MSP-Practitioner MSP Practitioner, 5th edition Exam Questions and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Design the outcomes' process is where the high-level vision is translated into a detailed Target Operating Model (TOM) and a Benefit Framework. Once the vision is validated, the next logical step in the MSP transformational flow is to begin detailing the benefits that the new state will provide.

Option B is the correct answer because it focuses on quantifying the benefits—specifically the "increased customer numbers." Before scheduling resources (Option C) or refining risk registers (Option A), the Business Change Manager (BCM) and the Programme Manager must work with the business (the call centre managers) to define what success looks like in measurable terms. This involves creating Benefit Profiles. By holding a workshop to confirm these numbers, the BCM ensures that the benefits are realistic, owned by the business, and directly linked to the validated vision. This step is crucial for the Justification Theme, as it provides the evidence needed to build the detailed Business Case. In MSP 5th Edition, the "benefits-led" nature of programmes means that defining the measurable improvements is a top priority once the desired future state (the vision) is understood. Only after these benefits are clearly identified and documented can the programme effectively plan the delivery of the capabilities required to achieve them.

Programme management is defined in MSP as “the action of carrying out coordinated organization, direction and implementation of project dossier and transformation activities to realize benefits of strategic importance.” This definition underscores the holistic and strategic nature of programme management, integrating multiple projects and transformational efforts to deliver outcomes that align with organizational strategy.

The MSP Practitioner emphasizes the coordinated nature of programme management that differentiates it from project or portfolio management, focusing on realization of benefits through strategic change delivery.

This definition encapsulates the complexity and scope of programme management, ensuring delivery is both controlled and aligned to strategic goals.

The false statement is that “End of tranche review drives benefits management.” In MSP, benefits management drives end of tranche reviews rather than the other way around.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “Benefits management drives end of tranche reviews,” meaning that benefits realization considerations inform tranche planning, execution, and review processes.

This approach ensures that benefit delivery remains central to programme governance and decision-making, promoting alignment of delivery with strategic value.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Plan progressive delivery' process is the stage where the programme moves from high-level concepts to tangible, resourced plans. A key requirement of this process is to ensure that the resources (people, assets, and funding) required for the first tranche are not just identified, but actually committed by the business owners.

Option A is the correct answer. According to MSP 5th Edition, a programme should not proceed into a delivery tranche (such as Tranche 1) until there is a firm commitment from the functional managers who "own" the resources. The Call Centre Manager is the person who must balance the needs of the programme against the needs of business-as-usual (BAU). If they do not commit the staff during the planning process, the programme risks failing in its first tranche due to resource shortages. The Sponsoring Group (Option C) provides the high-level mandate and funding, but the actual day-to-day commitment of staff must come from the operational line managers. This commitment is a prerequisite for the SRO to "Agree to proceed." Obtaining this commitment early is a critical success factor for programme management, as it reduces the risk of conflict between the programme and the business once delivery starts.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Knowledge Theme in MSP 5th Edition emphasizes the importance of managing information effectively to support decision-making and delivery. Information management ensures that data is reliable, accessible, and accurate. When a project team is dealing with "outdated" documentation that fails to reflect "current processes," the fundamental failure lies in the tracking of changes and the identification of the most recent authorized state of the information.

Option D, Version Control, is the specific aspect of information management designed to address this issue. Version control involves identifying different iterations of a document and ensuring that users are working with the correct, most up-to-date version. In a complex programme like UU’s, where processes are evolving across multiple projects and tranches, robust version control is essential to prevent rework and ensure that training materials (and other outputs) are aligned with the actual capabilities being delivered. While Integrity (Option B) is about the accuracy of the data itself, version control is the mechanism that manages the lifecycle of that data and prevents the use of obsolete information. Effective version control ensures that the "current processes" being developed are captured in a way that is visible and verifiable for all dependent projects, such as the Training Project.

