What are 'project milestones' designed to do?

Project milestones serve as key checkpoints to assess progress throughout the life of a project. They are critical points in time that help to measure and evaluate whether the project is on schedule and meeting its targets. By establishing milestones, project managers can ensure that tasks are progressing as planned and can take corrective actions if any delays or issues arise. Milestones often correspond to significant phases of a project, such as the completion of critical tasks or deliverables, which enables the team to monitor the completion of various project components effectively. This structure facilitates better project management, enhances accountability, and ensures that stakeholder expectations are being met at each stage of the project.