MSP

Managing Successful Programmes

A framework developed by the UK government for managing complex programs in the public sector. It provides a structured approach to delivering transformational change through the coordinated management of a portfolio of projects and activities that achieve outcomes and realize benefits that are strategically important to an organization. Key concepts in MSP:

1. Programme: A temporary, flexible organization structure created to coordinate, direct, and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities to deliver outcomes and benefits related to an organization’s strategic objectives.
2. Vision: A clear and concise statement that describes the desired future state or outcomes that the program aims to achieve.
3. Blueprint: A model that describes the future operating state of an organization after the program’s outcomes have been realized.
4. Benefits Realization Management: The identification, planning, tracking, and realization of the benefits that justify the investment in the program.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: The systematic identification, analysis, and management of stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are understood and considered throughout the program lifecycle.
6. Governance: The framework that provides the structure, roles, and responsibilities for the control and decision-making processes within the program.
7. Transformational Flow: The sequence of activities that move from the current state to the desired future state, including identifying a program, defining it, managing the tranches (a group of projects and activities), and realizing the benefits.

MSP is designed to be used with other project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2, which focuses on managing individual projects. MSP provides a higher-level framework for coordinating multiple projects and ensuring they deliver the desired outcomes and benefits.

Benefits of using MSP:

• Aligns program outcomes with organizational strategic objectives
• Provides a structured approach to managing complex change initiatives
• Enables effective governance and decision-making
• Focuses on the realization of benefits to justify the investment
• Facilitates effective stakeholder engagement and communication
• Improves the likelihood of successful program delivery

MSP certifications are available at different levels (Foundation and Practitioner) for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the framework.

While MSP originated in the UK public sector, it has been adopted by organizations in various industries worldwide to manage large-scale, transformational change programs.

• Abbreviation: MSP