Project outputs are actually the output of delivering the capability, not an input. Inputs to delivering the capability include the Project Dossier, Business Case, and Blueprint, which provide the framework, justification, and detailed design for what is to be delivered.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “Project outputs are output of delivering the capability,” meaning these are the tangible products or deliverables produced by the projects managed within the programme. In contrast, the Project Dossier contains detailed descriptions and plans for the projects, the Business Case justifies the programme’s existence and value, and the Blueprint defines the future state and capabilities required.

This distinction is important because delivering the capability depends on having a clear, approved vision (Blueprint), a solid business justification (Business Case), and a structured project plan (Project Dossier). Only once these inputs are in place can project outputs be successfully created and integrated to achieve the programme’s objectives.

Understanding this flow ensures that programme teams focus on the correct artefacts at each stage—inputs for planning and delivery, outputs for realization and benefits management—ensuring clarity and control throughout the transformational flow.

Decision Item

Document

Each project will have a change control authority... up to £5,000. Above this level... referred to a programme authority... over £10,000 to the CEO/CFO

Programme strategy: Decision-making approach

There is a low likelihood that legislation may be passed that allows customers to immediately switch utility providers without penalty

Risk register

'Return on investment' will be used at the programme level as the basis for calculating the profit or loss generated in relation to money invested

Decision register

Setting monetary thresholds for escalation and delegation is a "Decision-making approach" activity. Legislative uncertainty with a probability and impact is a Risk. Documenting the specific criteria or "basis" used for previous or current decisions belongs in the Decision Register.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Identify the programme' process is the initial stage of the MSP transformational flow. Its primary purpose is to turn a vague idea or mandate into a clear programme brief that justifies further investment. During this process, the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is appointed to take personal accountability for the programme.

According to MSP 5th Edition, the SRO is the ultimate decision-maker at this stage. While the Programme Board (which may include the CEngO and other senior leads) provides advice and recommendations regarding resource feasibility and capacity, it is the SRO who must approve the way forward. Option A is correct because the SRO is responsible for ensuring the programme is viable and achievable. If the CEngO raises concerns about resource over-commitment, the SRO must weigh these concerns against the programme's strategic value and the Board's optimistic view. Ultimately, the SRO signs off on the programme brief and seeks authorization from the Sponsoring Group to move to the 'Design the outcomes' process. The Programme Manager (Option B) supports the process, but does not have the authority to approve the strategic direction or resource allocations of this magnitude. The SRO’s role is to provide the leadership and decision-making necessary to resolve such internal resource conflicts at the start of the journey.

Design Action

Role

Show the vision statement to the engineering and maintenance staff and collect feedback from them

Business change manager

Facilitate the recruitment of a consultant to help the CTO assess new call centre technologies

Programme manager

Agree to the use of external consultants to help build the target operating model

Senior responsible owner

The BCM is responsible for the interface between the programme and the business (staff feedback). The Programme Manager handles the day-to-day operational facilitation and procurement support. The SRO has the ultimate authority to approve significant resource expenditures like external consultancies.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is the individual ultimately accountable for the programme. One of the SRO's primary responsibilities is to ensure that the programme is governed effectively and that all necessary controls are in place to protect the organization and ensure benefit realization. Governance includes the approval of the Programme Strategy and its subsidiary plans, such as the Risk Management Approach and the Transition Plan.

In this scenario, holding a risk review before transition is a critical governance control. Because this decision was agreed with the Sponsoring Group, it becomes a formal part of the programme’s oversight framework. Option A is correct because the SRO is the person authorized to approve the "rules of the game" for the programme. While the Programme Manager (Option B) might draft the document and the Programme Office (Option D) might maintain it, the authority to approve how the programme will be controlled—especially regarding high-stakes activities like transitioning to new customer processes—rests with the SRO. The SRO must be satisfied that the risks are being managed before the business assumes the impact of the change. This ensures that the programme remains aligned with corporate risk appetite and strategic objectives.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Decisions Theme in MSP 5th Edition emphasizes the necessity of high-quality data to support effective governance and oversight. The framework distinguishes between two types of data gathering: "looking back" and "looking forward." Looking-back data focuses on monitoring the performance of the programme and its constituent projects against their approved plans (e.g., progress, cost, quality, and risk status).

