Management of Portfolios MoP® Foundation and Practitioner

Module 1: Introduction to portfolio management

This section provides an overview of portfolios, portfolio management models, project and programme management, and portfolio management's key objectives and benefits.

Learning outcomes:

• Define key MoP concepts and explain the project and programme management context within portfolios (e.g., project lifecycle, programme lifecycle, interdependencies).

• Identify the circumstances that affect portfolio management principles and practices (e.g., organisational structure, industry sector, project complexity).

• Describe the benefits of effective portfolio management (e.g., improved strategic alignment, better resource allocation, increased return on investment).

Module 2: Implement, sustain, and measure

This module explores the implementation stages, factors for sustaining progress, and methods for assessing portfolio management maturity.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the advantages of planned approaches to portfolio management (e.g., reduced risk, improved efficiency, increased stakeholder buy-in).

• Identify the stages of implementing portfolio management (e.g., assessment, planning, implementation, review).

• Discuss factors to consider when sustaining progress in portfolio management (e.g., communication, change management, continuous improvement).

• Describe methods for assessing portfolio management maturity (e.g., self-assessment tools, external evaluation).

Module 3: Strategic & organisational context

In this module, you will examine the relationship between portfolio management and strategic planning, budgeting, programme and project management, and corporate governance.

Learning outcomes:

• Explain the role of strategic planning and budgeting in portfolio management (e.g., aligning portfolios with strategic objectives and securing funding for initiatives).

• Describe the relationship between programme and project management within portfolios (e.g., programme as a group of interrelated projects, portfolio as a collection of programmes and projects).

• Discuss the importance of performance management and corporate governance for portfolio management (e.g., monitoring progress, ensuring accountability, mitigating risk).

Module 4: Portfolio management principles

This introduces the core principles of portfolio management, including senior management commitment, governance alignment, strategy alignment, portfolio office function, and an energised change culture.

Learning outcomes:

• Explain the importance of senior management commitment and governance alignment for portfolio management (e.g., providing leadership and ensuring compliance).

• Describe how MoP principles support strategic alignment (e.g., selecting initiatives that contribute to strategic objectives).

• Discuss the role of the portfolio office and the importance of an energised change culture (e.g., providing support and guidance, fostering a culture of collaboration).

Module 5: Portfolio definition cycle

This section details the stages of the portfolio definition cycle, including understanding practices, categorisation, prioritisation, balancing, planning, and managing practices within the portfolio.

Learning outcomes:

• Explain the stages of the portfolio definition cycle (e.g., understanding current practices, categorising practices, prioritising practices based on strategic fit).

• Describe the techniques used for understanding, categorising, prioritising, and balancing practices within a portfolio (e.g., portfolio analysis tools and scoring models).

• Develop a plan for managing practices within a portfolio (e.g., resource allocation, monitoring progress, risk management).

Module 6: Portfolio delivery cycle

You will focus on portfolio delivery practices, including management control, benefits management, financial management, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and resource management.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe key portfolio delivery practices (e.g., establishing baselines, monitoring performance, reporting progress).

• Explain the role of management control, benefits management, financial management, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and resource management in portfolio delivery (e.g., ensuring project delivery within budget and schedule, realising expected benefits).

• Identify tools and techniques used for each portfolio delivery practice.

Module 7: Roles and documentation

This module introduces key portfolio management roles and outlines essential portfolio documentation, including the MoP framework, strategy, benefits management framework, benefits realisation plan, financial plan, resource scheduling, stakeholder engagement plan, and portfolio dashboard.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify key portfolio management roles and their responsibilities (e.g., portfolio manager, portfolio benefits manager, senior responsible owner).

• Describe essential portfolio management documentation and its purpose (e.g., MoP framework - outlines the overall approach.

Module 8: Implement, sustain, and measure (practitioner focus)

This module revisits implementing, sustaining, and measuring portfolio management from a practitioner's perspective.

Learning outcomes:

• Apply a structured approach to selecting the appropriate portfolio management implementation method based on organisational context.

• Explain how to coordinate portfolio management activities across different departments and stakeholders.

• Develop a strategy for building and maintaining an energised change culture that supports effective portfolio management.

• Evaluate the maturity of an existing portfolio management practice and identify areas for improvement.

Module 9: Portfolio definition cycle (practitioner focus)

This module builds upon the Foundation knowledge of the portfolio definition cycle by exploring its practical application.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify relevant practices and techniques for understanding the current portfolio landscape.

• Conduct a portfolio analysis to categorise practices based on their strategic fit and contribution to objectives.

