How does a Gantt chart facilitate project management?

A Gantt chart is a powerful tool in project management as it provides a visual representation of the project timeline. It identifies and sequences the tasks involved in a project, displaying them along a horizontal timeline. Each task is represented by a bar that extends from the start date to the finish date, making it easy to see not only what tasks need to be completed but also when they need to be started and completed.

This sequencing helps project managers and team members understand task dependencies—how delays in one task can affect the start of subsequent tasks. By laying out the project in this way, a Gantt chart allows for better planning, resource allocation, and tracking of progress over time. It ensures that all team members are aware of their responsibilities and deadlines, which is essential for keeping a project on schedule.

The other options address different aspects of project management but do not encapsulate the primary function of a Gantt chart as effectively as identifying and sequencing tasks. For example, while a Gantt chart might indirectly contribute to calculating costs by allowing for better resource and time management, its main function is task visualization and scheduling rather than financial tracking.