Introduction

 

The course prepares you for the optional MSP Foundation, Intermediate and Practitioner exams.
The MSP Foundation exam is a 40 minute multiple choice exam, consisting of 50 questions, taken on the morning of the 3rd day. The MSP Intermediate exam is a 90 minute closed book exam taken at the end of the course on the 4th day. The MSP Practitioner exam is a 90 minute open book exam based on a set case study, which will have been studied during the training course, and can be taken following the course on the 5th day.

 

You may defer taking the exam for up to one month after your course at no extra cost. This will give you time to consolidate what you have learnt during the course, and time to complete an optional assignment designed to assist in your preparation. This assignment can be submitted to the course lecturer for feedback purposes at a further cost of £75 + VAT.

 

Accreditation

 

This course has been accredited by the APMG who are the examining body for MSP and responsible for all aspects of the provision of exams including setting, marking, feedback and appeals. SCOLL Methods, as an accredited training organisation, acts as their agent in providing administrative facilities.

Course Syllabus

 

Identifying a Programme

• MSP, the Big Picture
• The process model
• 7 principles of Programme Management
• Programme Mandate and Brief
• An outline Vision Statement Defining a Programme
• Programme Definition Strategies
• Programme blueprint
• Project portfolio
• Compiling a Business Case
• Strategies and plans
• Programme structure roles & responsibilities

Programme Planning

• The programme plan
• The dependency network
• Shared resources
• Programme schedule and tranches
• Developing Project Briefs Benefits Management
• Benefits Management Strategy
• Benefits models
• Benefits profile

 

Defining a Programme

• Programme Definition Strategies
• Programme blueprint
• Project portfolio
• Compiling a Business Case
• Strategies and plans
• Programme structure roles & responsibilities

 

Benefits Management

• Benefits Management Strategy
• Benefits models
• Benefits profile
• Benefits realisation plan
• Benefits lifecycle

Programme Strategies

• Quality across the programme
• Change and Configuration management
• Programme Audit
• Stakeholder Management
• Programme Communications

Programme Processes

• Managing the Portfolio
• Managing Benefits
• Closing the Programme

Managing a Successful Programme

• Specific site issues
• Fundamental principles
• Exam preparation

Exam Preparation

• Group question practice
• Individual practice
• Exam feedback
• Practitioner Exam assignment
• Benefits realisation plan
• Benefits lifecycle

Risk Management and Issues

• Risk Management cycle
• 4 Ts for managing risks
• Issue Management
• Issue escalation Programme Strategies
• Quality across the programme
• Change and Configuration management
• Programme Audit
• Stakeholder Management
• Programme Communications

Governing a Programme

• Programme Governance Functions
• The Programme Office
• Programme processes and procedures
• Programme support tools Programme Processes
• Managing the Portfolio
• Managing Benefits
• Closing the Programme

Programme - Project Interface

• Handling Issues
• Managing Risks
• Handling Quality problems
• Handling change with a Change Authority
• Benefits realisation and review
• Programme audit Managing a Successful Programme
• Specific site issues
• Fundamental principles
• Exam preparation

Case Study

• APMG Programme Scenario
• Exam based exercises
• Writing Terms of Reference
• Compiling a Blueprint
• Creating a Programme Plan
• Factors in developing a Risk Management Strategy  Exam Preparation
• Group question practice
• Individual practice
• Exam feedback
• Practitioner Exam assignment

Course  Fees

 

The course fees include lunch, refreshments, the MSP manual and all other course materials.

Course Materials

 

Course delegates are provided with copies of all the course visuals, case study examples and electronic MSP document templates.
The MSP manual, which is provided as part of the delegate materials, will be sent to you as soon as payment arrangements have been agreed. Please ensure you have noted on your booking form, the address to which you want your course book sent. 

Pre-Requisites

 

There are no pre-requisites for delegates to attend the course, but experience of working within a programme and a knowledge of PRINCE2 project management are highly beneficial.
Passing the MSP Foundation exam is a pre-requisite for sitting the MSP Intermediate & MSP Practitioner exams.