A service owner is initiating the release planning and coordination process for a complex project.

The release planning and coordination process begins with defining the approach for the release. TheITIL® 4 Practitioner: Release Managementdocument states:"The first step in release planning and coordination is to select an appropriate release model that fits the types of changes to be included in the release. This ensures that the release approach aligns with the nature and complexity of the changes"(Section 3.2.1).

Option A (Test the service components) is part of the release execution or testing phase, not the first step in planning.

Option B (Ensure that the release procedures are appropriate) is a subsequent step after selecting the model, to confirm procedural alignment.

Option C (Select a release model) is the first activity, as it sets the foundation for how the release will be structured and managed, especially for a complex project.

Option D (Check that an automated notification has been sent) occurs later, during the communication phase of the release process.

The correct answer is C, as selecting the release model is the initial step in release planning.