Programme Management - Managing Successful Programmes
Through this site you can access information about the OGC best practice guidance on Managing Successful Programmes - usually known as MSP™ - as well as critical management resources, manuals, training resources and distance learning products.
Programme Management
Large, complex deliveries are often broken down into manageable, inter-related projects. For those managing this overall delivery the principles of programme management are key to delivering on time and within budget. Managing Successful Programmes, updated in 2007, is the manual that contains the latest OGC best practice in this area.
What can MSP deliver?
MSP is a best practice guide that helps organisations coordinate and plan all projects so that they support each other and are allocated the necessary resources. It helps:
- Plan projects to support the programme
- Deliver projects on time and on budget
- Define responsibilities and lines of communication
- Break down initiatives into clearly defined projects and offer a framework for handling them
- Involve interested stakeholders
- Manage risk and ensure the programme responds to change
- Audit and maintain quality
How does MSP work?
MSP complements the approaches and methodologies laid out in PRINCE2. MSP will show you how to:
- Develop a clear view of the programme's aims and identify its benefits
- Define the programme and show how it will affect and change the organisation
- Create a strong framework for monitoring and coordinating the various projects within the programme
- Ensure the programme moves forward
- Manage the impact of the programme on the organisation
- Close the programme, ensuring it has achieved its ends and its successes are acknowledged
Who uses MSP?
MSP has been adopted by hundreds of organisations worldwide. Equally applicable to large and small organisations in the public and private sectors, clients include:
- Barclays
- British Telecom
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Ministry of Defence
MSP Resources for individuals and organizations
The core resource for MSP is, of course, the new, refreshed 2007 edition of the MSP Manual, Managing Successful Programmes (which is available in soft cover, downloadable pdf and annual online subscription formats).
Another useful book is: Introduction to Programme Management: based on MSP
MSP Qualifications and Distance Learning
The APM Group runs the MSP accreditation scheme. It accredits individuals, consulting organizations and training organizations. There are three levels of MSP qualification, which must be taken (often all on the same day) in the order shown below:
- Foundation
- Intermediate
- Practitioner
Examinations take place at accredited training organizations or at Open Centres.
Preparation for the MSP exams can be done either through an accredited training provider, or through the use of one of the accredited MSP distance learning tools available from this site.
