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

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 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:

A key driver for programme investment is aligning multiple change initiatives (projects and other work) with strategic objectives to achieve business outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition notes:

“Organizations invest in programmes to align change initiatives with strategic goals and deliver value more effectively.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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:

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:

An “issue owner” is appointed for each issue to ensure it is analyzed, managed, and resolved in a timely and effective manner.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Issue owners are accountable for managing and resolving the issues assigned to them.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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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:

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:

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:

Assurance helps manage uncertainty by focusing on the areas of greatest risk and ambiguity, providing confidence and early warning when change threatens outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes this alignment as:

“Assurance supports dealing with ambiguity by focusing resources on the riskiest areas, thereby enabling better-informed decisions and increased certainty.”

Option B directly aligns with that intent.

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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:

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 “Evaluate New Information” process ensures that decisions made during the programme are based on the latest knowledge and insights. This supports adaptation and ongoing alignment with organizational strategy.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The purpose of this process is to ensure that up-to-date information is considered in decision-making as the programme progresses.”

Hence, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is the figurehead of the programme and is accountable for its success. They focus on strategic alignment and stakeholder engagement at the executive level.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The SRO is responsible for engaging with senior stakeholders and ensuring their ongoing support and alignment with the programme objectives.”

Thus, option C is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A linear project delivery mode follows a predictable, step-by-step sequence: initiation, planning, execution, and closure—once through, without returning to earlier phases.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A linear project lifecycle completes delivery in a single pass through sequential phases, with minimal feedback loops.”

Therefore, C is correct.

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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:

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:

Within the Governance Themes, theKnowledge Themegoverns how information is managed, including aspects of information security. A key pillar isintegrity, which ensures that data remains accurate, unaltered, and reliable. The principle guiding this is that information must be checked before use or storage to maintain trustworthiness. As stated in the MSP manual:

“Integrity ensures the information used is accurate and hasn’t been tampered with, maintaining its suitability for decision‑making.”

This makesAthe correct answer, focusing on ensuring data integrity.

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:

TheEmbed the Outcomesprocess addresses the transition from old to new ways of working, including managing change without jeopardizing the operational stability of the business. From the MSP summary:

“The purpose of the embed the outcomes process is to ensure that the investing organization(s) make the required changes to adopt new ways of working and realize benefits. … This needs to be achieved by ensuring the operational stability and performance of business operations is not jeopardized.”

Thus, optionCis correct.

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.

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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:

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:

The principle “Bring pace and value” requires programmes to deliver value efficiently and quickly. The justification theme supports this by aligning financial planning (investment and benefits) with timely delivery.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Financial planning should support the pace of delivery and the realization of value by phasing investment and benefits realization appropriately.”

Thus, B is the correct answer.

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 ‘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.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Programme Brief is developed during the “Identify the Programme” process and includes initial outlines of the programme’s costs, benefits, risks, scope, and intended outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The programme brief provides an outline of the vision, anticipated benefits, high-level costs, key risks, and scope of the programme.”

Therefore, option B is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A dis-benefit is a measurable adverse effect, often unintended, that negatively affects the organization’s ability to meet its objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A dis-benefit is a measurable decline resulting from an outcome perceived as negative by the investing organization(s) and which detracts from one or more organizational objectives.”

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Realize measurable benefits” emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any benefits delivered by the programme are clearly defined and measurable, preferably using financial or other agreed metrics.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This principle ensures that benefits are clearly defined and measurable, ideally with quantifiable (often financial) metrics that can be used to assess performance.”

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Plan Progressive Delivery” involves breaking the programme into manageable tranches to deliver capabilities in a structured manner.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This process defines the programme delivery structure, including tranches, and sets out how the programme will deliver capabilities to achieve desired outcomes.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Deal with ambiguity” is applied when decisions are made based on uncertain or incomplete information. Analyzing both best and worst-case scenarios helps manage risk and uncertainty.

TheFunding Approachdocument defines the organizations that are investing in the programme. It outlines how the programme will be funded, identifying the investing organizations, their contributions, and the financial arrangements. This is essential for establishing accountability and securing commitment from stakeholders who provide the resources necessary for programme delivery.

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

“The Funding Approach describes who is funding the programme, the level of investment expected from each organization, and how the funds will be managed throughout the programme lifecycle.”

This ensures clarity on investment responsibilities and supports effective governance of programme finances.