milepæl

Milepæl is a term used to describe a significant point in a project timeline, marking the completion of a phase, deliverable, or event that provides a basis for assessment and decision making. It functions as a reference point for progress and reporting.

Etymology: the Norwegian word derives from mile and pæl, meaning a marker or post along a road. Historically literal mileposts, the term has become a metaphor for key points in a plan or process.

Purpose: Milestones help coordinate work, communicate status to stakeholders, validate scope, and manage risk by signaling that certain criteria have been met before moving forward.

Types: schedule milestones (dates fixed in advance), deliverable milestones (based on the completion of a specific output), decision milestones (go/no-go points), external milestones (depend on third parties), and internal milestones (internal checks and approvals). In project management contexts, milestones are often visualized in Gantt charts and tracked against the critical path.

Setting and tracking: When creating milestones, teams define explicit acceptance criteria, align with project goals, and assign owners. Delays are tracked as milestone slippage and can trigger re-planning. Regular review helps ensure alignment with scope and budget.

In addition to project work, the concept appears in personal and organizational planning to indicate major achievements, such as product launches, certifications, or funding rounds. See also related terms.