulting practices.
Our course developer Geoff Rankins is Australasia’s leading expert in MSP Geoff has helped establish major programmes, such as a telecommunications infrastructure replacement programme, using an MSP management framework. He has rescued troubled programmes in areas such as Defence OHS and drug control.
Our course developer Geoff Rankins is Australasia’s leading expert in MSP Geoff has helped establish major programmes, such as a telecommunications infrastructure replacement programme, using an MSP management framework. He has rescued troubled programmes in areas such as Defence OHS and drug control.
He began using MSP in 2003 to establish a Corporate ICT Programme in the largest Government Department in the State of Victoria.
Geoff developed and delivered the first MSP course in Australasia. He has trained staff in Government departments, major commercial organisations, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 consulting firms in the MSP approach to programme management.
Geoff was a member of the MSP 2010 Review Group; he is recognised in the current MSP reference manual (published in 2011) as a contributor.
His most recent programme consulting role was to develop the organisational structure for a complex $600 million telecommunications infrastructure replacement programme. He recently helped to rescue a $160 million business process reengineering programme within a major Australian Federal Government Department.
Geoff is a registered Advanced MSP Practitioner and Trainer. Being a registered trainer in PRINCE2® , Managing Successful Programmes®, Management of Portfolios® , Management of Value® , Management of Risk® , Portfolio, Programme and Projects Offices® , Agile Project Manager, PRINCE2 Agile ,Change Management, Managing Benefits, and Better Business Cases he is able to give an integrated view to all of his training. For more details see Geoff Rankins Australasian Expert Trainer and Consultant
Paul Sutton is committed to helping organisations improve their business case, project, programme and portfolio management capability. To do this Paul has been working with a wide range of organisations developing capability through training, coaching, consulting, process improvement and hands-on delivery.
Paul combines in-depth process knowledge with 20 years of pragmatic hands-on experience in both business case development and project and programme management. Paul has a broad picture focus combined with strong analytical thinking. He is an excellent communicator in both oral and written forms. He is also a very dynamic and engaging presenter. As a result he is able to give practical application to a huge range of questions and scenarios.
Paul is a Registered PRINCE2® , Managing Successful Programmes®, PRINCE2 Agile and Better Business Cases trainer. He also holds the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI (Project Management Institute) and is a Gateway Reviewer.
For the past four years Paul has been on the organising committee for the PRINCE2 Users Group. This industry group is intended as an ideas sharing and capability building forum for the users of BBC, PRINCE2, MSP and other UK government approaches. Paul is also an active member of PMI. For more details see Paul Sutton Expert Trainer and Consultant
Geoff developed and delivered the first MSP course in Australasia. He has trained staff in Government departments, major commercial organisations, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 consulting firms in the MSP approach to programme management.
Geoff was a member of the MSP 2010 Review Group; he is recognised in the current MSP reference manual (published in 2011) as a contributor.
His most recent programme consulting role was to develop the organisational structure for a complex $600 million telecommunications infrastructure replacement programme. He recently helped to rescue a $160 million business process reengineering programme within a major Australian Federal Government Department.
Geoff is a registered Advanced MSP Practitioner and Trainer. Being a registered trainer in PRINCE2® , Managing Successful Programmes®, Management of Portfolios® , Management of Value® , Management of Risk® , Portfolio, Programme and Projects Offices® , Agile Project Manager, PRINCE2 Agile ,Change Management, Managing Benefits, and Better Business Cases he is able to give an integrated view to all of his training. For more details see Geoff Rankins Australasian Expert Trainer and Consultant
Paul Sutton is committed to helping organisations improve their business case, project, programme and portfolio management capability. To do this Paul has been working with a wide range of organisations developing capability through training, coaching, consulting, process improvement and hands-on delivery.
Paul combines in-depth process knowledge with 20 years of pragmatic hands-on experience in both business case development and project and programme management. Paul has a broad picture focus combined with strong analytical thinking. He is an excellent communicator in both oral and written forms. He is also a very dynamic and engaging presenter. As a result he is able to give practical application to a huge range of questions and scenarios.
Paul is a Registered PRINCE2® , Managing Successful Programmes®, PRINCE2 Agile and Better Business Cases trainer. He also holds the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI (Project Management Institute) and is a Gateway Reviewer.
