PRINCE2F Practice Question: Overview of PRINCE2 and the project environment
A programme manager is setting up a new PRINCE2 project to develop a mobile banking app. The project will use a supplier to build the app, and the programme manager wants to ensure that the project has the right level of direction and management. Which PRINCE2 principle is being applied when the project is established with a defined organization structure that includes a Project Board with clear roles and responsibilities?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse the defined roles and responsibilities principle with manage by exception, which is about tolerances and delegation, not about establishing roles.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Defined roles and responsibilities
The defined roles and responsibilities principle ensures that projects have a clear organizational structure with defined roles, such as the Project Board, Project Manager, and Team Manager. By establishing a Project Board with clear roles, the programme manager applies this principle to provide direction and management for the mobile banking app project.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Defined roles and responsibilities
Why this is correct
This principle ensures that every project has a clear organizational structure with defined roles, such as the Project Board, Project Manager, and Team Manager. In this scenario, establishing a Project Board with clear roles directly applies this principle, ensuring accountability and direction for the mobile banking app project.
- ✗
Manage by exception
Why it's wrong here
Manage by exception focuses on delegating authority within defined tolerances, allowing the Project Board to set limits and the Project Manager to manage within them. While important, it does not specifically address the establishment of roles and responsibilities; it is about decision-making authority, not organizational structure.
- ✗
Focus on products
Why it's wrong here
Focus on products emphasizes defining and delivering products that meet agreed quality criteria. It is about what the project produces, not about the roles and responsibilities of the people managing it. The scenario describes setting up the organization, not defining product requirements.
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Tailor to suit the project environment
Why it's wrong here
Tailoring involves adapting PRINCE2 to the project's size, complexity, and environment. While the project may need tailoring, the scenario specifically mentions establishing a defined organization structure with clear roles, which is the essence of the defined roles and responsibilities principle, not tailoring.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
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