What do formal planning and control tools facilitate in project management?

Formal planning and control tools are essential in project management as they primarily serve to document and monitor project plans. These tools help project managers to outline project goals, timelines, resources, and tasks clearly, enabling effective tracking of progress against the initial objectives. By documenting plans, these tools ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of what is expected, the steps to be taken, and the deadlines involved, which enhances accountability and communication across the team.

Moreover, monitoring capabilities allow project managers to compare actual performance against the plan, quickly identify any deviations, and adjust plans or resources as necessary to keep the project on track. These tools are fundamental to maintaining oversight and ensuring that project goals are achieved efficiently and within designated timeframes.