• Apply prioritisation techniques to select the most impactful practices for inclusion in the portfolio.

• Develop a balanced portfolio considering strategic objectives, risk, and resource constraints.

• Create a portfolio delivery plan that outlines the sequence and timing of practice implementation.

Module 10: Portfolio delivery cycle (practitioner focus)

This module provides a deeper dive into the portfolio delivery cycle, focusing on its practical application at the practitioner level.

Learning outcomes:

• Implement management control practices to ensure projects within the portfolio are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Develop and implement a portfolio-level benefits management plan to track and measure the realisation of expected benefits.

• Create a financial plan for the portfolio, considering funding allocation, cost estimation, and resource optimisation.

• Identify and manage portfolio-level risks, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Develop and execute a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by the portfolio.

• Manage resources effectively to ensure the successful delivery of practices within the portfolio.

Module 11: Roles and documentation (practitioner focus)

This module expands upon the Foundation knowledge of portfolio management roles and documentation, exploring their practical application in real-world scenarios.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the responsibilities of key portfolio management roles in detail, including the Portfolio Direction Group (PDG)/Investment Committee (IC), Portfolio Progress Group (PPG)/Change Delivery Committee (CDC), Business Change Director/Portfolio Director, Portfolio Manager, and Portfolio Benefits Manager.

• Develop a comprehensive portfolio strategy document that aligns with organisational objectives.

• Create a portfolio benefits management framework to define how benefits will be measured and tracked.

• Develop a portfolio benefits realisation plan that outlines the activities required to achieve the desired benefits.

• Design an informative portfolio dashboard to report on key performance indicators and progress.

MoP Foundation exam

• Question Type: Multiple Choice 

• Total Questions: 50 

• Total Marks: 50 Marks 

• Pass Mark: 50%, or 25/50 Marks 

• Duration: 40 Minutes 

• Open Book/ Closed Book: Closed Book

MoP Practitioner exam

• Question Type: Objective Testing 

• Total Questions: 4 

• Total Marks: 80 marks 

• Pass Mark: 50%, or 40/80 

• Duration: 180 Minutes 

• Open Book/ Closed Book: Open Book

IMPORTANT: You must ensure your device is compatible with taking your exams. Please check and follow the official guidelines here.

MoP Foundation

This course is designed for experienced professionals working in project environments who understand project management and programme management best practices.

MoP Practitioner

To be eligible to take the online MoP Practitioner exam, you must have successfully passed the MoP Foundation certification exam. This ensures you possess the foundational knowledge necessary to excel at the practitioner level.

Unparalleled expertise: We boast a team of highly experienced trainers with a proven track record. Over the past 10 years, we've trained over 630,000 delegates globally, consistently delivering the highest quality training. This experience translates into exceptional learning experiences for you.

Enhance your career trajectory: Earning the MoP Practitioner qualification positions you for success in various portfolio management roles across various industries.

Learn from certified experts: Our trainers are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in portfolio management. They bring real-world insights and practical application strategies to the classroom, ensuring you gain the most relevant knowledge.

Learning support: Our team of experts supports you throughout your learning journey, from initial enrollment to exam preparation.

Interest-free payment options: Make your investment in professional development more manageable with our interest-free payment plans.

Comprehensive learning package: Our MoP® Foundation & Practitioner course offers a quality and comprehensive learning package to equip you for success.

What is Management of Portfolios MoP?

Management of Portfolios (MoP) is a structured framework designed to help organisations manage their portfolios of projects and programmes effectively. It focuses on aligning portfolios with strategic objectives to ensure that investments deliver maximum value. MoP guides making informed decisions about which initiatives to pursue, continue, or stop based on potential benefits and risks.

What is the management of portfolios model?

The management of portfolios model outlines a systematic approach to defining, prioritising, and delivering portfolios of projects and programmes. It divides portfolio management into two key cycles: the portfolio definition cycle and the portfolio delivery cycle. The model ensures that the right mix of initiatives is selected, governed, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

What is the MoP® Foundation & Practitioner course?

This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in portfolio management. You'll gain a thorough understanding of MoP® principles and practices, preparing you for both the MoP Foundation and Practitioner exams.

What learning materials are included?

You'll receive a detailed course manual covering all aspects of the training, providing a valuable reference throughout your learning journey. Additionally, you'll have access to the official MoP® Digital Manual and all the necessary exam preparation materials to ensure you are fully equipped for success.

Are the exams included in the course fee?

Yes, the course cost includes the MoP Foundation and Practitioner exams, ensuring you have everything needed to complete your certification journey. This all-inclusive approach lets you focus on learning without worrying about additional exam fees.