What is an "issue log" in project management?

An issue log is a critical component in project management that serves as a comprehensive record for documenting and tracking issues that arise throughout the project lifecycle, along with their resolutions. By maintaining an issue log, project managers and teams can easily identify, prioritize, and address issues as they occur, ensuring that they do not hinder project progress. The log typically includes details such as the nature of the issue, who is responsible for resolving it, the status of the resolution, and notes regarding any actions taken.

This detailed tracking not only aids in accountability but also provides historical context for future projects, enabling teams to learn from past challenges. The ability to reference an organized and up-to-date issue log fosters effective communication among team members and stakeholders, facilitating timely decision-making and improving overall project performance.

The other options refer to different project management tools or documents. A tool for listing all project tasks would describe a task list or project schedule, which focuses on planning and execution rather than issue tracking. A form for evaluating project risks pertains to risk management, aiming to identify and analyze potential risks, not current issues. A schedule of project milestones outlines significant checkpoints in the project timeline, which does not capture the ongoing management of issues that need to be resolved.