1. MSP Foundation & Practitioner
A Bluffer’s Guide
V1.0
Nick Rickard

2. Topics
Introduction
Course Structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

3. Topics
Introduction
Course Structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

4. Introduction
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a useful methodology undermined by a pedantic exam
The course is focussed on passing the exams, not the application of MSP to daily work

5. Introduction - Disclaimer
The suggestions listed here got me through… this time
MSP course and exam about to be changed (Sep 10)
MSP Third Edition (2007) due a revision

6. Topics
Introduction
Course structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

7. Structure 5 day course 3 days (inc exam) for Foundation
Closed book, 'simple' one mark questions
2 days (inc exam) for Practitioner
Open book, 'complex' multiple mark questions
Objective, multiple choice assessment testing knowledge (Foundation) and application to a scenario (Practitioner)

8. Structure - Foundation
40 min, closed book
50 questions, multiple choice
Passmark: 60% (30 marks)
Paper marked immediately and pass/fail result available straight away

9. Structure - Practitioner
2 ½ hours, open book (MSP Guide)
9 complex questions, multiple choice
Passmark: 50% (90 marks)
Papers sent off and results in approx 2 weeks

10. Structure Evening work Additional reading Consolidate learning
Practice exam papers

11. Topics
Introduction
Course structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

12. Preparation Read Appendix A of a friend's MSP Guide if available
Think about own experience of projects and programmes
Particularly how project outputs feed programme outcomes / benefits realisation
No particular courses recommended
APM experience / vocabulary beneficial

13. Preparation - Tactics
Appendix A of the MSP Guide is the principle source of answers
Defines documents, applicability, and responsibilities
Read chapters of MSP Guide in parallel with course sessions
Reduces the need for evening reading
The course is geared around passing the exam
Applicability of MSP to the work environment can wait until after you've passed

14. Preparation - Exam Word association Pedantic
Recognise terms like 'responsible', 'accountable' in the question
Pedantic
Recognise the semantics of question style
Read the question very carefully

15. Preparation - Exam
Attempt (Practitioner) questions without the book first
Flicking through the book takes time, save it for where it is really needed

16. Topics
Introduction
Course structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

17. Feedback Foundation Practitioner Results Instant pass/fail
Marks not provided
Practitioner Results
Usually within two weeks
Includes a breakdown of marks per question (for the 9 questions)

18. Feedback If successful certificate arrives later Special bonus award
Implement knowledge

19. Topics
Introduction
Course structure
Preparation
Feedback
Summary

20. Summary Don't fight the pedant Appendix A is your best friend
That's the assessment criteria
Appendix A is your best friend
Document content, applicability and ownership will answer many questions
GOOD LUCK!!!

21. MSP Foundation & Practitioner
A Bluffer’s Guide
Nick Rickard