For the past four years Paul has been on the organising committee for the PRINCE2 Users Group. This industry group is intended as an ideas sharing and capability building forum for the users of BBC, PRINCE2, MSP and other UK government approaches. Paul is also an active member of PMI. For more details see Paul Sutton Expert Trainer and Consultant
MSP Course Format
Our MSP courses are certified by the examination body, APMG International. This certification covers the MSP content as well as preparation for the Foundation and Practitioner exams and the trainers.
The course is broken into two components. MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner. The Foundation course gives you a complete overview of the method and passing the exam will give you the Foundation qualification. The Practitioner course gives you a more indepth application of the method and upon passing the exam you can call yourself a "Registered MSP Practitioner".
The classroom MSP Foundation course is 3 days long and MSP Practitioner another 2 days. This makes a total of 5 days if you want to do both Foundation and Practitioner.
The course is broken into two components. MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner. The Foundation course gives you a complete overview of the method and passing the exam will give you the Foundation qualification. The Practitioner course gives you a more indepth application of the method and upon passing the exam you can call yourself a "Registered MSP Practitioner".
The classroom MSP Foundation course is 3 days long and MSP Practitioner another 2 days. This makes a total of 5 days if you want to do both Foundation and Practitioner.
Course Options
We offer both classroom and self study training. We offer a public classroom schedule in Wellington and in-house classroom training at any New Zealand location.
The following section outlines the structure of our classroom course.
The following section outlines the structure of our classroom course.
Foundation Structure and Content
Foundation Structure
Once you register for the course you are sent the “Managing Successful Programmes” manual and pre-course exercises. At least 10 hours work prior to the course is highly recommended. This pre-course work is one of the key reasons for or high success rates.
The Foundation component gives you the full MSP curriculum and is delivered through presentations, discussions, exercises and exam practice. The course is intensive, running from 8:30 to 5:00 with a recommended additional 2 hours of exam practice each evening.
As outlined above the course consists of presentations, discussions, small group exercises. We also have our own exam style questions and there are two sample exams supplied by APMG. We also have crosswords for those that like these along with an extensive range of templates and exemplars. We provide you with copies of all the course material and quick reference guides. The exercises are scenario based which not only prepares you for the the exam but also real world application of MSP.
For more information on what is included please click on our Project Results Best Practice Courseware page.
The Foundation component gives you the full MSP curriculum and is delivered through presentations, discussions, exercises and exam practice. The course is intensive, running from 8:30 to 5:00 with a recommended additional 2 hours of exam practice each evening.
As outlined above the course consists of presentations, discussions, small group exercises. We also have our own exam style questions and there are two sample exams supplied by APMG. We also have crosswords for those that like these along with an extensive range of templates and exemplars. We provide you with copies of all the course material and quick reference guides. The exercises are scenario based which not only prepares you for the the exam but also real world application of MSP.
For more information on what is included please click on our Project Results Best Practice Courseware page.
Foundation Exam
At the end of the 3rd day participants sit a 1 hour Foundation exam, following which you are given your preliminary result (subject to confirmation by APMG). The exam is closed book and with 75 questions each worth one mark. You must correctly answer 50% to pass. Note that the exam contains 5 questions so we only mark 70 out of the 75 questions and of those 70 you must answer 35 correctly to pass
Aims of the Foundation Course
The Foundation course is intensive but over the 3 days you will be given a complete understanding of the method. At the end you will sit the Foundation exam, demonstrating your understanding.
The Foundation training will allow delegates to:
The Foundation training will allow delegates to:
- Understand MSP's integrated elements and their relationships, building on delegates' own experience and knowledge of large-scale change.
- Understand the benefits thread through MSP that ensures that the entire programme is predicated and focused on realisation of benefits.
- Understand how MSP could be applied in real life situations and undertake practical work in a supportive training environment.
Foundation Course Coverage
The Foundation training will cover:-
- Principles, or good practices underpinning every programme;
- Governance Themes, or guidance on critical aspects of programme management, including Programme Organisation, Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement, Benefits Engagement, Business Case, Risk and Issue Management, Planning and Control, Vision, Blueprint Design and Delivery, Quality and Assurance Management as well as guidance on integrating programme and project controls
- Transformational Flow, MSP's programme lifecycle, which includes Identifying a Programme, Defining a Programme, Managing the Tranches, Delivering Capability, Realising the Benefits, Closing a Programme
- Programme Office roles and services;
- Programme documentation and information flow;
- Guidance on adoption of MSP;
- Guidance on how to use the tranche and workstream concepts to structure more complex programmes;
- Hands on activities, discussions, role plays, quizzes and mind maps in every session to ensure you have absorbed MSP;
- Guidance on how to prepare for the Foundation Exam, with lots of practice.
