What is a programme?
A programme is made up of a group of projects that together will deliver some defined objective change within an organisation. The goals of the programme are typically at a strategic level such that the organisation can achieve benefits and improvements in its business operation.

What is programme management?
Programme management is the coordinated management of a portfolio of projects that change organisations so as to achieve benefits of strategic importance.

What is MSP?
MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) comprises a set of principles and processes for use when managing a programme. It was devised for the OGC (Office of Government Commerce, UK) and was founded upon best practice and a body of knowledge drawn together from many years of real life experience.

Why use MSP?
MSP offers organisations a standard and consistent approach to programme management. It provides a framework for senior management to direct the change process whilst ensuring that the focus is always maintained upon business objectives. Through project prioritisation and integration, it encourages more efficient use of resources. It also provides for better management of risk due to its recognition of the wider context. Timescales, budgets and quality standards can all be controlled more effectively; roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, thereby obliviating duplication of effort and ensuring all personnel fully understand what is expected of them. In all, MSP enables more effective delivery of change and a smooth transition from current to future business operation.

Will using MSP mean yet more bureaucracy?
This is a common misconception about formal methodologies. MSP is actually designed to reduce needless bureaucracy by focusing on what is necessary, rather than what may appear desirable. The efficiencies it achieves, the duplication it avoids and the more effective control it delivers can all manifest themselves in a decreased, rather than increased bureaucratic overhead.

Why are the MSP qualification names being changed?
The MSP qualifications have been updated and re-written in line with the release of the updated 2007, third edition manual published by TSO in September 2007. As the manual was being refreshed, the examinations themselves had a major update to both content and style. Those within the MSP community have suggested that 'Intermediate' was not an appropriate name for the examination and so APMG took the opportunity of the launch of the updated manual and exams to implement the changes to the names of the qualifications.

What will the names be changed to?

Foundation examination – no change, this will still be called the Foundation examination.
Intermediate examination – this will now be known as the Practitioner examination. Practitioner examination – this will now be known as the Advanced Practitioner examination.

When will these changes come into effect?

The changes have been brought into effect with new manual and examinations, which were launched on the 3rd September 2007.



Has the level of the examinations changed?

No. The examinations are still aimed at the same level and require the same knowledge and application of MSP as they did prior to the release of the new manual. All that has changed with the examinations is that they have been updated and re-branded to contain the information from the refreshed manual and their names have been changed, i.e. an old manual Intermediate qualification is the equivalent of the new manual Practitioner qualification.

What happens if I have already gained an MSP qualification?

You will maintain your current qualification, but in line with the new naming structure, APMG will update all our websites, including the successful candidate register, to show the qualification you hold under the new name. If you wish to update your CV and any other marketing material then you may do this with the name changed as appropriate.

What if I want a new certificate?
APMG will not automatically be issuing new certificates to show the name change on them. If you would like one of these, they are available to order from APMG at a cost of £15 + VAT. If you would like to order a certificate, please email the APMG Service Desk on servicedesk@apmgroup.co.uk detailing your name, address, date of exam, candidate number and training organisation you sat the exam with (if applicable).



Do I still have to complete the exams in 'order'?

Yes, the Foundation examination must be passed prior to the Practitioner examination being taken. Likewise, the Practitioner examination must be attempted prior to the Advanced Practitioner examination being taken.


How is MSP implemented?
The first step in implementing MSP is the training of key individuals. This will equip those individuals with the skills necessary to put the MSP approach into practice, though often it is useful to utilise some specialist consultancy. This will bring with it in-depth knowledge of MSP coupled with wide and practical experience gained with other implementations. Senior management must also be fully aware of MSP, as commitment at that level is crucial to MSP’s success. Finally, effective communication of MSP’s objectives and benefits to all those impacted by its use is required.

Will qualifications gained under the previous names still provide exemptions for the new exams?

All current qualifications will be accepted as an exemption to the next level as required for the new name qualifications, i.e. a candidate who hold the Foundation and Intermediate qualification will only have to take the Advanced Practitioner (if they wish to) and not re-sit the new manual Foundation and Practitioner papers.



Will the style of the new qualifications change?
The Foundation examination will not change in the style or format. The paper will remain a simple multiple choice style, closed book examination consisting of 50 questions to be completed within 40 minutes. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 25+ to pass the paper. The Practitioner examination has been changed to an objectively marked style, closed book paper. The paper will consist of 9 questions, each divided into 2 or more sections with a total of 180 marks available to be completed within two and a half hours. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 90+ to pass the paper. The Advanced Practitioner examination will remain an essay based, open book paper. The paper will consist of up to 3 questions with a total of 75 marks available to be completed within 2 and a half hours. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 38+ to pass the paper.



What does objective marking mean?

Objective marking is an advanced type of multiple choice testing where candidates have to demonstrate understanding and application to be able to arrive at their answer.

Will sample examination papers be available?

Yes, sample examination papers are available for all examinations following the booking of a training course. They will be distributed with course material.

Will I get feedback from the examinations?
If you are not successful when taking the examination at either Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner level, you will be provided with feedback regarding the areas you need to revise for next time.



When is the last date that I can take examinations based on the old manual?
Logical Training Solutions will offer examinations based on both the old and new manual until 1st March 2008. 
After this date, all examinations will be issued against the new manual content and new style examinations.