The question states the project manager is in the process of building the first baseline. This means the project management plan and its components (scope, schedule, cost baselines) are not yet formally approved. In this pre-baseline phase, the plan is considered a draft and is subject to refinement through progressive elaboration. Therefore, the formal change control process is not yet in effect. The project manager's immediate and most appropriate action is to analyze the request to understand its potential impact on the project's objectives, constraints, and overall plan. This analysis is a crucial part of the planning process itself, helping to finalize a realistic and comprehensive baseline.

1. Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition. Newtown Square

PA: Project Management Institute

Inc.

Page 89

Section 4.2.3.1: "Before the project management plan is baselined

changes can be made as needed without following a formal process. Once it is baselined

changes have to be processed through the Perform Integrated Change Control process." This directly supports that a formal process (like CCB approval) is not yet required.

Page 113

Section 4.6: The introduction to "Perform Integrated Change Control" describes it as the process for reviewing change requests after the project management plan has been baselined.

2. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition. Newtown Square

PA: Project Management Institute

Inc.

Page 53

Section 2.5

Planning Performance Domain: This domain is described as an "evolving" activity. A request received during this phase is part of the iterative work to "produce a holistic approach to delivering the project outcomes." Analyzing the request is a fundamental part of this evolving planning effort.

3. Kerzner

H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning

Scheduling

and Controlling (12th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Chapter 11

Planning: This chapter details that the planning phase is iterative. Before baselines are set

project plans are dynamic. The project manager's role is to incorporate stakeholder input and analyze impacts to develop the most viable plan for approval. This aligns with analyzing the request as part of the planning cycle.