The answer is to record the risk in the risk register and plan a response in the risk management approach. This is correct because PRINCE2 mandates that all identified risks, such as a supplier’s history of delays threatening the business case, must be formally captured in the risk register, while the risk management approach outlines the procedures for planning and executing responses like mitigation or contingency. On the PRINCE2 Foundation exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Initiating a Project process, where risks are not just logged but actively managed to uphold continued business justification—a common trap is thinking you should escalate or ignore the risk at this stage. A useful memory tip is to remember the “Register and Approach” rule: when handling risks during project initiation, you always write it in the risk register and define your response plan in the risk management approach.
PRINCE2F Project Initiation and Stages Practice Question
This PRINCE2F practice question tests your understanding of project initiation and stages. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During the Initiating a Project process, the project manager identifies that the business case relies on a key supplier delivering critical components by a fixed date. However, the supplier has a history of delays. What should the project manager do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Record the risk in the risk register and plan a response in the risk management approach
In PRINCE2, the risk register is the central repository for recording all identified risks, and the risk management approach defines how risks will be managed throughout the project. During the Initiating a Project process, the project manager must formally document the supplier delay risk and plan appropriate responses (e.g., mitigation, contingency) within the risk management approach. This ensures the risk is actively managed rather than ignored or deferred, aligning with PRINCE2's principle of continued business justification.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Proceed with the plan as the supplier has always delivered eventually
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring a known risk is not PRINCE2 best practice.
✗
Adjust the business case to remove the supplier dependency
Why it's wrong here
Changing the business case requires formal change control.
✗
Ask the project board to approve the project with a note about the risk
Why it's wrong here
The project board should be informed, but the risk must be formally recorded.
✓
Record the risk in the risk register and plan a response in the risk management approach
Why this is correct
Risks must be formally recorded and managed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
PeopleCert often tests the misconception that a risk can be handled informally or deferred to later stages, but PRINCE2 requires formal recording and planning of risks during the Initiating a Project process to ensure they are managed from the start.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The risk management approach in PRINCE2 specifies the risk management procedure, including risk identification, assessment, response planning, and monitoring. The risk register captures each risk's probability, impact, proximity, and planned responses. In this scenario, the project manager should evaluate the supplier's delay history to assign a probability and impact score, then define a response such as 'mitigate' (e.g., secure a backup supplier) or 'transfer' (e.g., contract penalties). This structured approach ensures the project board can make an informed decision about the project's viability.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PRINCE2F exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Initiation and Stages — This question tests Project Initiation and Stages — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Record the risk in the risk register and plan a response in the risk management approach — In PRINCE2, the risk register is the central repository for recording all identified risks, and the risk management approach defines how risks will be managed throughout the project. During the Initiating a Project process, the project manager must formally document the supplier delay risk and plan appropriate responses (e.g., mitigation, contingency) within the risk management approach. This ensures the risk is actively managed rather than ignored or deferred, aligning with PRINCE2's principle of continued business justification.
What should I do if I get this PRINCE2F question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During the Initiation Stage, the project manager identifies that the selected team lacks experience with the chosen technology. What should the project manager do?
medium
A.Replace the team members with experienced ones
B.Escalate to the Project Board for decision
C.Update the Project Plan to include training
✓ D.Update the Risk Register and plan a response
Why D: The lack of experience with the chosen technology is a risk to the project, not an immediate issue. During the Initiation Stage, the project manager should formally record this risk in the Risk Register and plan an appropriate response, such as training or mentoring, to manage the uncertainty. This aligns with PRINCE2's principle of managing by stages and the requirement to identify and respond to risks proactively.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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