Pass the PeopleCert MSP MSP-Practitioner Questions and answers with CertsForce

Project outputs are actually the output of delivering the capability, not an input. Inputs to delivering the capability include the Project Dossier, Business Case, and Blueprint, which provide the framework, justification, and detailed design for what is to be delivered.

The MSP Practitioner clarifies: “Project outputs are output of delivering the capability,” meaning these are the tangible products or deliverables produced by the projects managed within the programme. In contrast, the Project Dossier contains detailed descriptions and plans for the projects, the Business Case justifies the programme’s existence and value, and the Blueprint defines the future state and capabilities required.

This distinction is important because delivering the capability depends on having a clear, approved vision (Blueprint), a solid business justification (Business Case), and a structured project plan (Project Dossier). Only once these inputs are in place can project outputs be successfully created and integrated to achieve the programme’s objectives.

Understanding this flow ensures that programme teams focus on the correct artefacts at each stage—inputs for planning and delivery, outputs for realization and benefits management—ensuring clarity and control throughout the transformational flow.

The POTI (Projects, Operations, Teams, and Infrastructure) model is part of the Blueprint governance theme. It defines the high-level scope and structure of the blueprint, outlining how projects, operational activities, teams, and infrastructure work together to deliver transformation.

The MSP Practitioner confirms: “POTI model defines scope blueprint,” situating it firmly within the Blueprint theme that describes the future state and the means to achieve it.

Understanding POTI helps in mapping and managing the components necessary for successful delivery of programme benefits within the defined future organizational state.

The four critical tests for benefits validation are Description, Observable outcomes, Attribution, and Measurement. "Attribution" assesses whether the programme is genuinely responsible for the benefit. The MSP Practitioner confirms, "Four tests of business validation are: Description, Observable outcomes, Attribution and Measurement," emphasizing the importance of validating benefits to ensure they result directly from programme activities.

Stakeholder engagement is managed and delivered primarily through the Stakeholder Profiles and the Programme Communications Plan. The communications plan ensures stakeholders receive the right information at the right time to maintain engagement and support. The MSP Practitioner states, "Stakeholder engagement is delivered by Stakeholder profiles and programme communications plan" which provide structured means of communicating and managing stakeholder interests to ensure effective programme governance and delivery.

Both the Business Change Manager (BCM) and the Programme Manager share responsibility for aligning projects with benefits realization. The MSP Practitioner highlights that “Both roles are responsible for this task as projects are overseen by programme manager, and benefits are under BCM supervision.”

The Programme Manager ensures that project outputs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to programme objectives, while the BCM ensures that these outputs translate into tangible benefits once transitioned into operational use.

This dual responsibility ensures seamless coordination between delivery and realization functions, bridging the gap between project outputs and strategic outcomes. Without this collaboration, there is a risk of projects delivering outputs that fail to produce the intended business improvements.

Together, the Programme Manager and BCM form a critical partnership in MSP’s approach to ensuring benefits are fully realized, tracked, and maximized throughout and beyond the programme lifecycle.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

In MSP 5th Edition, the Organization Theme defines the roles and responsibilities required to direct, manage, and deliver the programme. The most critical role is the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). The SRO is ultimately accountable for the programme’s success and must be a senior individual with the authority to ensure the programme meets its objectives and delivers the projected benefits.

The appointment of a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) as the SRO is highly appropriate because the SRO must "own" the Business Case. Since the primary drivers of the Smart Meter Programme are financial (increasing customer numbers and reducing operational costs), the CFO is best positioned to monitor these outcomes. According to MSP, the SRO must provide strategic direction and ensure that the programme remains viable and focused on its benefits. Option A is correct because it highlights the SRO’s responsibility for benefit realization and financial accountability. While technical or industry knowledge (as mentioned in Options C and D) is helpful, the primary requirement for an SRO is the ability to lead the change and be accountable for the investment. The CEO (Option D) is usually part of the Sponsoring Group to whom the SRO reports, rather than being the SRO themselves, to maintain a layer of objective oversight.

The Programme Manager holds responsibility for ensuring that individual projects align with the overarching programme objectives during capability delivery. This role coordinates the interdependencies, monitors progress, and manages risks to ensure projects collectively deliver the intended outcomes.

The MSP Practitioner notes: “Programme manager is responsible for all tasks in delivering the capability. This is a continual activity throughout the programme.” This alignment ensures that outputs contribute directly to the transformational goals and benefit realization plan, avoiding scope creep or misaligned efforts.

While the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) provides strategic accountability and the Business Change Manager (BCM) focuses on benefits realization, the Programme Manager operationalizes these objectives through effective project oversight and control.

The Programme Office supports through administrative and coordination activities but does not have direct accountability for strategic alignment of projects.

Maintaining this alignment is critical for delivering business value and achieving programme success in complex transformational environments.

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is the individual ultimately accountable for the programme. One of the SRO's primary responsibilities is to ensure that the programme is governed effectively and that all necessary controls are in place to protect the organization and ensure benefit realization. Governance includes the approval of the Programme Strategy and its subsidiary plans, such as the Risk Management Approach and the Transition Plan.

In this scenario, holding a risk review before transition is a critical governance control. Because this decision was agreed with the Sponsoring Group, it becomes a formal part of the programme’s oversight framework. Option A is correct because the SRO is the person authorized to approve the "rules of the game" for the programme. While the Programme Manager (Option B) might draft the document and the Programme Office (Option D) might maintain it, the authority to approve how the programme will be controlled—especially regarding high-stakes activities like transitioning to new customer processes—rests with the SRO. The SRO must be satisfied that the risks are being managed before the business assumes the impact of the change. This ensures that the programme remains aligned with corporate risk appetite and strategic objectives.

Action

Role

Provide expertise in UU's programme scheduling software

Programme office lead

Develop the process for procuring external trainers

Programme manager

Approve the process for assigning internal staff to the programme

Senior responsible owner

The Programme Office provides the technical "best practice" and tool expertise (scheduling software). The Programme Manager designs the management processes for delivery (procurement). The SRO approves the overarching governance and resource allocation rules.