Purposes of the Directing a Project Process
Which TWO of the following are purposes of the Directing a Project process?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the purposes of the Directing a Project process include authorizing the initiation of the project and authorizing stage plans. This is because the Directing a Project process is the mechanism by which the Project Board exercises overall control and makes key strategic decisions, such as giving the go-ahead for the project to begin and approving each subsequent stage. On the PRINCE2 Foundation exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish Board-level responsibilities from those of the Project Manager; a common trap is confusing the Board’s authorization of stage plans with the Project Manager’s creation of them in the Managing a Stage Boundary process. To remember this, think of the Project Board as the “authorizers” who say “yes” or “no” at critical decision points, while the Project Manager handles the detailed planning and execution. A useful mnemonic is “Board authorizes, Manager organizes.”
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
✓
To authorize the stage plans
The Directing a Project process is for the Project Board to make key decisions and provide overall control. One purpose is to authorize initiation (option C), allowing the project to proceed from initiation to delivery. Another purpose is to authorize stage plans (option A), approving the work to be done in each management stage. Option B (manage day-to-day activities) is the Project Manager's role in Managing a Stage Boundary. Option D (create Exception Plan) is done by the Project Manager, not the Board. Option E (accept work packages) is part of Managing Product Delivery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To authorize the stage plans
Why this is correct
Correct. Authorizing stage plans is a key decision of the Project Board during the Directing a Project process.
- ✗
To manage the day-to-day activities of the project
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Managing day-to-day activities is the responsibility of the Project Manager, not the Directing a Project process.
- ✓
To authorize the initiation of the project
Why this is correct
Correct. Authorizing the initiation of the project is one of the primary purposes of the Directing a Project process.
- ✗
To create the Exception Plan
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Creating an Exception Plan is performed by the Project Manager, not the Project Board in Directing a Project.
- ✗
To accept work packages from the Project Manager
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Accepting work packages is part of the Managing Product Delivery process, not Directing a Project.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. What is the purpose of the Directing a Project process?
easy- A.To produce the Project Plan
- B.To manage the day-to-day activities of the project
- C.To ensure that project products are delivered on time
- ✓ D.To enable the Project Board to make key decisions and exercise overall control
Why D: The Directing a Project process is designed to enable the Project Board to make key decisions and exercise overall control over the project, from initiation through closure. It provides a framework for the Board to authorize project initiation, approve stage plans, monitor progress via highlight reports, and authorize closure, ensuring strategic alignment and governance.
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.