Please see the definition given in core for hurdle rate. Core says that it is IRR.
Also in example 1, they compute IRR over the 2 years for the checking of condition of hurdle rate.
In CFA level 1, we used to compare only profit percentage (5/40 = 12.5% in case of example 1) with hurdle rate. But here they compare IRR with hurdle rate.
please provide some clarity that how to tackle hurdle rate problems in exams .
The authors are different please follow this author for level 2 purpose.