In this scenario, there is a disconnect between the project's status report ("progressing according to plan") and the actual technical reality (slow performance and errors). This is a failure of looking-back data. Option B is the correct answer because the programme manager needs to improve the accuracy of reporting on work already completed or in progress. Without reliable "looking-back" information, the programme board cannot identify variances or risks to the overall delivery schedule. Inaccurate reporting masks technical debt and quality issues, which ultimately threatens the realization of benefits. While "looking forward" data (Options C and D) is important for scanning the external environment or identifying future trends, the immediate issue here is a failure to report current internal project health accurately. Improving looking-back data ensures that the programme has a "single version of the truth" regarding the capability being delivered, allowing for timely intervention and more robust decision-making.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Align with priorities' principle ensures that the programme structure and its resources remain focused on the current needs of the business as it moves through the transformational flow. The Organization Theme supports this by ensuring that the right people are in the right roles at the right time. Unlike project management roles, MSP roles—specifically the Business Change Manager (BCM)—can and should change as the programme moves between tranches.

In this scenario, Tranche 2 likely involves technical or systems-led changes (indicated by the appointment of the Chief Technology Officer as BCM). Option C is the correct answer because the BCM’s primary responsibility is to bridge the gap between the programme and the business operations to ensure that outcomes are delivered and benefits are realized. By changing the BCM to reflect the specific focus of Tranche 2, the programme ensures that the person with the most relevant operational authority and "priority" alignment is leading the transition. This flexibility is a core strength of the MSP framework, allowing the programme to adapt its leadership to the specific nature of the work being performed in different stages of the lifecycle.

The POTI (Projects, Operations, Teams, and Infrastructure) model is part of the Blueprint governance theme. It defines the high-level scope and structure of the blueprint, outlining how projects, operational activities, teams, and infrastructure work together to deliver transformation.

The MSP Practitioner confirms: “POTI model defines scope blueprint,” situating it firmly within the Blueprint theme that describes the future state and the means to achieve it.

Understanding POTI helps in mapping and managing the components necessary for successful delivery of programme benefits within the defined future organizational state.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Assurance Theme in MSP 5th Edition emphasizes that assurance should be risk-based and proportional. While independence is a success factor, the framework also recognizes that "internal" assurance—conducted by individuals with the right skills who are not the direct project managers—is a valid and necessary part of the assurance landscape.

In this scenario, the Programme Office Lead (who is a senior member of the portfolio office) is tasked with the health check. Option A is the correct answer because, within the MSP 5th Edition guidance, the Programme Office is responsible for providing standards, support, and "second-line" assurance. Even if the health check was not in the original Assurance Plan, MSP is designed to be flexible; an SRO has the authority to request ad-hoc assurance if they perceive a risk or need to understand the status of a transformation. The Programme Office Lead possesses the specialized knowledge of MSP processes and organizational standards to identify areas of concern. While an external auditor (third-line) offers more independence, the internal lead provides a cost-effective and immediate source of expertise to meet the SRO's needs. The key is that the person conducting the check must have the requisite skills to evaluate the programme against its defined governance and objectives, which a senior portfolio office member is expected to possess.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

MSP 5th Edition advocates for the use of different delivery life cycles depending on the nature of the work. While some projects are best suited to a "linear" (waterfall) approach, others benefit from incremental or continual improvement (agile) approaches. Continual improvement is particularly effective when the outcome can be delivered in stages, allowing for feedback and refinement at each step.

Option D is the correct answer because the physical rollout of smart meters is a repetitive process that provides numerous opportunities for learning. By "installing new water meters gradually," the programme can apply lessons learned from the first set of installations to the next, improving efficiency, customer communication, and technical reliability as the rollout progresses. This is the essence of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle within the transformational flow.

Option A (legal/contractual) usually requires a discrete, linear completion.

Option B (IT systems) often requires complex integration that might be incremental but is less about "continual improvement" of a repetitive rollout.