Who should attend Foundation
People who must identify, define, govern, manage or act in a programme management framework, including senior executive sponsors, programme managers, programme office staff, business architects, change managers, and operational managers responsible for transition and benefits realisation.
Foundation Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course but as stated above we do recommend you complete the pre-course work.
Practitioner Structure and Content
Practitioner Structure
You will be given the Practitioner courseware at the end of the Foundation course or upon registration (if you have already completed Foundation). You can then get straight onto practising the APMG sample exam, which is homework for the first night.
While other providers just focus on passing the exam we have an equal focus on applying MSP. To do this we have both exam practice and scenario based exercises with the complexity and nuances inherent in real life programme (so no rote answers). The first day focuses on on the scenario and you work through a number of exercises. This is done in small groups and as a whole class.
Towards the end of the first day we start to focus on the exam. We cover all of the question types and set candidates up for over night exam practice. At the beginning of the second day we go through queries and clarifications from the previous nights work. The remainder of the second morning is both individual and group exam practice.
While other providers just focus on passing the exam we have an equal focus on applying MSP. To do this we have both exam practice and scenario based exercises with the complexity and nuances inherent in real life programme (so no rote answers). The first day focuses on on the scenario and you work through a number of exercises. This is done in small groups and as a whole class.
Towards the end of the first day we start to focus on the exam. We cover all of the question types and set candidates up for over night exam practice. At the beginning of the second day we go through queries and clarifications from the previous nights work. The remainder of the second morning is both individual and group exam practice.
Practitioner Exam
The Practitioner Exam is a 2 ½ hour open book, scenario based, multiple choice exam. It is open book with you being able to use the MSP manual. There are 80 questions each worth one mark. You must correctly answer 40 (50%) or more marks to pass. The exam is marked by APMG in Australia and participants receive their result in 1-2 weeks.
Aims of the Practitioner Course
The 2 day Practitioner course builds on your Foundation understanding and develops your ability to apply MSP in different project environments as well as to adapt it to specific project scenarios.
The Practitioner training will allow you to:-
The Practitioner training will allow you to:-
- Be able to describe and apply all facets of programme management, in accordance with the MSP method,
- Know how to set up and manage complex programmes, tailoring MSP while ensuring effective integration of projects,
- Monitor the objectives of a programme and make the essential adjustments needed to respond to changes in the environment.
Who should attend Practitioner
People who must identify, define, govern, manage or act in a programme management framework, including senior executive sponsors, programme managers, programme office staff, business architects, change managers, and operational managers responsible for transition and benefits realisation.
Practitioner Prerequisites
APMG requires that candidates for the Practitioner Exam must have previously passed the Foundation Examination and with our excellent pass rates you shouldn't have a problem with this.
The other good news is that if you are not ready for Practitioner you can complete Foundation now and Practitioner at some later stage. You can also book Foundation in one course and come back and do Practitioner another. We don't charge you any extra to do it this way. To learn more about the relative merits of this click on All at once or split and also our No penalty pricing.
MSP Registered Practitioners are required to be re-registered within 3-5 years of their original certification. This re-registration comprises a 1-hour examination set at the same standard as the Practitioner examination.
For more details see our Pass rates and certification page.
The other good news is that if you are not ready for Practitioner you can complete Foundation now and Practitioner at some later stage. You can also book Foundation in one course and come back and do Practitioner another. We don't charge you any extra to do it this way. To learn more about the relative merits of this click on All at once or split and also our No penalty pricing.
MSP Registered Practitioners are required to be re-registered within 3-5 years of their original certification. This re-registration comprises a 1-hour examination set at the same standard as the Practitioner examination.
For more details see our Pass rates and certification page.
MSP Schedule and Pricing
Schedule
We have scheduled courses running in Wellington. In-house courses are run at a time and place to suit you. Request a quote if you would like this option. If you would like a date or location which is not listed here please Enquire now and we will develop a solution for you.
You can choose to join one of our classroom courses, self study or follow a blended approach with self study Foundation and classroom Practitioner.
