MSP-Foundation MSP Foundation, 5th editionExam Questions and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the "Identify the Programme" process is to establish whether it is justified to proceed—checking if the expected benefits outweigh the required investment of time, cost, and resources. It ensures a clear understanding of scope and justification before committing to full planning. As described in MSP guidance:

“The Identify the Programme process checks that a programme is worth the time and resources needed to plan the programme.”

This aligns directly with the MSP Transformational Flow, confirming that optionDis correct per the official MSP Foundation, 5th Edition documentation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

External factors include market dynamics, legal changes, or competitor behavior that may impact the programme. Changes in competitor behaviour are outside the organization and directly influence strategic priorities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition notes:

“Programmes must monitor external factors such as market competition, regulatory changes, and shifts in customer expectations.”

Hence, C is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the major challenges addressed by MSP is the inability of organizations to embed and influence cultural change effectively during strategic initiatives. As per MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“MSP is designed to address the most common challenge that organizations face when leading change—namely, failing to shift mindsets, behaviors, and working practices during periods of transformation.”

This reflects a direct reference to cultural change and leadership in complex environments. Thus, option B is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “risk response approach” is part of the risk management documentation and defines how decisions will be made regarding whether to act on risks or opportunities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“The risk response approach defines how decisions will be made on whether to invest resources to mitigate threats or exploit opportunities.”

Hence, the correct answer is B.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Identify the Programme” process establishes whether a programme is justified by examining its business reasons and strategic rationale—effectively analysing its drivers. It forms the foundation for all subsequent processes.

“Identify the Programme involves capturing and analysing the causes for developing the programme and agreeing why it should proceed.”

Thus, optionCaligns precisely with the official MSP guidance.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The programme strategy defines the guiding framework for how the programme will be managed, including how risks, resources, finance, and benefits are handled.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“The programme strategy defines the high-level approach and controls for how the programme will be managed across all governance themes.”

Thus, option A is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Evaluate new information" process is specifically designed to ensure that the programme board and decision-makers are provided with current, accurate, and relevant data in a timely manner. This supports good governance and enables informed decision-making at all stages. According to the MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“The purpose of the evaluate new information process is to ensure that the programme board is able to make informed decisions based on reliable and timely information.”

Thus, option C is correct as it aligns precisely with the stated purpose of the process.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The ‘Check’ phase in the Plan Do Check Act cycle focuses on reviewing and validating the effectiveness of risk responses. It determines whether risks have been adequately managed or if additional measures are required. This phase ensures ongoing oversight and adjustment of risk management activities as needed.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition (Governance Themes – Risk Management):

“The ‘Check’ phase involves monitoring and reviewing risk management activities to ensure that risks are being controlled effectively, and deciding if further actions are necessary.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Embed the Outcomes" process is responsible for supporting business operations in adopting new capabilities and embedding those into everyday practice. This includes managing the transition from legacy practices to the improved or new ways of working introduced by the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that the new capabilities are embedded, enabling the organization to transition from old to new ways of working.”

Thus, option D is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Programme Manager is accountable for implementing the programme strategy, overseeing planning, delivery, monitoring, and reporting.

As per MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“The programme manager is responsible for implementing the strategy as defined by the programme board and ensuring that the programme is delivered to schedule, scope, and quality.”

Hence, C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Knowledge in MSP includes both explicit and tacit forms. Tacit knowledge is typically unstructured and not easily articulated, and often only becomes explicit when deliberate effort is made to capture or document it.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“Tacit knowledge usually only becomes explicit when individuals invest effort in capturing and sharing it.”

Therefore, option C is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In MSP, “lessons learned” refers to knowledge gained during the programme that has been successfully integrated into future ways of working. It is not just knowledge captured, but knowledge applied and embedded.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“A lesson learned is a new understanding that has been embedded into practice to improve future performance.”

Thus, B is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Structure” theme defines how the programme is organized and delivered over tranches. When this theme applies the “Collaborate across boundaries” principle, it leads to better coordination and utilization of resources across teams and organizations.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition notes:

“Collaborating across boundaries ensures resources are used effectively and efficiently by aligning the structure of delivery with responsibilities across the organization.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “realize measurable benefits” requires active tracking of benefits throughout the lifecycle and alignment with evolving business context. This includes periodically revisiting and validating benefits and the TOM.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Measurable benefits must be defined, tracked, and updated as new information emerges and circumstances evolve.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the “Deliver the Capabilities” process is to manage and coordinate the delivery of outputs from projects and other work that collectively contribute to desired outcomes.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“This process is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the programme’s defined capabilities—how outcomes will be achieved through related delivery projects and enabling activities.”

Hence, A is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In ambiguous situations, having accessible, up-to-date knowledge helps teams make decisions and adapt. The knowledge theme supports this by enabling effective knowledge sharing.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Making knowledge accessible allows the programme to respond to ambiguity by enabling adaptation and learning.”

