PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
A Project Manager is managing a stage and receives a request from a Team Manager to authorize a Work Package that is part of the current Stage Plan. Which process is the Project Manager performing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'Controlling a Stage' and 'Managing Product Delivery' in PRINCE2. In 'Controlling a Stage', the Project Manager authorizes Work Packages; in 'Managing Product Delivery', the Team Manager accepts and executes Work Packages. This question tests the distinction by asking who authorizes a Work Package that is part of the current stage plan.
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
✓
Controlling a Stage
The Project Manager is performing the 'Controlling a Stage' process because this process handles day-to-day management of the stage, including authorizing Work Packages that are part of the current Stage Plan. The request from the Team Manager to authorize a Work Package is a typical activity within this process, which ensures work is assigned, monitored, and controlled.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Managing a Stage Boundary
Why it's wrong here
Authorising a Work Package sits in Controlling a Stage, not Managing a Stage Boundary, which handles stage-end activities: producing the End Stage Report, updating the Project Plan and requesting the next Stage Plan approval from the Project Board. Managing a Stage Boundary is tempting because both processes involve the Project Manager and Work Packages, but it applies only at stage closure.
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Managing Product Delivery
Why it's wrong here
Managing Product Delivery covers the Team Manager's acceptance, execution and delivery of a Work Package; authorising that Work Package against the Stage Plan is Controlling a Stage, performed by the Project Manager. It is tempting because both processes concern Work Packages, but Managing Product Delivery sits with the Team Manager.
- ✓
Controlling a Stage
Why this is correct
During the Controlling a Stage process, the Project Manager authorises Work Packages that are defined within the current Stage Plan, which satisfies the constraint that the request originates from a Team Manager for a package already planned in the stage. This process governs day-to-day management, including accepting completed Work Packages and reviewing stage status, rather than planning or initiating new work.
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Directing a Project
Why it's wrong here
Directing a Project sits with the Project Board, which authorises the project, stage boundaries and closure, not individual Work Packages. Authorising a Work Package within an agreed Stage Plan is Managing a Product Delivery activity performed by the Project Manager. Directing a Project would be correct when the Board approves the next Stage Plan or grants stage tolerance.
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