PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
What is the primary difference between Starting Up a Project (SU) and Initiating a Project (IP)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the outputs of SU and IP, specifically that SU produces the Project Brief (not the Project Plan) and that both processes are mandatory, not optional.
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
✓
SU is performed before the Project Board authorizes initiation; IP is performed after
The primary difference is that Starting Up a Project (SU) is a pre-project process performed before the Project Board authorizes initiation, while Initiating a Project (IP) is the first process after the Project Board gives authorization. SU ensures the project is viable and creates the Project Brief, whereas IP develops the detailed Project Plan and Business Case for the Project Board's approval.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SU produces the Project Plan; IP produces the Stage Plan
Why it's wrong here
SU produces the Project Brief, not the Project Plan; the Project Plan is created during IP. It tempts because planning artefacts do belong to these processes, but the split is Brief versus Plan, and Stage Plans are produced per stage by the Project Manager.
- ✓
SU is performed before the Project Board authorizes initiation; IP is performed after
Why this is correct
Starting Up a Project assembles the outline Business Case and Project Brief so the Project Board can decide whether to authorise initiation. Initiating a Project then follows that authorisation, producing the Project Initiation Documentation; the sequence hinges on when Board authorisation occurs.
- ✗
SU is optional; IP is mandatory
Why it's wrong here
Both SU and IP are mandatory processes in every PRINCE2 project; neither is optional. It tempts because SU is brief and pre-project, appearing discretionary, but it must always run to produce the Project Brief and Project Initiation Documentation approval.
- ✗
SU appoints the Project Manager; IP appoints the Executive
Why it's wrong here
The Executive is appointed during SU, along with the Project Manager and Project Board; IP appoints no roles. It tempts because IP does establish the project's governance baseline, but appointments occur earlier, so the sequence is reversed.
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