Free PeopleCert MSP-Practitioner Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 3

A vision-led programme is one that is undertaken to fulfil political ideas and priorities, such as electoral promises. These programmes are driven by a clear vision for change that aligns with political or societal goals rather than just compliance or operational needs. Public programmes started to fulfil electoral promises fit this definition of vision-led programmes as they reflect a vision for future societal outcomes.

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

The 'Embed the outcomes' process is where the focus shifts from delivering technical capabilities to ensuring that those capabilities are integrated into business-as-usual (BAU). A key activity within this process is 'Adopt the capabilities', which involves supporting the business through the transition and ensuring that old ways of working are retired.

In this scenario, the staff are resisting the change by maintaining a "safety net" (the old system). According to MSP 5th Edition, to successfully embed a change, the programme must often "burn the bridges" to the old state once the new system is proven to be functional. Option D is the correct answer because it addresses both the technical and human aspects of the transition. Removing access to the old system forces the adoption of the new process, while providing support ensures that staff feel capable and confident in the new environment. Simply reporting on benefits (Option A) or encouraging knowledge sharing (Option C) will not resolve the issue if the old system remains an available option for those resistant to change. The Business Change Manager (BCM) must lead this transition, ensuring that the organization moves fully into the future state described in the Target Operating Model, thereby allowing the benefits to be fully realized.

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 with ultimate accountability for the programme, ensuring that it meets its objectives and delivers the projected benefits. According to MSP 5th Edition, the SRO must be a senior executive who can provide leadership, has the authority to make strategic decisions, and, crucially, "owns" the Business Case. The SRO is typically the person who represents the Sponsoring Group and has the greatest interest in the programme's success.

In the context of a utility company (UU) where the programme involves major financial investment, cross-selling services to increase revenue, and significant organizational transformation, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is the most likely candidate among the choices. While the CTO or CEngO (Options C and D) might lead specific technical projects or themes, the SRO role requires a broader view of the organizational benefits and financial viability. The CFO (Option A) is often positioned to bridge the gap between strategic corporate goals and the financial commitment required for a programme. They have the necessary seniority to hold the Programme Board accountable and to ensure that the programme remains aligned with the organization's overarching financial strategy. The SRO must be someone who can navigate the political landscape and secure the necessary resources, a role naturally suited to a C-suite executive like the CFO.

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.

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.

The Risk Register is the key document where programmes establish the context for risk identification, assessment, and response planning. It captures all identified risks along with their evaluation and mitigation measures. The MSP Practitioner notes, "All the above information is part of Risk register," indicating that the Risk Register consolidates risk-related data essential for proactive management and decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle.

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.

Learning from Experience is not classified as a Governance Theme but rather a Programme Management Principle in MSP.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “Learning from experience is Programme management principle,” which means it influences how programmes are managed but does not constitute a governance theme.

Governance Themes focus on structural elements such as Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement, Quality Management, and Organization, which provide the framework and controls for programme delivery.

Understanding this distinction aids in correctly applying MSP components to programme design and governance structures.

Blueprint, Vision, and Quality Management Strategy are core parts of MSP’s Governance Themes. These documents set the strategic direction, define the future state, and establish quality control frameworks, respectively.

The MSP Practitioner notes: “Blueprint, Business Case, Vision, Quality management are governance themes,” though the Business Case and Programme Mandate also play governance roles, the listed group in option A is most directly related to governance themes that provide control and assurance.

These documents form the backbone of programme governance by setting expectations, standards, and guiding principles that ensure the programme remains aligned with corporate strategy and delivers value effectively.

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.