A marketing team is planning for a multiyear initiative that will include a lot of cross-functional stakeholders. The project manager has been assigned and is now in the project planning phase. What directly should the project manager develop first?

While creating a product backlog is important for managing deliverables, it should come after the business case and scope have been established. The backlog is a tactical tool that lists features, and without a clear understanding of the overall project goals and scope, the backlog may lack direction and alignment with stakeholders' needs.

A risk management plan is essential for identifying and mitigating potential risks throughout the project. However, developing this plan should occur after the project's objectives and scope are defined, as risks can only be accurately assessed in the context of clear project parameters established in the business case.

The communications management plan is vital for ensuring effective stakeholder engagement. Nevertheless, it should be developed after the business case and scope document, as these documents provide the necessary context and stakeholder information that inform communication strategies.