In portfolio management, changes in project priorities or timelines require a structured impact assessment before approval or implementation. The PMO manager's first responsibility is to analyze how delaying a strategic initiative affects the overall benefits delivery plan. This ensures an informed decision that considers potential risks, benefits, and trade-offs.
According to PMI-PMOCP guidelines, assessing impacts early in the change control process supports governance and strategic alignment, ensuring that adjustments optimize portfolio value while maintaining compliance. This assessment provides the portfolio board with necessary data to decide on the proposed change rather than rushing into approvals (option B) or prescriptive advice (option C). Evaluating optimization (option D) is a broader step that follows impact analysis.
Reference:PMI Project Management Office Certified Professional (PMI-PMOCP)Examination Content Outline, PMI 2021.PMI-PMOCP Study Guide, Chapter on Portfolio Lifecycle Management and Change Control.