A project manager has joined a company in an unfamiliar industry and has been given a strategically important project. Being new, and not fully understanding the interdependencies of the various departmental work items, the project manager is unsure of how to plan the project.How should the project manager proceed?

While a senior developer may offer useful technical insights, they may not possess a comprehensive understanding of project management principles or the broader strategic context. Their focus is likely to be more on specific technical aspects rather than the project’s overall planning and interdepartmental coordination.

Engaging the product owner for prioritization can be beneficial, but it may not address the immediate need for understanding the interdependencies across departments. The project manager still requires a foundational understanding of the project management framework and how to align various departmental efforts.

Consulting the project sponsor can provide high-level insights and support for the project. However, the sponsor may not have the detailed operational experience necessary to assist with day-to-day planning and integration of departmental tasks. Their focus is typically on funding and strategic alignment rather than the intricacies of project execution.