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

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:

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:

“Identify the Programme” is the process where the current and future state are initially examined. This helps define the case for change before planning delivery or structuring the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“This process creates an understanding of the gap between the current and future states and whether there is a case to proceed.”

Thus, C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Accepting” a risk means taking no action to modify it, which may only be appropriate when the exposure is within the defined risk tolerance. If a risk exceeds tolerance, an active response (such as avoid, reduce, or transfer) is required.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Acceptance is only appropriate when the risk is within the defined appetite and tolerance levels.”

Therefore, option A is correct—it would NOT be appropriate above tolerance threshold.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Knowledge and learning approach” describes how the programme will promote a culture of learning by capturing, sharing, and reflecting on knowledge and experiences.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This approach defines how knowledge will be gathered, structured, and used to support reflection and continual improvement.”

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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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:

The “Lead with purpose” principle is about creating a clear and inspiring direction for the programme. Maintaining a compelling vision and a well-defined target operating model helps provide that sense of purpose and focus to all programme participants.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“Clarity of purpose, supported by a clear and compelling vision and target operating model, enables effective leadership and alignment.”

Therefore, option A is correct.

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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:

Within MSP, a risk owner is appointed to manage specific programme risks. Their actions and responses are overseen by theProgramme Board, which evaluates whether the responses sufficiently address identified threats or opportunities in line with the overall programme approach. This is confirmed by guidance on risk governance in MSP:

Thus,Cis 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:

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 “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:

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 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:

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.

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:

A dependency network diagram shows the sequence and interdependencies between outputs and transition events—highlighting how one activity’s timing or completion affects another.

As per MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“It visually represents how the successful start of transition activities depends on the delivery of specific project outputs and changes in capability.”

Thus, option C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Plan” phase of the PDCA cycle is about identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks or issues. It sets the foundation for which actions will be taken.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes this as:

“The plan step involves identifying the risk, assessing its likelihood and impact, and determining which risks should be prioritized for action.”

Thus, option 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:

“Deliver the Capabilities” focuses on delivering the agreed outputs and adjusting delivery if needed. Monitoring progress and corrective actions are key to staying on track.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“This process ensures progress is monitored and corrective actions are taken to support successful delivery.”

Thus, 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.

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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:

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 "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 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:

The purpose of the “Design the Outcomes” process is to define the future state (target operating model) and establish a compelling vision to guide the programme. The process sets the design principles, measures, and expectations.

The objectives include:

Establishing a compelling and aligned vision (Objective 1)

Designing the target operating model and defining performance indicators (Objective 4)Therefore, the correct answer is D: 1 and 4.

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:

Programme governance in MSP is about aligning strategic intent with delivery excellence—selecting and executing the “right” programmes in the “right” way. It institutes the leadership, roles, structures, and decision-making protocols needed to ensure programmes support organizational strategy and achieve intended benefits. The MSP framework states its purpose succinctly:

Hence,Bdirectly captures the essence.

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:

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:

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:

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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