PRINCE2F Overview of PRINCE2 and Principles Practice Question
A project manager is setting up a new project and wants to ensure that the project has clearly defined roles and responsibilities. According to PRINCE2, which principle requires that the project has a defined organization structure with accountable roles?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse the principle of defined roles and responsibilities with other principles that also relate to project setup, such as manage by stages or tailor to suit the project environment.
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 PRINCE2 principle 'defined roles and responsibilities' requires that the project has a clear organizational structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and relationships. It ensures that all parties know what is expected of them and that there is accountability for decisions. This principle is fundamental to establishing the project board and project manager roles, and it supports effective governance throughout the project lifecycle.
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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Defined roles and responsibilities
Why this is correct
Defined roles and responsibilities is the PRINCE2 principle that requires a clear organizational structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and relationships. It ensures that all stakeholders understand who is accountable for what, and that the project has the necessary decision-making bodies, such as the project board. This principle directly supports the need for accountable roles in the project organization.
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Manage by stages
Why it's wrong here
Manage by stages is about dividing the project into manageable stages and controlling each stage with a stage plan and stage boundary. It does not specifically address the definition of roles and responsibilities. While stages require management, the principle itself is concerned with control and planning, not with organizational structure or accountability.
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Tailor to suit the project environment
Why it's wrong here
Tailor to suit the project environment involves adapting PRINCE2 to the size, complexity, and risk of the project. It does not require a defined organization structure with accountable roles. Tailoring may affect how roles are implemented, but the principle itself is about scaling and adapting the method, not about establishing the project's organization.
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Learn from experience
Why it's wrong here
Learn from experience focuses on capturing and using lessons from previous projects and throughout the current project. It does not directly mandate a defined organization structure with accountable roles. While lessons might inform role definitions, the principle itself is about knowledge management, not about establishing the project's organization or assigning accountability.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
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