Continual improvement is a core management practice focused on incrementally enhancing services, products, and processes. A primary characteristic of this practice is the application of principles from methodologies like Lean. Lean thinking specifically targets the identification and systematic elimination of 'waste' (Muda) – any activity that consumes resources but adds no value. By removing waste, processes become more efficient and effective, which is the fundamental goal of continual improvement within a programme environment.

A. Agile ways of working are used in some phases of a linear: This describes a hybrid delivery approach, which is a method of execution, not a fundamental characteristic of the principle of continual improvement itself.

B. Scope and requirements are delivered through sequential phases: This defines a traditional waterfall or linear lifecycle. It is a delivery methodology and does not inherently describe the practice of continual improvement.

D. Scope and quality emerge over time within defined timeboxes: This is a characteristic of an agile or iterative delivery approach. While agile methods facilitate improvement, this statement describes the delivery process, not the overarching principle of continual improvement.

AXELOS. (2020). Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) 5th Edition. TSO (The Stationery Office).

Appendix A.3 (Lean): "Lean is a way of thinking that focuses on improving processes by maximizing value and eliminating waste." This directly links the concept in option C to a key approach for improvement discussed within the MSP framework.

Section 3.2 (Principle: Leading change): This principle emphasizes creating a culture that is receptive to new ways of working and improvement, which is the environment required for continual improvement to thrive. The systematic elimination of waste is a tangible application of this principle.