Option C is a R&D/product development activity.

Option D represents the best fit for an iterative, learning-based approach where the pace and quality of delivery are refined based on real-world operational feedback.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

In the 'Identify the programme' process, the goal is to establish a high-level justification for the programme. At this early stage, detailed information is rarely available, and the investment of significant time and resources into precise budgeting is not yet warranted. However, a "rough order of magnitude" estimate is essential for the Sponsoring Group to make an informed decision about whether the programme is worth pursuing.

Option B is the correct answer because the Programme Brief must contain a high-level business case. This includes an initial estimate of costs, benefits, and risks. The use of historical data (the previous electricity and gas rollout) is a common and appropriate technique for "top-down" estimation during this process. This "understanding of the cost" allows the SRO to determine if the programme aligns with the organization's financial capacity before committing to the more expensive 'Design the outcomes' and 'Plan progressive delivery' processes. While Option A is partially true in that detailed budgets aren't required yet, the reason it is appropriate is specifically to enable the initial "go/no-go" decision. Option C is incorrect because while more detail is added later, some estimation is mandatory now. Option D is a valid risk to the accuracy of the estimate, but it does not make the application of the process inappropriate; adjustments for the different utility types would simply be part of the estimation logic.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Organization Theme in MSP 5th Edition is concerned with defining the governance structure, roles, and responsibilities necessary for the programme to succeed. This includes not just the core programme team (SRO, Programme Manager, BCM), but also how the programme interacts with functional departments and operational managers who will be affected by the change.

In this scenario, the decision to include the Call Centre Manager and the CEngO in future planning meetings is a direct application of the Organization theme. Option A is correct because this action identifies the key individuals needed to provide leadership and operational insight within the programme's governance framework. By including these roles early in the 'Identify the programme' and 'Design the outcomes' phases, the programme manager ensures that the "right people" are involved in shaping the future state. This facilitates better stakeholder engagement and ensures that the design is grounded in operational reality. While their input will certainly affect the "Design" (Option B), the act of defining who is involved in the meetings and clarifying their role in the programme's decision-making structure is an organizational activity. Proper organization ensures that there is clear accountability and that the necessary expertise is embedded within the programme's management team from the outset.

A dis-benefit is defined as a measurable decline resulting from an outcome perceived as negative. The MSP Practitioner clearly states: "Measurable decline resulting from outcome perceived as negative defines mis-benefit," highlighting the need to manage and mitigate dis-benefits as part of benefits management to ensure overall programme success.

One of the key outputs of the 'Defining the Programme' process is establishing the Governance Baseline. This baseline sets out the governance framework, including roles, responsibilities, controls, and decision-making structures that will apply throughout the programme lifecycle. Defining the governance baseline early ensures clear accountability and oversight, which is vital for managing complexity and risk in transformational change.

The MSP Practitioner explains that during 'Defining the Programme,' “Governance is baselined” to create a robust foundation for programme control. This process involves formalizing the authority of the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), the programme board, and other governance roles, ensuring they are empowered to manage and oversee programme activities effectively. It also includes establishing reporting lines, approval mechanisms, and quality assurance controls to maintain programme integrity.

Without a clearly defined governance baseline, programmes risk poor decision-making, ambiguity in responsibility, and inconsistent oversight, which can lead to scope creep, misalignment with strategic goals, and failure to realize benefits. The governance baseline serves as a reference point against which programme performance and compliance can be measured, enabling corrective action when deviations occur.

In summary, the Governance Baseline is a critical control output that defines how the programme will be directed and controlled, safeguarding successful delivery and alignment with corporate strategy throughout the programme’s life.

The false statement here is that the SRO acts as the Project Executive on all the Project Boards. The MSP Practitioner explicitly clarifies that the SRO does not take on this project-level responsibility. Instead, the SRO’s role is to provide overall accountability for the programme and to ensure the programme delivers its intended outcomes and benefits.

