PRINCE2® Themes - Foundation Exam Preparation

Some PRINCE2® questions in the exam appear to be puzzling especially with the usage of standard terminologies and you will have to read those two or three times to try to understand what they are saying. The questions also contain specific PRINCE2® wording like: four integrated elements, six aspects of project management, manage by exception, product based planning etc. We could try to make the questions easier but this may not help you in the exam. It is better to ask the questions in the same manner that PRINCE2® uses but then explain the answers so you can recognize the wording the next time you see it. The questions in the exam are multiple choice questions. However we think it is more important to make sure you understand the types of questions and understand what is being asked. After that it will be much easier for you to answer.

Objective with this question format:

• Help you understand what the question is about: In this example, we have shown that six aspects of project performance has the same meaning as six project variables,
• Answer the question by listing the six performance targets and in this case giving you a tip on how to recall this information
• Also providing a reference for where you can get this information in the manual
• Help you to learn more from each question

When you are answering the questions for the first time, please use the classroom slides or the PRINCE2 Foundation Training Manual. Our first objective is to learn about PRINCE2® and then learn how to answer the foundation questions. If you go through these questions the first time with the aid of the slides or the training manual, you will be able to answer most of these questions the next time you go through them.

Business Case Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Be able to recognize the purpose of the Business Case theme (the purpose of the knowledge in the Business Case theme).
• Know how this theme supports the continued business justification principle.
• Be able to recognize the difference between an output (main product), an outcome (think of features) and a benefit (measurable).
• Know the purpose of the Business Case and the Benefits Review Plan.
• Know some of the typical contents of a Business Case (see the Business Case example).
• Understand which Principle is supported by the Business Case Theme.
• The Principle: Continued business justification.
• Explain what is meant by “PRINCE2® is based on a customer supplier environment”.

Organization Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Be able to recall the defined roles within the Organization theme.
• Understand how this theme supports the principle defined roles & responsibilities.
• Understand the purpose of the organization theme.
• Know in which process the Organization theme is applied and responsible roles.
• Know the three project interests.
• Know how the four levels of the project management structure apply to the process model. The four levels are: Corp / Program, Direction, Management and Delivery
• Know the difference between the project stakeholders and project decisions makers.
• Know the purpose of the Communications Management Structure.
• Know which principle is supported by the Organization Theme.

Quality Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Be able to recognize the different roles in a Quality Review Meeting. These are Chair, Reviewer, Administrator and Presenter.
• Be able to recognize the purpose of the Quality Theme. The purpose of the knowledge in the Quality Theme is to define and implement a system that will create and verify that products are fit for use.
• Know the difference between Quality Assurance and Project Assurance. For instance who does Quality Assurance and Project Assurance report?
• Be aware of the objectives of the quality review technique.
• Be aware of the differences between the Customer Quality Expectations and Acceptance Criteria
• Know the purpose of the Project Product Description, Product Description, Quality Register and the Quality Management Strategy (answer why each document is needed).
• Understand which Principle is supported by the Quality Theme. (Focus on products).

Plans Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Know the purpose of the plan’s theme.
• Know the three levels of a plan recommended by PRINCE2®.
• Recognize and understand the four steps in Product Based Planning.
• Understand how the plan relates to the principles.
• Know the purpose of each plan, who creates, who reads, level of detail.
• Know the purpose of the Exception Plan and how it’s used.
• Know some of the typical contents of a plan.
• Know when the plans are created and by whom.
• Understand which principle is supported by the Plans Theme.

Risk Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Be aware of the definition of risk and know the difference between a threat and an opportunity.
• Know the recommended responses to threats and opportunities.
• Know the difference between a risk owner and a risk actionee.
• Be able to recognize the purpose of the risk theme: To provide an approach to “identify, assess and control uncertainty during a project and as a result, improve the ability of the project to succeed”.
• Understand each step in the recommended risk management procedure: Identify Assess (Estimate and Evaluate), Plan responses, and Implement Responses and Communicate.
• Understand the purpose of the risk budget.
• Understand the terms risk probability, risk impact and risk proximity.
• Understand the difference between cause, event and effect when expressing risk.
• Understand the purpose of the Risk Management Strategy and the Risk Register.
• Understand the concept of risk appetite.
• Understand the concept of risk tolerance.

Change Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Know the three types if issues.
• Be able to recognize the purpose of the Change theme.
• Know the purpose of the change budget.
• Know the purpose of the Configuration Management Strategy, Configuration Item Record, Issue Report, Issue Register and Product Status Account.
• Be able to recognize the steps in issue and change control procedure. Capture, Examine, Propose, Decide & Implement (just remember CEPDI).
• Be able to recognize the five activities in Configuration Management. IP Stage: 1) Planning, 2) Identification. During the project: 3) Control, 4) Status 5) Accounting and Verification and Audit

Progress Theme For the Foundation Exam, you should be able to –

• Know the lines of authority between the four levels of management.
• Know the progress reporting between the four levels of management.
• Know the difference between event-driven and time-driven controls.
• Know how tolerances are set and exceptions reported.
• Recognize the purpose of the progress theme.
• Understand the concept of management stages.
• Understand the difference between management stages and technical stages.
• Recognize some factors to consider in identifying management stages (length and how many).
• Understand the purpose of the Management Products (reports, registers, logs).
• Understand which Principle is supported by the Progress Theme.