While a project manager is trying to build the first baseline for a project, a...

When a change request is received, it is essential for the project manager to conduct an impact analysis to understand how the proposed change will affect the project’s scope, schedule, cost, and quality. This analysis is a critical step before moving forward with any decisions regarding the change request. It allows the project manager to make an informed decision and to discuss the change with all relevant stakeholders, including the functional manager who submitted the request.

The process for managing change requests is outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which includes the steps of identifying, analyzing, and documenting the change request before presenting it to the Change Control Board (CCB) for approval1. The Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials also emphasize the importance of impact analysis as part of the change management process234.