The SRO holds a senior position with enough authority to make decisions and secure resources and is typically a peer of the Sponsoring Group to ensure alignment with corporate strategy. The Sponsoring Group appoints the SRO to oversee the programme’s governance and delivery effectively.

Project Executives, in contrast, represent individual projects within the programme and report to the SRO via the programme governance structure. They focus on delivering specific project outputs, while the SRO’s responsibility is to coordinate these efforts to achieve strategic benefits.

This distinction is vital to MSP’s governance architecture: it prevents the SRO from being burdened with operational project detail, allowing focus on strategic oversight, stakeholder engagement, and benefit realization.

The MSP Practitioner states: “SRO doesn’t act as a project representative,” underscoring the clear division between programme and project governance to maintain effective control and leadership throughout the programme lifecycle.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is applied throughout MSP to ensure continuous improvement and effective risk management. In the context of risk management, the 'Plan' phase involves identifying and assessing risks, understanding the current environment, and designing the appropriate responses. It is the analytical stage where the programme team gathers data to understand the scale and proximity of a threat to the programme’s benefits.

In this scenario, the risk is a shift in market preference toward green energy. Option B is the correct activity for the 'Plan' phase because it involves research and analysis. Before a response can be designed (Do), the programme must understand the market trends and the potential impact on the cross-selling benefits. Analyzing how many customers competitors are gaining through green energy provides the evidence base needed to adjust the Business Case or the Benefit Profiles. In contrast, Option D represents the 'Do' phase (implementing a response), Option A represents the 'Check' phase (monitoring results), and Option C is also a 'Check' or 'Act' activity to verify the effectiveness of a response already taken. For the 'Plan' phase, the focus remains on understanding the uncertainty to enable informed decision-making.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Knowledge Theme in MSP 5th Edition encourages innovative and effective ways to facilitate learning and knowledge transfer. The framework recognizes that for complex organizational change to "stick," the people involved must not just receive information but actually engage with it and internalize it. Using interactive elements, such as gamification or collaborative workshops, is a recognized method for stimulating creativity and fostering a learning culture.

Option C is the correct answer. The CEngO’s request to remove the games based on a perception of them being "childish" ignores the psychological benefits of interactive learning. Games and simulations can help even highly experienced staff members explore new processes in a safe environment, share their own tacit knowledge, and identify potential flaws in the proposed future state. According to MSP guidance, the goal of knowledge management is to maximize the organization's capability to change. If the games are designed to help engineers "share ideas and experiences," they are serving a vital role in knowledge sharing. Removing them solely based on an assumption of the staff's reaction—without testing the effectiveness of the training—is contrary to the MSP's focus on evidence-based improvement and effective stakeholder engagement.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Knowledge Theme in MSP 5th Edition is not only about the information used during the programme but also about the knowledge and data that must persist after the programme has closed. A key element of this theme is Benefit Realization, which often continues long after the programme's formal closure.

Option B is the correct answer. The situation described involves the long-term monitoring of a benefit (improved service to customers) that resulted from a programme output (the training). According to MSP 5th Edition, when a programme closes, the responsibility for ongoing benefit monitoring and the capture of "lessons learned" must be handed over to the permanent organization. The Knowledge theme ensures that the frameworks for measuring these impacts (the Benefit Realization Plan) are in place and that the "knowledge" of how to measure success is transferred to the Business Change Managers or operational leads. This ensures that the organization continues to track the value of the investment even after the programme team has disbanded. This focus on post-closure data and the persistence of information for future learning is a core pillar of the Knowledge theme within the MSP framework.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Knowledge Theme in MSP 5th Edition covers the management of information, including how it is communicated to stakeholders to support the transformation. A core element of this theme is Stakeholder Engagement, which requires a structured approach to informing, involving, and influencing those affected by the programme's outcomes.

