Course Overview
This is an intensive four day course using a combination of lectures, exercises, case studies, workshops and examination preparation.
Delegates will be sent the MSP manual for pre-reading, some two weeks ahead of the course and also a case study to review. It is recommended that some ten hours of pre-reading of the MSP manual is completed prior to attendance on the course.
Familiarisation time on the case study material and sample foundation questions using the specially written software provided, is also recommended. The case study forms the basis of exercises and workshops within the course to explore the application of the MSP framework and techniques to real programmes.
Audience
The course is recommended for managers from a project or line management background with an involvement in or degree of responsibility within a programme environment.
Skills Gained
On completion, delegates will be able to:
- Use programme management as a tool for achieving business change
- Apply MSP to their programme(s) in a manner appropriate to their organisation and programme
- Act as a member of a programme management team
- Have attained the competencies associated with the foundation level qualification
- Have had the opportunity to sit the MSP Foundation examination
Examinations
- Delegates wishing to take and pass the MSP Foundation examination are advised that approximately one hour's consolidation and preparation work will be required during each evening of the course.
- All delegates will sit the Foundation examination at the end of the course.
- Those delegates who also wish to take the more extensive Practitioner examination should instead book on the 5-day Programme Management Practitioner course
(The Foundation course carries the award of 30 Professional Development Units (PDU's) for PMI re-certification.)
Prerequisites
The MSP Foundation examination requires candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the application of programme management in a business environment. Consequently candidates should already have an awareness of the culture of large organisations and the measurement of benefits at a strategic level. Candidates should also be familiar with generic or specific project management methods.
Please note: You must bring signed photo ID with you on exam days (passport, driving licence, student card) as you will be asked to produce it by the invigilator prior to the exam.
Course Outline
MSP Introduction and Overview
What is a programme; What is programme management; Structure of MSP
MSP Framework and Concepts
Principles; Governance themes; Transformational Flow; Management strategies
Organisation and the Programme Office
Organisation and leadership; Organisational structure; Roles and responsibilities; Programme Office
Identifying a Programme
What to consider when scoping programmes; The programme brief; Planning for the programme definition
Vision
What is a vision; Vision Statements
Defining a Programme
Programme Definition Document; Project Dossier; Programme Plan; Programme Business Case
Blueprint Design and Delivery
What is a Blueprint; Contents and level of detail; Developing a Blueprint from the Vision Statement.
Planning and Control
Developing the Programme Plan; Building the Project Dossier; Resourcing and scheduling; Priorities
Benefits
Key drivers for the programme; Benefits realisation and strategic objectives; Outcome relationship models; Benefit Maps; Benefits realisation plan
The Business Case
Developing the Business Case for the Programme; Managing and reviewing it
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Leadership v management; Stakeholder engagement; Analysing stakeholders; Stakeholder maps and matrices.
Managing Tranches
Implementing governance arrangements; Establishing tranches
Delivering Capability/Realising benefits
Commissioning, co-ordinating, managing and closing projects in the Project Dossier; Aligning with the programme; Integrating project outputs into operations; Realising benefits; Pre-transition, transition and post-transition activities.
Quality Management
Critical Success Factors; Programme quality management; Quality processes; Configuration Management; Quality Management Plan; Information Management Plan;
Risk Management and Issue Resolution
Principles, approach and strategy for managing risks and resolving issues; Handling programme changes;
Closing a Programme
Focusing on the end goal; How to recognise that the new capability has been delivered; Reviewing benefits to date; Confirming closure
