Hello, Thank you for raising this point. Note that from the PMP perspective, the processes, in general, are perceived and performed in a proper sequence. As such, in referring to the process group of cost management the cost baseline comes as an output of the third process in scope management ; which is "Define scope". It is quite early to finalize the scope baseline during the first process" Plan Cost Management" or "Plan scope management" . In order to obtain the scope baseline, you first need to Collect Requirements (2nd process) and Define the scope (3rd process). Also note that Plan Cost Management and Plan scope management are about how to do your subsequent process group. e.g. plan how you will estimate your cost, what T&T will yo use or methods to be used to determine your budget. No estimated cost or budget are expected, only knowing "how" to be done. In that context, You don't specifically need the scope baseline as an input. A project management plan should be adequate. Moving forward to the estimate cost process, at this point you presumbly have already completed the cost management plan and you will use it as an input here. The cost management plan itself used the project management plan as an input. So technically, it was considered, indirectly.
