Who Is Responsible for Maintaining the Business Case in PRINCE2?
In PRINCE2, who is responsible for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project?
Quick Answer
The answer is the Senior Responsible Owner, also known as the Executive in PRINCE2. This role is accountable for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project because the Business Case is the central document that justifies the project’s initiation and ongoing viability; only the Executive has the authority to approve changes to it or decide to close the project if it is no longer justified. On the PRINCE2 Foundation exam, this question tests your understanding of the project board’s responsibilities, specifically that the Executive owns the Business Case while the Senior User defines the benefits and the Senior Supplier provides resources. A common trap is confusing the Executive with the Project Manager, who only compiles and updates the Business Case but does not maintain it. Remember the mnemonic: “Executive owns the case, Project Manager keeps the pace.”
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing accountability with responsibility. The Executive (Senior Responsible Owner) is accountable for the Business Case and decides whether to continue the project based on its viability, but the Project Manager is responsible for the actual maintenance and updates throughout the project.
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
✓
Project Manager
In PRINCE2, the Project Manager is responsible for maintaining the Business Case on a day-to-day basis. This includes monitoring actual benefits against the expected benefits, updating the Business Case with any changes, and reporting to the Project Board. The Executive is accountable for the Business Case and makes decisions based on its viability, but the Project Manager handles the maintenance activities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Senior Responsible Owner (Executive)
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The Executive is accountable for the Business Case, not responsible for its maintenance. They approve changes and decide on continuation, but the Project Manager does the maintenance.
- ✓
Project Manager
Why this is correct
The Project Manager is responsible for maintaining the Business Case because PRINCE2 mandates that the Project Manager continuously updates the Business Case to reflect approved changes, risks, and progress, satisfying the constraint that the Business Case must remain viable throughout the project’s lifecycle. This duty is distinct from the Senior User, who provides the benefits, and the Executive, who owns the Business Case.
- ✗
Senior Supplier
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The Senior Supplier provides supplier resources and expertise but has no direct responsibility for maintaining the Business Case.
- ✗
Project Assurance
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Project Assurance provides independent oversight and checks that the project is being run correctly but does not maintain the Business Case.
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Same concept, more angles
5 more ways this is tested on PRINCE2F
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. In PRINCE2, which role is responsible for ensuring that the business case is maintained and that the project remains viable?
easy- ✓ A.Senior Responsible Owner (Executive)
- B.Senior Supplier
- C.Senior User
- D.Project Manager
Why A: The Senior Responsible Owner (Executive) is the single person accountable for the business case and for ensuring that the project remains viable throughout its lifecycle. They own the business justification and have the authority to stop the project if it no longer meets the organization's objectives or if the costs outweigh the benefits.
Variation 2. Which role is responsible for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project?
easy- A.Senior User
- B.Project Manager
- ✓ C.Senior Responsible Owner (Executive)
- D.Project Support
Why C: In PRINCE2, the Senior Responsible Owner (Executive) is the role ultimately accountable for the Business Case and its maintenance throughout the project. This includes ensuring the Business Case remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives, and that any necessary updates are made as the project progresses. The Executive owns the Business Case from the initial idea through to project closure.
Variation 3. Which role is responsible for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project?
easy- A.Project Manager
- B.Senior User
- ✓ C.Executive (Senior Responsible Owner)
- D.Project Assurance
Why C: The Executive (Senior Responsible Owner) is accountable for the Business Case and its maintenance throughout the project. The Project Manager develops and maintains the Business Case on behalf of the Executive, but accountability rests with the Executive.
Variation 4. Which role is responsible for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project?
easy- ✓ A.Senior Responsible Owner (Executive)
- B.Project Assurance
- C.Project Manager
- D.Senior User
Why A: The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO/Executive) owns the Business Case and is accountable for ensuring it remains viable. The Project Manager maintains the Business Case on behalf of the Executive.
Variation 5. Which role is responsible for maintaining the Business Case throughout the project?
easy- A.Senior Supplier
- B.Project Manager
- C.Senior User
- ✓ D.Executive (Senior Responsible Owner)
Why D: The Executive (Senior Responsible Owner) is accountable for the Business Case and ensuring it remains viable. The Project Manager maintains it on a day-to-day basis, but the Executive holds ultimate responsibility.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PRINCE2F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PRINCE2F exam.