PMP · Question #191
A startup company has just appointed a CEO that has no prior project experience. The CEO wants to execute projects with their own resources and has appointed a project manager. What should the project
The correct answer is C. Create a framework to support project success.. For a new CEO with no project experience wanting to execute projects, the project manager should first recommend establishing a project management framework to ensure project success.
Question
A startup company has just appointed a CEO that has no prior project experience. The CEO wants to execute projects with their own resources and has appointed a project manager. What should the project manager recommend that the CEO do first?
Options
- ACreate a framework to justify project execution.
- BUtilize an agile approach for all upcoming projects.
- CCreate a framework to support project success.
- DUtilize a predictive approach for all upcoming projects.
How the community answered
(35 responses)- A3% (1)
- B14% (5)
- C77% (27)
- D6% (2)
Why each option
For a new CEO with no project experience wanting to execute projects, the project manager should first recommend establishing a project management framework to ensure project success.
While justifying projects is important, a framework for *execution and success* encompasses more than just justification; it's about the entire project lifecycle and operations.
Recommending a specific methodology (agile) for *all* projects without understanding the company's needs, project types, and context is premature and potentially inappropriate.
A framework to support project success (e.g., project management processes, governance, roles, and methodologies) is fundamental for any organization, especially a startup with an inexperienced CEO, to execute projects effectively and consistently. This framework provides structure, guidance, and a standardized approach to manage projects from initiation to closure, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes and efficient use of resources. It's a foundational step before deciding on specific methodologies.
Similar to agile, recommending a predictive approach for *all* projects is also premature without a foundational framework and understanding of diverse project requirements.
Concept tested: Project management framework establishment
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Mei-Ling H.May 29, 2026Picked C. The key word in the stem is "first" and the qualifier is "no prior project experience." The CEO needs a foundation before any specific approach is chosen, so you create a framework to support project success. Option A is a trap because "justify" sounds reasonable but the CEO already decided to execute projects, so justification is not the immediate need. Options B and D both force a single approach for all projects, which is wrong since the project manager should tailor the approach later based on each project's specifics. C is the only answer that builds governance without locking into a methodology too
Lena V.Jun 12, 2026Saw this on my exam last month, C is correct because creating a framework to support project success is the foundational step before deciding on any specific methodology. A is a trap since justifying execution comes later, while B and D both jump to prescribing an approach before the organization even has a framework in place.
Imani T.Jun 4, 2026C is the right call here because before you dictate methodology you need a governance framework in place. A CEO with zero project experience picking agile or predictive for everything is a recipe for chaos. The framework gives structure for decision making, roles, and how success gets measured. Curious though, has anyone seen a real startup actually build out a project governance framework before landing their first PM, or is this one of those ideal world PMP answers?
Yusuf A.May 23, 2026Going with D here. My senior PM mentor told me that startups with zero project experience benefit most from a predictive approach because it gives the CEO a clear structure with defined phases, which is exactly what someone with no project background needs before they can flex into agile later.
Lena V.May 24, 2026Actually C is correct here. A startup with zero project experience benefits most from a hybrid approach because it gives them foundational structure while allowing iterative flexibility, which is exactly what the exam is looking for when a scenario involves limited experience plus need for adaptability.