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

The MSP principle‘Deploy Diverse Skills’refers to planning and utilizing the right mix of skills, internal and external, to deliver the programme capabilities effectively and at the best pace. This principle emphasizes the need to coordinate various specialist skills to ensure that capability delivery aligns with the achievement of outcomes and benefits.

From MSP Foundation, 5th Edition (Principles section):

“The principle of Deploy Diverse Skills means that programmes should plan and manage the delivery of capabilities in a way that draws on the appropriate skills at the right time, ensuring that outcomes and benefits are realized efficiently and effectively.”

This reflects a strategic approach to resource and skills management across the programme lifecycle.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principleCollaborate across boundariesemphasizes enabling effective governance across different organizations, teams, or departments. A key driver is embedding decision-making systems that bridge these organizational divisions, ensuring transparent, cross-boundary authority. As described in MSP:

“An MSP programme collaborates across boundaries: facilitating effective cross‑organizational governance.”

Thus,Dis the best option, focusing on governance that spans organizational boundaries.

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:

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:

TheInformation Approachdocuments how information is managed across the programme, including classification, handling, storage, access, and privacy requirements. It defines data protection standards and privacy levels for various information types. Hence,Ais the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Embed the Outcomes" process ensures that the investing organization(s) adopts the new capabilities into operations and continues to realize and measure benefits after delivery.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that outcomes are embedded and that appropriate controls are put in place so that benefits realization continues into business as usual.”

Therefore, option C is correct.

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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:

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 “Bring pace and value” principle emphasizes timely delivery of value and adaptability to changing circumstances. It focuses on learning and improvement to maintain momentum and responsiveness.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Bring pace and value by continuously learning and improving, ensuring timely delivery of benefits.”

Thus, option D captures this focus precisely.

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 “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.

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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 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 ‘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 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.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Benefits Realization Plan schedules the activities needed to realize the benefits, including the organizational change initiatives required to embed capabilities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The benefits realization plan includes the schedule for change activities, aligning delivery and transition plans with the benefits profile.”

Thus, option C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Initiating the “Close the Programme” process happens when the programme objectives have been met and benefits are being successfully realized and measured. Per MSP summary:

“The purpose of the close the programme process is to end the programme in a controlled way, extracting as much value from the programme regardless of the reason for closing it. This includes ensuring that the investing organization(s) are ready to maximize the benefits to be realized from the programme work completed…”

Therefore,Bis the best choice.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Evaluate New Information” process ensures that the programme responds effectively to change. It provides insight and clarity to help leaders and teams take timely and informed actions.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This process helps improve understanding of emerging developments and accelerate appropriate responses.”

Hence, B is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Identify the Programme” process ensures there is a strategic case to proceed. Key objectives include identifying high-level risks to benefits and appointing critical roles, such as the SRO and programme board.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that major risks are identified, key roles are appointed, and that the investment case can be evaluated.”

Therefore, option D (1 and 4) 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:

The Target Operating Model (TOM) describes the future state that the programme is working to achieve. It includes structures, processes, capabilities, technologies, and culture.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The target operating model defines the future organization, describing what the business will look like and how it will operate once the programme is complete.”

Thus, option C is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the issue resolution approach is to establish how issues, including change requests and unplanned events, will be assessed, escalated, and resolved.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The issue resolution approach defines how the programme will respond to issues, including changes in scope, constraints, or dependencies.”

Option D specifically captures this intent, making it the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculation relies on cash flow, which is influenced by revenues such as sales. Among the options,sales growthdirectly affects future cash inflows, which are core to the IRR metric. Other options—staff satisfaction, asset utilization, safety performance—don’t directly contribute to cash flow typically used in IRR calculations. Therefore,Dis correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Enterprise or organizational agility refers to the capacity of an organization to adapt quickly to internal and external changes, especially in uncertain or complex environments.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Organizational agility is demonstrated through flexibility and responsiveness to internal and external drivers, supported by timely and appropriate decision-making.”

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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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.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

TheEvaluate new informationprocess aims to assemble fresh, relevant insights quickly and in formats suitable for decision-makers. According to Good‑e‑Learning summary:

It provides up‑to‑date, high‑quality information to support decision‑making

Objective2is also correct: presenting explicit knowledge appropriately to the board.Objectives 1 and 4 refer more to Design or Knowledge/Embed processes, not specifically Evaluate. Hence,B (2 and 3)is correct.

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, “processes” refer to structured sets of activities within the transformational flow that guide the delivery of the programme. Each process has inputs, outputs, roles, and objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Processes are structured sequences of activities designed to achieve specific objectives within the programme lifecycle.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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:

A budget is a financial estimate representing the expected income and expenditures over a defined period.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition glossary defines:

“A budget is the sum of the estimates of income and expenditure for a set period.”

Thus, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In MSP, assurance emphasizes oversight and checks particularly on areas ofhighest risk importance—this ensures the programme avoids major issues. The framework specifically mentions focusing assurance effort on the mostriskyareas to provide confidence to sponsors. Therefore,Bis the correct word in the context.

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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