Helping Hand Questions for MSP-Practitioner

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.

Training, moving, and supporting operational units fall under business change and transition costs. These costs are related to the activities required to move from the current state to the future state, including training staff and supporting new operations. The MSP Practitioner clarifies:“Training and moving an operational unit is related to transition,”distinguishing these from capital costs (assets) and programme management costs.

"Formally Approve" is not one of the MSP-defined levels of stakeholder engagement. MSP outlines levels such as Maintain Interest, Active Consultation, and Keep Informed to categorize the nature and intensity of stakeholder engagement.

The MSP Practitioner indicates:“Fourth option is face to face,”which means formal approval is a governance or decision-making activity rather than an engagement level.

Understanding and applying appropriate engagement levels ensures stakeholders receive relevant information and involvement suited to their influence and interest, facilitating support and minimizing resistance.

This categorization aids programme teams in managing communication and expectations effectively.

A dis-benefit is defined as a measurable decline resulting from an outcome perceived as negative. The MSP Practitioner clearly states:"Measurable decline resulting from outcome perceived as negative defines mis-benefit,"highlighting the need to manage and mitigate dis-benefits as part of benefits management to ensure overall programme success.