In the scenario described, the activity of making "internal and external announcements" to inform staff and customers about new contact details is a fundamental part of the programme's communication strategy. Option B is the correct answer because the Knowledge theme ensures that the right information reaches the right people at the right time. In MSP 5th Edition, communication is not just about broadcasting; it is about ensuring that the information provided (the new contact details) enables the successful adoption of the new capability (the rationalized call centre). Without this flow of knowledge, customers would be unable to access the service, and the benefit of "longer opening hours" would not be realized. This activity is a practical application of the theme's focus on information management and stakeholder communication to bridge the gap between delivering a technical capability and achieving a successful business outcome.

When a viable Business Case does not emerge, seeking further funding is generally not considered a normal or effective response. The MSP Practitioner explicitly states that funding should not be increased without a credible justification, as this risks wasted resources on programmes unlikely to deliver benefits.

Instead, typical responses include redesigning a less ambitious Blueprint to reduce complexity or costs, closing the programme if it is no longer viable, or exploring alternative approaches to delivering the Blueprint that might improve feasibility and value realization.

The Business Case acts as a foundational control and justification mechanism, ensuring programmes only proceed with a clear strategic rationale and realistic benefit realization plan. Continuing to invest without a strong Business Case undermines governance principles and risks programme failure.

Therefore, while redesign or closure are pragmatic approaches, “Further funding is not provided in case of inability to find a viable business case,” reinforcing MSP’s disciplined approach to investment and risk management.

Media is classified as an influencer stakeholder type because it can shape public opinion and stakeholder perceptions, thus affecting programme success indirectly.

The MSP Practitioner notes: “Media can influence other stakeholders as well,” highlighting its role in communication and shaping the narrative around the programme.

Understanding and managing influencer stakeholders like media is critical for reputation management, gaining public support, and mitigating risks associated with negative publicity.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Plan progressive delivery' process is where the detailed plans for the tranches and projects are finalized, and the financial requirements are clarified. This process bridges the gap between the initial design and the start of actual delivery. One of the final and most critical activities in this process (and indeed in most MSP processes) is 'Agree to proceed (or close)'.

In MSP 5th Edition, the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) holds the ultimate authority to commit the organization to the investment. While the Programme Manager develops the recommendation for funding sources during the planning activities, the SRO must formally approve the entire package of plans, the budget, and the funding strategy before the programme can move into the delivery tranches. Option D is the correct answer because this specific activity represents the "gate" at the end of the planning process. By "agreeing to proceed," the SRO is providing the final authorization for the financial arrangements and the overall delivery strategy. This ensures that the SRO is fully satisfied with the justification and the resource commitments before any significant expenditure begins in Tranche 1. It is a fundamental governance checkpoint that ensures the SRO remains in control of the programme's viability and strategic alignment.

Dependency management is not considered a principal control for managing the tranches but rather a governance control related to delivering the benefits.

The MSP Practitioner explains: “Dependency management is governance control for Delivering the benefits,” which means while dependencies between projects and benefits must be managed, they are not direct tranche controls.

Principal tranche controls focus on approving and reviewing Business Cases and conducting Benefit Reviews to ensure each tranche delivers value and remains aligned with strategic objectives.

Recognizing this distinction helps ensure the programme maintains effective controls focused on stage delivery and benefit realization without conflating governance functions.

Designing the Projects Dossier is a key activity in the 'Defining a Programme' process. The Projects Dossier is a comprehensive document that defines all the projects within the programme, detailing their scope, objectives, interdependencies, and delivery approach.

The MSP Practitioner states: “Only project dossier is created in defining programme from available options,” emphasizing that managing transition, producing the Programme Brief, and aligning projects with benefits realization occur in later programme stages.

Developing a well-structured Projects Dossier is critical for effective programme planning, control, and coordination of project delivery to achieve overall programme benefits.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Risk Theme in MSP 5th Edition requires that all identified risks (both threats and opportunities) are assigned to an appropriate owner. A Risk Owner is someone who has the authority and resources to manage the risk and who is accountable for ensuring that the chosen response is implemented effectively. The seniority of the risk owner should be proportional to the level of risk exposure.

