In project management, what does a milestone represent?

In project management, a milestone signifies a significant point along the project timeline that marks the completion of a major phase. Milestones are critical markers that help in tracking progress, aligning team efforts, and ensuring that the project is on schedule. By defining these key moments, project managers can effectively communicate important achievements to stakeholders, helping them understand the trajectory of the project.

These milestones often indicate the completion of critical deliverables or major tasks, which can be used to assess whether the project is progressing as planned. Unlike deadlines for minor tasks, which typically focus on day-to-day activities that contribute to the larger project, milestones are broader and signify substantial achievements that can be celebrated and reported to stakeholders.