Thus, the correct answer is D.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Programme plans translate the programme strategy into actionable items. They describe how the strategy will be implemented, including scope, schedules, dependencies, and resources.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Plans provide a view of how the strategy will be delivered, including what needs to be done, when, and by whom.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In MSP (aligned with standard risk management), the "share" response means passing risk ownership to a partner while retaining some involvement. This typically involvesworking collaboratively with suppliers or other partiesto manage risk. From supplier risk management best practices, shared risk response involves joint activities such as shared monitoring and planning with suppliers Thus,Cis correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Monitoring the external environment helps programmes adapt to changing circumstances, identify emerging risks, and make informed decisions promptly. This proactive approach supports the principle of "deal with ambiguity" and strategic alignment.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Monitoring external factors ensures that new risks, issues, and opportunities are identified early, supporting timely and informed decision-making.”

Therefore, C is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Close the Programme” process ensures value is captured and lessons are learned. It focuses on ending the programme in a controlled way and documenting both achievements and remaining challenges.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Retaining lessons and ensuring knowledge is passed on is a critical component of programme closure.”

“The programme closure report includes assessment of achieved benefits, any dis-benefits, and remaining potential benefits.”Thus, option D (1 and 4) is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Deliver the Capabilities” process focuses on the coordination of project delivery to ensure that new capabilities are created in a controlled and managed way. This includes starting and closing projects effectively and managing risks and issues throughout delivery.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that each project is initiated, managed, and closed in a controlled manner, and that risks and issues are monitored and managed.”

Hence, the correct answer is C (3 and 4).

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

MSP recognises two types of knowledge: explicit (codified) and tacit (experiential, hard to articulate). To pass on tacit knowledge effectively, interpersonal interaction—such as one-on-one mentoring or shadowing—is essential. The Knowledge theme states:

“Tacit knowledge is best transferred through direct interaction—mentoring, coaching, informal conversations—rather than through written documentation.”

Therefore, the correct approach isD, promoting direct communication for tacit knowledge transfer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

TheAlign with prioritiesprinciple ensures the programme adapts to shifting strategic needs. This principle enables reprioritization of work based on emerging business priorities. Changing the capabilities delivered in a tranche when new information arises is the direct embodiment of that adaptability. MSP states:

“Align with priorities: adapting to new information and emergent change.”

OptionDmost closely reflects this active alignment.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Accountability” as a success factor in MSP assurance requires that assurance findings and outcomes are reported to governance boards. This ensures transparency and supports effective oversight.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“Accountability means that assurance findings and recommendations are reported through appropriate governance boards to enable corrective action.”

Therefore, D is the correct choice.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Cash flow in a programme context refers to the net amount of funds required to pay for ongoing expenses—primarily resources.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“Cash flow is the net amount of cash and cash-equivalents required to pay for resources over time.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

ThePlan progressive deliveryprocess defines the tranche-based execution of the programme, covering staffing, procurement, and chunked delivery pacing. From Good‑e‑Learning:

The process defines acquisition and resource management approaches (Objective 3)

It also ensures the operational areas can support the speed of delivery (Objective 4)

Objectives 1 and 2 (benefits in BAU and risk registers) are part of Embed or Evaluate, not directly Plan Progressive Delivery. Hence, the correct answer isC (3 and 4).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The assurance plan outlines the activities that provide stakeholders with confidence that risks are identified, evaluated, and managed properly. It supports the “assurance” theme and includes information about the timing, scope, and responsibilities for assurance activities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The assurance plan includes the schedule and scope of assurance activities to ensure stakeholders are confident that risk and controls are effectively managed.”

Thus, A is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Governance Approach within the programme strategy outlines how the programme will be directed and managed. This includes roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and the organizational structure required for effective governance.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The governance approach defines the programme’s organization structure, including roles and responsibilities, to support decision-making and control.”

Hence, option C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Design the Outcomes” process focuses on creating a vision and target operating model that describes how the outcomes and benefits will be achieved. It includes designing a coherent plan for delivering these outcomes through various projects and enabling activities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Design the outcomes defines how the outcomes will be achieved and measured, and describes the delivery architecture, including the set of projects and other work that will deliver the capabilities.”

Thus, option D is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Sponsoring group members are senior stakeholders with a broad organizational perspective. Their role includes advising the SRO and alerting them to strategic risks or issues that may affect the wider organization.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The sponsoring group supports the SRO and brings organizational knowledge to alert the SRO to any programme issues that also affect the organization as a whole.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the common drivers for organizations to undertake programmes is the need to realign strategy, structure, or operations—this is often referred to as “organizational realignment.” Programmes support these changes by coordinating multiple related projects.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition highlights:

“Programmes of change are initiated to support strategic objectives, such as organizational realignment, regulatory compliance, or new market entry.”

Therefore, D is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the “Evaluate New Information” process is to monitor progress, respond to emerging information, and take corrective actions as necessary. It ensures that decision-makers have timely insights to adjust direction.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This process allows the programme to remain responsive by gathering new information and taking corrective action to keep the programme on track.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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