Management of Portfolios (MoP)® Foundation classroom

Learning objectives

The Foundation level qualification measures understanding of the principles, cycles, practices, techniques, roles, responsibilities, documents and organizational context within which portfolio management operates. Specifically by the end of the course you should know and understand the:

• scope and objectives of portfolio management and how it differs from programme and project management
• benefits from applying portfolio management
• context within which it operates
• principles upon which successful portfolio management is based
• approaches to implementation, the factors to consider in maintaining progress, and how to assess the success of portfolio management
• purposes of the portfolio management definition and delivery cycles and their component practices, and relevant techniques applicable to each practice
• purpose and key content of the major portfolio documents
• scope of key portfolio management roles

This is an intensive three-day course that includes the following:

• All accompanying course material
• The official MoP manual
• The cost of the MoP Foundation examination (the exam is taken on the last day of the course)

Refreshments will also be provided throughout the duration of your training.

What's covered?

MoP helps organisations to answer a fundamental question: ‘are we sure this investment is right for us and how will it contribute to our strategic objectives?’ Investment is the key word because portfolio management is about investing in the right change initiatives and implementing them correctly. MoP achieves this by ensuring that:

• The programmes and projects undertaken are prioritised in terms of their contribution to the organisation’s strategic objectives and overall level of risk
• Programmes and projects are managed consistently to ensure efficient and effective delivery
• Benefits realisation is maximised to provide the greatest return (in terms of strategic contribution and efficiency savings) from the investment made.

Official definitions

A portfolio is the totality of an organisation’s investment (or segment thereof) in the changes required to achieve its strategic objectives. Portfolio management is a coordinated collection of strategic processes and decisions that together enable the most effective balance of organisational change and ‘business as usual’.

Target audience

This qualification is aimed at those involved in a range of formal and informal portfolio management roles encompassing investment decision making, project and programme delivery, and benefits realization.  It is relevant to all those involved in the selection and delivery of business change initiatives including:

• Members of Management Boards and Directors of Change
• Senior Responsible Owners (SROs)
• Portfolio, programme, project, business change and benefits managers;
• Business case writers
• Project appraisers

Important note regarding pre-course

There is mandatory online pre-course work that must be undertaken prior to attending this course. It is expected that it will take approximately two hours to complete. You will be sent full instructions with a link to the online pre course within 48 hours of your confirmed booking. In addition, whilst attending your course there will also be some examination preparation evening work.

Review the technical requirements for the online learning here.

• Multiple choice examination questions
• 50 questions per paper
• 25 marks required to pass (out of 50 available) - 50%
• 40 minutes’ duration
• Closed book