Introduction - Ch1

Question 1

MSP Definition of a Programme?

Answer 1

A temporary structure (designed to lead)

Multiple interrelated projects and other work (in order to)

Progressively achieve outcomes of benefits (for)

One or more organisations.

Question 2

What makes up the MSP programme environment?

Answer 2

External Context

Organisational Objectives

Change priorities

Internal Context

Question 3

What are the three lenses of the MSP framework and what do they cover?

Answer 3

Principles - Universal, empowering and self-validating.

Themes - Essential governance and controls.

Processes - Incremental lifecycle that is flexible and adaptable yet enables an orderly progression with clear decision criteria.

Question 4

Name some common programme challenges.

Answer 4

-Insufficient support from decision makers.
-Unclear decision-making.
-Unsustained focus on outcomes and benefits.
-Poorly defined vision.
-Lack of clarity of current and future states.
-Unrealistic expectations about capacity and ability to change.
-Failure to engage and influence stakeolders.
-Complex dependencies obscuring an integrated approach.
-Inability to influence the prevailing culture.
-Difficulties in keeping effort focused at the right level of detail.

Question 5

(Programme environment) What does the ‘External Context’ cover?

Answer 5

Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors (Drivers, Opportunities, Threats).

Question 6

(Programme environment) What do the ‘Organisational Objectives’ cover?

Answer 6

Strategies, Policies, Initiatives and targets.

Question 7

(Programme environment) What do the ‘Change Priorities’ cover?

Answer 7

Programmes, leading multiple inter-related projects and other work to progressively achieve outcomes of benefit.

Question 8

(Programme environment) What does the ‘Internal Context’ cover?

Answer 8

Culture, Ways of Working, Power Structures.

Question 9

What does VUCA stand for?

Answer 9

Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity.

Question 10

What are the MSP reasons for using Programme management?

Answer 10

-Innovation and growth.
-Organisational realignment.
-Effective delivery.
-Efficient delivery.

Question 11

What is the MSP definition of Enterprise Agility?

Answer 11

A condition of an organisation that is able to be flexible and responsive to drivers in its environment. Programme management enables enterprise agility, also called ‘corporate agility’ or ‘organisational agility’.