To avoid delivering work that does not add value to the business, the project manager should have taken the following actions:

1.Define a Product Scope: Clearly defining the product scope at the beginning of the project ensures that everyone understands the boundaries of what will be delivered. By having a well-defined scope, the project manager can prevent unnecessary features or functionalities from being included.

2.Stakeholder Alignment: The project manager should have engaged with stakeholders (including business departments) to understand their needs and expectations. This alignment helps ensure that the project team focuses on delivering features that truly add value.

3.Scope Management: Throughout the project, the project manager should have actively managed scope changes. When stakeholders requested functionalities beyond the defined scope, the project manager should have evaluated their impact on business value and made informed decisions.

4.Effective Communication: Encouraging open communication between stakeholders, the product owner, and the project team is essential. Regularly reviewing progress, addressing concerns, and adjusting priorities based on business needs would help avoid unnecessary work.