Integrating MSP with Agile: Best practice for hybrid programme management

Agile and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) are two prominent approaches for project and programme management. MSP provides a structured framework for managing complex change programmes, while Agile focuses on delivering value through iterative development and continuous improvement.

Integrating these two methodologies can create a robust hybrid management system that leverages the strengths of both, enabling your organisation to stay competitive and responsive to market demands.

Naturally, integrating two approaches can present challenges. So, how can you integrate MSP with Agile? We’ll explore how organisations can effectively combine these methodologies to enhance their programme management capabilities.

What is MSP?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a structured framework designed for managing transformational change. It is based on best practice and provides a roadmap for organisations to achieve strategic objectives through a series of coordinated projects.

MSP focuses on delivering long-term benefits and outcomes by managing risks, aligning projects with organisational goals, and ensuring stakeholder engagement. MSP offers:

• Fundamental guidelines that underpin effective programme management
• A series of themes and principles that offer a framework for any programme lifecycle
• Seven processes that direct the delivery of any transformation programme

Learn more about Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).

What is Agile?

Agile is a flexible and iterative approach to project and programme management. It emphasises collaboration, customer feedback, and small, frequent deliveries of work. Agile methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, aim to enhance responsiveness to change and deliver high-quality products quickly.

The approach encourages:

• Iterative development with repeated cycles of planning, executing and reviewing
• Regular interaction with stakeholders to gather feedback and refine the product
• Adapting to change requirements and market conditions swiftly
• Teams composed of members with various skills working collaboratively

Discover how taking an Agile approach could benefit your organisation.

The need for a hybrid approach

While MSP provides a comprehensive framework for managing large-scale programmes, it can be perceived as rigid and slow to adapt to change. Conversely, Agile offers flexibility and rapid delivery but may lack the strategic oversight required for managing complex programmes.

A hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both methodologies, creating a balanced and effective management system.

Best practices for integrating MSP with Agile

Align objectives

Ensure that project teams understand the strategic objectives defined by the MSP framework. This alignment helps maintain a clear focus on long-term goals while taking an Agile approach to achieve individual project successes.

Establish a governance structure

Create a governance structure that integrates both MSP and Agile principles. This structure should include:

• Programme board: Responsible for strategic decision-making and ensuring alignment with organisational goals
• Agile leadership team: Focused on facilitating Agile practices and removing impediments for project teams
• Integration roles: Positions such as Programme Manager and Agile Coach can help to bridge the gap between MSP and Agile

With a hybrid approach, there is a greater opportunity to work flexibly and dynamically. However, this can lead to a risk of misunderstandings. It may help to clarify the roles and responsibilities of team members within the hybrid framework. A RACI chart can offer clarity, help avoid conflicts, and ensure smooth collaboration.

Integrate planning processes

One of the best ways to create a hybrid planning process is to combine MSP's structured planning with the iterative approach of Agile. Start by using MSP to set the high-level programme roadmap and then implement Agile to plan and execute short-term iterations. Regularly review and adjust plans based on feedback and changing priorities.

Emphasise collaborative communication

Effective communication is crucial in a hybrid environment. Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration between teams. Use collaborative tools and techniques, such as daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and programme status meetings, to ensure continuous information flow.

Proactively manage risks

Integrate MSP's risk management practices with Agile's proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks. Use MSP to establish a comprehensive framework and Agile to continuously monitor and mitigate risks through iterative cycles.

Focus on realising benefits

Ensure that the project teams are focused on driving value and realising benefits. Use MSP to define and track benefits at the programme level and Agile’s regular feedback stages to reflect on the value delivered in each iteration.

This continuous improvement process ensures that outputs align closely with user needs, allowing the project's benefits to be realised incrementally with regular feedback from stakeholders.

Tailor to your environment

Adapt MSP and Agile methodologies to fit the organisation's specific needs and culture. Recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and tailor the hybrid approach to leverage the organisation's unique strengths and address its challenges.

Implementing a hybrid programme approach

Integrating MSP with Agile can offer a powerful approach to managing complex programmes in a dynamic environment. By leveraging the strategic oversight of MSP and the flexibility of Agile, organisations can achieve their long-term objectives while remaining responsive to change.

Adopting best practice can help to ensure a successful hybrid programme management framework. This integrated approach not only enhances the delivery of projects but also drives continuous improvement and value creation for the organisation.

To maximise the potential of hybrid programme management, ILX offers a range of courses in Agile and MSP. These will allow you to combine principles from both, creating a hybrid approach in your organisation that provides the benefits of both worlds.