What is the primary purpose of a Gantt chart?

The primary purpose of a Gantt chart is to plan, manage, and control programs with a defined beginning and end. A Gantt chart provides a visual representation of a project schedule, allowing team members and stakeholders to see the timeline of various tasks, their start and end dates, and how they overlap or relate to one another. This tool is particularly useful in project management as it helps in tracking progress, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring that the project stays on schedule.

By visualizing the project's timeline, a Gantt chart aids in identifying critical paths and dependencies between tasks, which is essential for successfully managing projects. This clarity promotes greater accountability among team members, as they can understand their responsibilities within the broader project context.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of a Gantt chart. Displaying statistical data is typically the role of charts such as pie charts or bar graphs, showcasing team hierarchies involves organizational charts, and evaluating employee performance is usually achieved through performance appraisals or reviews, not through project management tools like Gantt charts.