Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a widely-used best-practice framework for program management, aimed at helping organizations deliver successful, transformational change through a structured approach. Developed by the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and currently owned by AXELOS Limited, MSP is designed to align multiple projects and ensure that they collectively deliver outcomes and benefits aligned with an organization's strategic objectives.

MSP has several key components:

1. Principles: These are the core, universal guiding obligations that must be followed by all program managers to achieve successful outcomes. There are seven principles in MSP: remaining aligned with corporate strategy, leading change, envisioning and communicating a better future, focusing on benefits and threats to them, adding value, designing and delivering a coherent capability, and learning from experience.
2. Themes: MSP has nine themes that represent specific areas of program management that need to be addressed continually throughout the program lifecycle. These themes are program organization, vision, leadership and stakeholder engagement, benefits management, blueprint design and delivery, planning and control, business case, risk and issue management, and quality and assurance management.
3. Processes: MSP's processes provide a path for managing the program from start to finish. There are six processes in the MSP framework: identifying a program, defining a program, managing the tranches, delivering the capability, realizing the benefits, and closing a program.
4. Governance: The MSP framework emphasizes strong governance, clear roles, and responsibilities to ensure the program remains on track, risks are managed, and benefits are realized.

The benefits of using MSP for program management include:

1. Alignment with organizational strategy: MSP ensures that program outcomes are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives, ensuring that the program delivers real value.
2. Focus on benefits: By continually emphasizing benefits realization, MSP helps organizations focus on delivering tangible improvements rather than merely completing projects.
3. Structured approach: MSP provides a structured approach to managing complex programs, reducing the risk of failure and increasing the likelihood of success.
4. Flexibility: The MSP framework is adaptable and can be tailored to suit the specific needs and context of different organizations and program types.
5. Stakeholder engagement: MSP promotes strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the necessary support and buy-in are secured for the program's success.
6. Improved decision-making: MSP's governance structure and processes facilitate informed decision-making and help organizations respond effectively to changing circumstances.

MSP is a valuable framework for organizations seeking a structured approach to manage complex programs and deliver transformational change. By focusing on principles, themes, and processes, MSP helps ensure that programs remain aligned with strategic objectives, deliver real benefits, and achieve successful outcomes.

See Also

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a framework designed for implementing change through the application of program management. MSP provides a structured approach that helps organizations avoid pitfalls and achieve their objectives by balancing the use of resources, managing risks, and optimizing benefits realization. It is particularly effective in guiding large-scale transformation programs that aim to move from one state to a significantly improved future state. Understanding MSP involves exploring its principles, governance themes, and transformational flow processes and how it interacts with other project and program management methodologies. To gain a comprehensive understanding of MSP and its application in various industries, consider exploring the following related topics:

• Programme Management Principles: The core philosophies behind MSP include remaining aligned with corporate strategy, leading change, envisioning and communicating a better future, focusing on benefits and threats to them, adding value, and designing and delivering a coherent capability.
• Governance Themes: Key elements that underpin the program management framework, including organization, vision, leadership and stakeholder engagement, benefits management, blueprint design and delivery, planning and control, the business case, risk and issue management, and quality and assurance management.
• Transformational Flow: The process that guides the lifecycle of a program from its conception through to the delivery of the new capability, outcomes, and benefits. This includes identifying a program, defining a program, managing the tranches, delivering the capability, realizing the benefits, and closing the program.
• Portfolio Management is the centralized management of one or more portfolios to achieve strategic objectives. Understanding how MSP fits within the broader context of portfolio management helps ensure that programs align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Change Management: Strategies for managing organizational change, including stakeholder engagement, communication, and training. MSP emphasizes managing change as a critical component of delivering outcomes and benefits.
• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing risks potentially affecting the program’s outcomes. MSP integrates risk management into its framework to ensure risks are systematically identified, assessed, and managed.
• Benefits Realization Management: The process of organizing and managing so that potential benefits arising from the use of IT are realized. MSP provides a structured approach to identifying, planning, measuring, and realizing benefits from investment in change.
• Agile Methodologies: While MSP is primarily a traditional program management framework, it can be complemented by agile methodologies for project delivery within the program. Understanding how MSP can integrate with agile approaches can enhance flexibility and responsiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: The process of involving stakeholders in the planning, execution, and benefits realization of a program. MSP emphasizes the importance of effective communication and engagement strategies to support change management efforts.
• Project Management vs. Programme Management: Understanding the differences between project management (focused on delivering specific outputs) and program management (focused on providing outcomes and benefits related to strategic objectives).

Exploring these topics will provide a broad perspective on Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), highlighting its importance in supporting strategic change initiatives, managing risks, and ensuring that the benefits envisioned at the program's outset are realized effectively.