You can choose to join one of our classroom courses, self study or follow a blended approach with self study Foundation and classroom Practitioner.
Pricing
We offer a flexible pricing structure. You can initially choose any option and then later upgrade to a more expensive option at any time and you will not be penalised for doing this. Below are the scheduled dates for our courses. Press the book now button to get going. If you want more specific details on pricing this is contained at the bottom of this page.
Classroom Courses
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5 - 9
November 2018 |
MSP Foundation and PractitionerTime: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Location: Wellington CBD
Trainers: Paul Sutton
CCost: $2,990 + GST
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5 - 7
November 2018 |
MSP FoundationTime: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Wednesday
Location: Wellington CBD
Trainers: Paul Sutton
CCost: $2,150 + GST
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8 - 9
November 2018 |
MSP PractitionerTime: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm, Thursday to Friday
Location: Wellington CBD
Trainers: Paul Sutton
CCost: $1,290 + GST
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Blended
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8 - 9
November 2018 |
MSP Foundation and PractitionerTime: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Location: Wellington CBD
Trainers: Paul Sutton
CCost: $2,990 + GST
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Self Study
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Self
Study |
MSP Foundation and PractitionerTime: At your own pace
Location: Anywhere
Trainers: Paul Sutton
Cost: $1,740 + GST
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Self
Study |
MSP FoundationTime: At your own pace
Location: Anywhere
Trainers: Paul Sutton
Cost: $1,180 + GST
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Self
Study |
MSP PractitionerTime: At your own pace
Location: Anywhere
Trainers: Paul Sutton
Cost: $930 + GST
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Specific Pricing
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MSP Foundation course
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MSP Foundation and Practitioner courses
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MSP Practitioner course
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Classroom
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$2,150-00
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$2,990-00
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$1,290-00
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Blended
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$2,390-00
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Self study
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$1,180-00
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$1,740-00
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$930-00
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Pricing Notes
- All prices are quoted excluding GST and that invoicing will be at the time of course booking.
- If you require we can also provide quotations for in-house options.
- If booking Practitioner only options you must have previously passed the Foundation exam.
- Credit card payments have an additional 3.5% charge.
Want More Info?
We would love to help you choose the right option or quote for a specific option. So please choose one of the options below and we will get in contact with you.
Acknowledgements
Project Results is an Agile PM™, Better Business Cases™, Change Management, Managing Benefits, MSP®, and PRINCE2® Accredited Training Organisation (ATO). MoP®, M_o_R®, P3O® and PRINCE2 Agile™ training is provided by Inspiring Projects accredited by PEOPLECERT. Our courseware is developed by Inspiring Projects a division of Aspire Australasia Pty Ltd who is also an ATO for all of these products and MoV®. This accreditation has been given by APMG and PEOPLECERT, who along with accrediting ATOs, provides and moderates exams and accredits our trainers. With this level of accreditation and monitoring you can be confident of a quality course and an internationally recognised qualification. The APMG-International Better Business Cases is a trade mark of Her Majesty's Treasury. Agile PM™and Change Management, is a trade mark of The APM Group Limited. The Agile PM™, Change Management and Managing Benefits Swirl Device logo is a trade mark of The APM Group Limited . MoP®, M_o_R®, MSP®, P3O®, PRINCE2® and PRINCE2 Agile™ and the AXELOS Swirl Device logo are registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.
Project Results is an Agile PM™, Better Business Cases™, Change Management, Managing Benefits, MSP®, and PRINCE2® Accredited Training Organisation (ATO). MoP®, M_o_R®, P3O® and PRINCE2 Agile™ training is provided by Inspiring Projects accredited by PEOPLECERT. Our courseware is developed by Inspiring Projects a division of Aspire Australasia Pty Ltd who is also an ATO for all of these products and MoV®. This accreditation has been given by APMG and PEOPLECERT, who along with accrediting ATOs, provides and moderates exams and accredits our trainers. With this level of accreditation and monitoring you can be confident of a quality course and an internationally recognised qualification. The APMG-International Better Business Cases is a trade mark of Her Majesty's Treasury. Agile PM™and Change Management, is a trade mark of The APM Group Limited. The Agile PM™, Change Management and Managing Benefits Swirl Device logo is a trade mark of The APM Group Limited . MoP®, M_o_R®, MSP®, P3O®, PRINCE2® and PRINCE2 Agile™ and the AXELOS Swirl Device logo are registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.