The programme manager has analysed the costs of using an expert external company to work...

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The 'Deploy diverse skills' principle in MSP 5th Edition emphasizes that programme management requires a specific set of capabilities that are different from project management or business-as-usual (BAU). This principle states that a programme must have access to the right people, with the right skills, at the right time. This often involves a blend of internal staff who understand the organizational culture and external experts who bring specialized knowledge or "best-in-class" technical skills that may not exist within the organization.

The SRO’s decision to use only internal staff purely to minimize costs, despite evidence that external experts would provide a higher quality solution and better adoption, is a violation of this principle. Option D is correct because MSP specifically guides that the focus should be on achieving the outcomes of benefit. If the lack of specialized skills leads to a lower quality solution or poor adoption, the programme's benefits are at risk. The principle of 'deploying diverse skills' encourages looking beyond cost to ensure the capability delivered is fit for purpose. While building internal skills (Option B) is a secondary benefit of programmes, it should not come at the expense of the programme's ability to successfully deliver its primary transformational objectives. The SRO's role is to ensure the programme is set up for success, which includes securing the necessary expertise to realize the vision.