Free PeopleCert MSP-Practitioner Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 4

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.

The Business Change Manager (BCM) holds the primary responsibility for monitoring the progress of benefits realization against the plan. This role is focused on ensuring that the expected benefits from the programme’s outputs and outcomes are actually realized in the business environment. The BCM works closely with stakeholders, operational managers, and programme teams to track benefit achievement, resolve issues that might impede benefit delivery, and report progress.

According to the MSP Practitioner: “BCM is responsible for monitoring benefits.” This accountability includes validating that the changes introduced by the programme are embedded within business operations and are delivering measurable value as outlined in the Benefits Realization Plan. The BCM must maintain a clear line of sight on benefits, manage dependencies between projects and operational teams, and oversee any transition activities required to sustain benefits.

The Programme Manager and Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) have broader accountability for programme delivery and governance, but it is the BCM who acts as the day-to-day custodian of benefits. They translate strategic benefit objectives into operational terms and ensure the organisation adapts to new ways of working. This ensures that benefits do not remain theoretical but are tangibly realized, measured, and maximized over time.

Effective benefits monitoring by the BCM mitigates the risk of programmes delivering outputs that do not translate into business improvements or strategic value, reinforcing MSP’s emphasis on outcome-focused delivery.

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.

A key attribute for the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is having access to and credibility with key stakeholders because the SRO plays a pivotal role in stakeholder management and programme accountability. The MSP Practitioner notes, "This attribute is necessary as SRO is also involved in stakeholder management," emphasizing that SRO’s influence and stakeholder credibility are critical to programme success.

Outcomes are defined as the new operational state achieved after the transition of capability into live operations. They represent the changes in the organization’s way of working resulting from the combined effect of project outputs.

The MSP Practitioner states: “Outcomes are combined outputs or projects to bring a new operational state in organization,” emphasizing that outcomes go beyond deliverables to reflect actual changes in operations and behaviours.

This distinction is critical in MSP’s focus on transformational change, ensuring programmes deliver real, sustainable benefits rather than just outputs.

The Benefits Map is categorized as a Boundary document. Boundary documents define the programme’s scope, constraints, and interfaces with its environment, helping to establish what the programme will deliver and what lies outside its remit.

The MSP Practitioner explains: “Benefits Map is a Boundary document while others such as programme preparation plan, risk register, and stakeholder profiles are management documents.” The Benefits Map visually depicts how outputs connect to outcomes and benefits, defining the boundary between delivery and benefits realization.

Boundary documents provide critical clarity for managing expectations, preventing scope creep, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, forming a foundation for programme governance and control.

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.

Levels of confidentiality and information security requirements are documented in the Information Management Strategy. This strategy sets out how information will be handled throughout the programme, covering aspects such as access rights, data classification, storage, and dissemination protocols to protect sensitive information.

The MSP Practitioner specifies: “Confidentiality details are defined in Information management strategy,” indicating that this document governs the secure management of programme data and communication. It is essential that confidentiality levels are clear to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, which could jeopardize the programme’s success or breach legal and regulatory obligations.

While Quality Management, Resource Management, and Benefits Management Strategies address different governance aspects such as assurance, resource allocation, and benefit realization, they do not primarily deal with confidentiality.

Information management is critical for stakeholder trust, compliance with legislation (e.g., GDPR), and safeguarding intellectual property or competitive advantage. Clear documentation in the Information Management Strategy ensures that all programme participants understand their responsibilities regarding confidentiality, promoting consistent and secure handling of data.

The Programme Manager is responsible for producing the Business Case. This document outlines the justification for the programme, including costs, benefits, risks, and options. The Programme Manager prepares the Business Case to ensure it is comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with the programme’s objectives.

The MSP Practitioner notes: “Programme manager prepares it as he is responsible for it,” emphasizing the role’s responsibility to articulate the strategic rationale and provide a sound basis for decision-making. The Business Case is then reviewed and approved by the SRO and other governance bodies.

The Programme Manager collaborates with other roles such as the Business Change Manager and SRO to ensure all aspects of the Business Case are valid and supported. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the programme justification throughout its lifecycle.