In project management, what do milestones typically represent?

Milestones in project management represent key points or deadlines throughout the project lifecycle that indicate significant achievements or the completion of critical tasks. They serve as reference points that help track progress and ensure that the project is moving forward as planned. By establishing these milestones, project managers can set specific deliverables and check on progress at various stages, allowing for better management of timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.

These milestones are crucial for planning, as they help define the project schedule and can assist in assessing whether the project is on track. Additionally, they serve as moments for stakeholder reviews, enabling any necessary adjustments or reassessments to be made if the project is not progressing as anticipated.

In contrast, instances of overspending, hurdles, or tasks that require additional resources do not encapsulate the defining nature of milestones, which focus on achievements and deadlines rather than challenges or resource allocation issues.