In this scenario, the risk—potential technological obsolescence or the opportunity for better technology—is categorized as high probability and high impact. This represents a significant exposure for the programme. Option A is the correct answer because MSP guidance states that high-priority risks that could fundamentally affect the programme's technical strategy or benefit realization should be owned by senior leaders. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is the ideal owner because they have the strategic oversight and technical authority to manage a risk related to "next-generation" smart meters. Appointing a senior executive ensures that the risk receives the necessary attention at the Programme Board level and that the phased roll-out strategy is technically sound and aligned with the organization's long-term technology roadmap. This demonstrates a mature application of risk management where accountability is placed at the level where the most impact can be made.

The Programme Manager holds responsibility for ensuring that individual projects align with the overarching programme objectives during capability delivery. This role coordinates the interdependencies, monitors progress, and manages risks to ensure projects collectively deliver the intended outcomes.

The MSP Practitioner notes: “Programme manager is responsible for all tasks in delivering the capability. This is a continual activity throughout the programme.” This alignment ensures that outputs contribute directly to the transformational goals and benefit realization plan, avoiding scope creep or misaligned efforts.

While the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) provides strategic accountability and the Business Change Manager (BCM) focuses on benefits realization, the Programme Manager operationalizes these objectives through effective project oversight and control.

The Programme Office supports through administrative and coordination activities but does not have direct accountability for strategic alignment of projects.

Maintaining this alignment is critical for delivering business value and achieving programme success in complex transformational environments.

The critical organizational elements in MSP include Corporate strategy, Delivery mechanisms for change, and the Business as usual environment. Delivery mechanisms for change refer to the structures and processes organizations use to implement and manage changes introduced by programmes. These elements are foundational to effective governance and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Other options like Leading change and Stakeholder engagement are important but classified differently within MSP's framework.

The statement that “Programme control defines reporting mechanism” is not true. While programme control encompasses refining delivery, managing ambiguity, and justifying programme continuation, defining the reporting mechanism is typically a management or communication function rather than a control function.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “Programme control deals with improving delivery, reducing ambiguity & bringing certainty and justifies continuance of programme,” focusing on the governance and decision-making controls rather than specific reporting structures.

Effective programme control ensures programmes remain viable and aligned with strategic objectives through structured oversight and governance processes.

The process of how issues will be identified, captured, and assessed is not recorded in the Issue Register itself but is instead documented in the Issue Management Strategy.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “How to deal with issue is identified in issue management strategy,” meaning the register contains actual issues with details such as date raised, description, and categorization but not the procedural approach.

This distinction ensures that the register remains a real-time log of current issues while the management strategy defines policies and processes for consistent issue handling across the programme.

Maintaining this separation improves clarity and operational efficiency in issue management.

The false statement is that “Stakeholder profiles are created under stakeholder maps.” In fact, MSP treats the Stakeholder Map as a component or output of Stakeholder Profiling.

The MSP Practitioner explains: “Stakeholder map is created as part of stakeholder profile,” meaning the profile contains detailed information about individual stakeholders, their attributes, influence, and interests, while the map visually represents stakeholder relationships and influence patterns.

This distinction is important for effective stakeholder analysis and engagement planning, ensuring both granular detail and strategic overview are captured.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Justification Theme in MSP 5th Edition is concerned with the ongoing viability of the programme and the realization of the benefits that justify the investment. A critical aspect of this theme is the monitoring of the Benefit Realization Plan. If events occur that threaten the timing or magnitude of benefits, it directly impacts the programme's justification.

In this scenario, the failure of engineering staff to attend training is not just a scheduling issue; it is a threat to the realization of reduced costs. Option C is the correct answer because the Justification theme requires the programme manager to identify when the "pathway to benefits" is compromised. If staff are not trained, they cannot adopt the new ways of working, which delays the benefits. This delay must be addressed to protect the Business Case. While the programme manager is making a decision (Option A), the reason this situation is significant in an MSP context is that it affects the fundamental justification of the programme. The Justification theme ensures that the SRO and Programme Manager remain focused on the "why" of the programme—the benefits—and take action when those benefits are at risk of being delayed or lost due to operational conflicts between routine work and programme requirements.