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

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

MSP links principles to governance by integrating them into the themes, which provide structure to governance practices. These themes then inform the application of principles throughout programme processes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Principles are built into programme governance through the themes and enacted through the processes in the programme lifecycle.”

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Deploy diverse skills” involves bringing together varied knowledge and expertise to effectively manage a complex programme. Allocating the right people with the right skills, especially in critical oversight areas like assurance, reflects this.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Deploying diverse skills includes using a range of assurance resources—balancing independence with programme knowledge—to ensure efficiency, insight, and control.”

Hence, option B is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The justification theme ensures investment is viable, while “collaborate across boundaries” emphasizes shared governance in multi-organization programmes. Financial decision-making across such boundaries supports that principle.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Collaborative governance arrangements should be in place for financial approval and investment justification across organizational boundaries.”

Thus, C is correct.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Embed the Outcomes" process ensures the organization adopts the new capabilities and starts realizing and measuring benefits. It also ensures that appropriate controls are in place so that benefits continue into business-as-usual.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition says:

“This process ensures that benefits realization is initiated and that appropriate controls are in place to ensure continued realization in BAU.”

Therefore, options 3 and 4 are correct.

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.

—

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.

—

The missing word is"benefits". Stakeholder engagement is fundamentally about building and managing relationships to achieve positive benefits for the programme and the organization. It involves exercising influence to align stakeholder interests and secure their support, which ultimately helps in realizing the programme’s intended benefits.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition (Governance Themes – Stakeholder Engagement section):

“Stakeholder engagement is a way of exercising influence and achieving positive benefits through effective management of relationships.”

This highlights the importance of engagement in delivering value and sustaining support throughout the programme lifecycle.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The vision statement is a concise, inspiring description of the future state the programme aims to achieve. Its purpose is to engage stakeholders and provide direction throughout the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The vision statement is a clear and compelling description of the future state that engages and motivates stakeholders.”

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The process where programme justification is confirmed before proceeding with programme delivery isEvaluate New Information. This process involves ongoing assessment of the programme’s justification as new data, risks, or issues arise. It ensures that the programme remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives before further delivery steps are taken.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains in the Transformational Flow section under theEvaluate New Informationprocess:

“This process is designed to re-assess the programme justification and make sure the business case remains valid, reflecting any changes in circumstances or information. Only if the justification still stands will the programme proceed with delivery.”

This evaluation provides a key control point in the programme lifecycle to confirm continued investment is warranted and to prevent unnecessary expenditure or risks.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Deal with ambiguity” acknowledges that uncertainty is an inherent part of transformational change. Managing ambiguity involves incorporating uncertainty into planning, especially within documents like the business case.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The programme must recognize and respond to ambiguity by planning for uncertainty and reflecting this in programme controls such as the business case, risk management, and decision-making.”

Therefore, option C is correct.

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A risk, by definition, is anything that could impact the achievement of objectives. In programme management, risks are assessed based on their potential effect on programme objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A programme risk is an uncertain event or set of events that, if they occur, will affect the achievement of programme objectives.”

Therefore, C is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The stakeholder engagement and communications plan outlines the identification, analysis, prioritization, and engagement strategy for stakeholders. It emphasizes two-way communication.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines it as:

“A plan that describes how stakeholders are identified, prioritized, and engaged over the life of the programme, and how two-way communication will be maintained.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The ‘lead with purpose’ principle is about ensuring clarity of vision and empowering teams to act in alignment with it. The ‘knowledge’ theme supports this by ensuring that all participants have access to the information and learning needed to perform their roles effectively and purposefully.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Effective knowledge management enables individuals and teams to do their best work in support of the programme’s purpose.”

Thus, the correct answer is D.

—

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

This sentence is from the core definition of a programme in the MSP Foundation, 5th Edition. The correct wording is:

“A programme is a temporary structure designed to lead multiple, interrelated projects and other work in order to progressively achieve outcomes of benefit for one or more organizations.”

This highlights that the goal of programmes is not just activity coordination, but delivering benefits. Hence, option B is the correct word.

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Align with priorities” principle ensures that a programme remains aligned with evolving strategic goals. Programmes must remain flexible to respond to new or shifting business needs.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“A programme must remain aligned with organizational priorities and be flexible enough to adapt to changes in strategic direction.”

Therefore, B is the correct answer.

—

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:

A programme is not rigid or static—it is dynamic and designed to adapt to internal and external changes. The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines a programme as:

“A temporary, flexible structure created to coordinate, direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to the organization’s strategic objectives.”

MSP emphasizes agility, stating that programmes must evolve in response to changes in the business environment, learning, and new insights.

Therefore, option D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The programme plan provides the integrated view of how the programme will achieve its outcomes, specifying roles (who), timelines (when), and approach (how).

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“The programme plan sets out the schedule, resources, and governance to achieve delivery of capabilities and realization of benefits.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

—

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the key drivers for initiating a programme rather than a project is when the organization requires a shift in culture, behavior, and working practices to achieve strategic objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Organizations often use programmes when there is a need to change the prevailing culture, ways of working, or strategic positioning.”

Therefore, option B is correct.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When validating a business case, a key focus is on whether the original assumptions still hold true, including the achievability of the outcomes and the financial viability (affordability) of the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The justification for the programme must be reviewed throughout to ensure it remains achievable, affordable, and aligned with organizational priorities.”

Therefore, A is the correct answer.

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.

—

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.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Embed the Outcomes” process focuses on supporting the adoption of new capabilities into business operations and initiating the realization and measurement of benefits.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The purpose of this process is to ensure that the investing organization(s) make the required changes to adopt new ways of working and realize benefits.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The three lines of defence model in MSP ensures that risks and performance are managed effectively through independent layers of oversight. The Assurance Approach sets out how each of these lines of defence will monitor, report, and intervene when necessary.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The assurance approach defines how the three lines of defence will be used in the programme and describes how assurance will be provided across all areas.”

Thus, option D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The ‘Lead with purpose’ principle centres on clarity of why the programme exists. Within the Organisation theme, this principle is applied by communicating a clear, compelling purpose to all stakeholders, thereby securing their alignment and commitment. The MSP manual explains:

“Organisation ensures that leadership communicate and embody the programme’s purpose, so that stakeholders understand why the programme matters and commit to its success.”

Thus, optionDis the accurate reflection of how the Organisation theme operationalizes 'Lead with purpose'.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In MSP, the success factor “Proportionality” ensures that assurance activities are appropriately scaled and tailored to meet stakeholder expectations and the nature of the programme. This means assurance is not a one-size-fits-all process—it should be flexible and sensitive to context. MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes this as:

“Assurance must be proportionate to the complexity and risk of the programme and should meet the needs of its stakeholders.”

Therefore, option A is correct.

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.