According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 8.1.3, page 269, the Kanban board is a visual tool that shows the status of work items and the flow of work through different stages. The Kanban board helps the team to limit the work in progress, identify bottlenecks, and optimize the delivery of value. When a project sponsor requests to prioritize a new backlog item, the project manager should communicate the impact of starting the item with the project sponsor, as this may affect the existing work items, the team capacity, and the project schedule. The project manager should also seek to understand the rationale and urgency of the request, and negotiate a mutually agreeable solution with the project sponsor. The other options are not the best actions for the project manager, as they do not address the need to communicate and collaborate with the project sponsor, who is a key stakeholder and decision maker. Decomposing the item immediately and beginning work may cause disruption and confusion to the team and the project. Discussing the impact of starting the item with the team may be helpful, but it does not involve the project sponsor who made the request. Finishing the small tasks in progress before decomposing the item may delay the delivery of value and the satisfaction of the project sponsor. References:
* PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 8.1.3, page 269
* PMI-PBA Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, 2nd edition, chapter 8, page 179