REVIEWING MSP TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
So you’re heading in the direction of programme management and maybe you’re not sure where to start when it comes to training. It always seems a daunting task to decide which is the best certification for your career advancement and which certification is the most recognised.
If you’re new to programme management and you’re trying to do research on certifications, it can be difficult. Most of the information out their on programme management use industry specific jargon that can make this task tiresome and sometimes boring.
The good news is that I did all the homework on programme management training for you, and I took all that information and put it into an easy to read version. Here is what I found.
One of the most popular programme management courses out there is MSP.
MSP training is the best place to start for programme management novices and in this article we’ll review MSP training so that you can make an informed decision about your career.
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a best practise guide for programme management. It’s a framework that programme managers use that consists of principles and processes for managing these projects and programs. In this post we’re going to look at the field of programme management, how MSP fits into this field and what MSP training entails so that you will find it easier to choose which is the right course for you.
What is Programme Management?
Programme management is a field that concerns the management of multiple projects and programmes.
A programme is made up of projects that are related to the programme. A program is something that should deliver more than the ‘sum of its parts’ which means that a programme is only as successful as the projects within it.
Programme Management therefore is the management of projects and management activities for the purpose of achieving constructive change. It is the process of managing projects, with the intention of improving an organisations performance.
The projects are managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits that would not be possible if they were managed individually. Programme management also ensures that the projects that are undertaken are in-line with the organisation’s strategy and business needs.
What is a Programme Manager?
A Programme Manager is someone who is in charge of the coordination of an organisation’s projects and the management of any risks and issues that could arise from the project’s interdependencies.
A Programme Manager interacts with the different project teams but they don’t manage these teams directly, as this is the Project Manager’s responsibility. They focus on the project outcomes and as a result have a more broad outlook of what is happening.
They are responsible for working with the organisation to align the projects and programs to the strategic goals of the organisation. They are there to ensure the project delivers a return on investment and as such are outcome focused.
Roles and Responsibilities
Some of the roles and responsibilities of a programme manager may include:
- Planning and designing the programme
- Monitoring the projects progress
- Managing the programmes budget
- Appointing individuals to project teams
- Managing third party contributions to the programme
- Managing communication with stakeholders
- Reporting the progress of the programme to their superior
What is the Difference Between a Programme Manager and a Project Manager?
The link between Programme Management and Project Management is such that the programme is made up of projects, and it is only successful if the projects within the programme are successful too.
Without Programme Management, a project would still be able to deliver a product or service, however it may not be in line with the strategic goals of the organisation.
A Programme Manager is the person responsible for managing multiple projects and sometimes multiple programmes, while a Project Manager is someone who is responsible for a specific project.
A Project Manager is the person who reports to the Programme Manager however he/she has more direct communication with the project team. They are responsible for the project requirements which often includes delivering a project on time and within budget.
What is MSP?
According to Axelos, “Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) represents proven programme management good practice in the successful delivery of transformational change through the application of programme management.”
MSP therefore is a framework which compromises of a set of principles and processes that programme managers can use when managing a programme.
What is the MSP Framework?
The MSP Framework comprises of 3 elements:
- MSP Principles
The MSP framework consists of 7 principles that are considered to be the common factors that contribute to the success of any transformational change.
These universal principles apply to all programmes and have been adopted from program experiences. These principles are empowering for program managers as they focus on the power to influence and shape transformational change at a management level.
- MSP Governance Themes
These are themes that define the organisations approach to programme management.
It is the control framework through which programmes deliver change. They allow for the selection of the appropriate leadership, delivery team, structure and control which will allow for success within the programme.
These themes can be seen as the reference manual for programmes.
- MSP Transformational Flow
MSP requires that certain steps be taken in order to deliver transformational change. Transformational flow are the steps which show the main processes and key documents involved in delivering an MSP programme.
It can also be described as the programmes time based to-do list.
What are the Benefits of Being MSP Certified?
For The Individual The Benefits Include:
- Being able to understand and implement one of the most well-known programme management frameworks
- You will be able to use best practice management methods to deliver transformational change
- You will be able to direct and manage multiple projects and programmes
- Be able to maintain performance and effectiveness of strategies
- Be able to manage solutions developed and delivered by projects
- You will be able to encourage the ability of the organisation to change
- You will be able to lead business transformation
To read more on how you can benefit from a MSP certification follow the link below:
https://www.itonlinelearning.com/blog/reviewing-msp-training-for-beginners/
