What is MSP?

MSP (Managing Successful Programs) is the definitive framework when it comes to change processes. Successfully implementing far-reaching strategic changes in organizations is usually a truly monumental task. After all, it involves coordinating a multitude of change steps, actively engaging all stakeholders, allocating resources effectively, and reliably assessing potential risks. MSP brings structure to the transformation.

The best-practice framework provides useful tools for program management and breaks down the overall process into smaller, more manageable projects. At the same time, it helps visualize relationships and interactions, allowing you to maintain a clear view of the big picture at all times.

MSP Training Sessions

Reach Your Goal with MSP's Three Building Blocks

The MSP Framework is based on three core elements:

• MSP Principles: Based on the positive and negative lessons learned from program experiences, these are the factors and scales by which the success of the transformation can be measured.
• MSP Governance Themes: These define an organization’s approach to program management. Only when a company employs the right leadership, a competent implementation team, and well-designed organizational structures and controls will its activities have a chance of success.
• MSP Transformational Flow: It serves as a guide and navigator through the entire program cycle—from conception to the final results.

Clear Roles, Clear Action

One of the secrets to MSP’s success lies in its clearly defined roles. These roles establish well-defined responsibilities in program management, thereby enabling an organizational structure in which all stakeholders contribute to the bigger picture. Through ongoing dialogue and guided by the framework’s rules, individual projects can be perfectly planned, managed, and implemented in this way.

The individual roles are:

• Sponsoring Group: This group represents the decision-making level at which key business and investment decisions are made. At the same time, this group establishes the framework for the change process and its programs.
• Senior Responsible Owner: He is the person primarily responsible for the change process and serves as the liaison between the Sponsoring Group and the Program Manager.
• Program Manager: His or her job is to coordinate and manage individual projects.
• Business Change Manager: Under his leadership, the transformation takes on concrete, tangible form. His role is to achieve measurable improvements in business processes.
• Program Office: All information converges at this hub. The Program Office handles key responsibilities related to communication and monitoring. It also brings a broad range of expertise in areas such as finance, scheduling, resource management, and professional development to the change process.

How MSP Helps Organizations Move Forward

Through a clear division of responsibilities, structured approaches, and a focus on activities that effectively advance program objectives, MSP effectively supports the implementation of change. Projects and corporate strategy are aligned, and change initiatives are designed in a realistic manner. This enables organizations to successfully navigate change—and to generate real economic benefits by identifying, implementing, and managing the resulting advantages.