MSP Programme management is an approach to change management that turns loosely defined business objectives into targeted tactical changes. For example, programme management can be used to analyse and deliver objectives such as

• ‘world class performance’
• ‘better health care services’
• ‘faster growth’
• ‘fewer complaints’

MSP programme management is therefore an approach to management that bridges the gap between higher level strategic objectives and lower level tactical delivery; MSP programme management turns visions into reality.

The MSP programme management method gives guidelines on:

• roles and responsibilities at senior management and programme delivery levels
• governance regimes that deliver control without bureaucracy
• close links between programme manager and operational managers
• definition and management of benefits that bridge the gap between strategic objectives and the changes to tactical capabilities required
• a portfolio of projects that deliver the capabilities.

Good reasons to adopt MSP programme management are:

• 25% or more productivity improvement
• promotes links between long range plans and day to day delivery
• promotes delegated empowerment of staff
• balances business requirements with stakeholder needs
• provides a rational framework for resolving stakeholder conflicts
• it works!

PRINCE2 project management is a results focussed approach to change management that takes a well scoped idea and organises the work to make the idea become reality. For instance, PRINCE2 projects can deliver specific objectives such as

• a new web site
• a change to a product or service
• a new business process.

PRINCE2 is recognised best practice in project management, and defines:

• roles and responsibilities for directing, organising and delivery
• the results required
• hierarchies of deliverable products
• quality expectations and acceptance criteria for products
• delegation and empowerment systems
• control without bureaucracy.

Good reasons to adopt PRINCE2 project management are:

• 25% or more productivity improvement through encouraging results focussed working
• promotes delegated empowerment of staff
• balances business needs, user desires and supplier capabilities
• PRINCE2 is now recognised as best practice in tactical change management
• PRINCE2 can be easily tailored to suit any size of project or any working culture
• it works!