Gantt Charts are visual project planning tools that display the individual tasks of a project along a timeline. Dependencies, where the start of a task is reliant on the completion of another, can be clearly and visually communicated allowing project managers to plan the staffing and resources required for each task. 

How do Gantt charts support business decision-making?

They support project planning by breaking the whole project into individual, manageable tasks so managers can allocate time and resources effectively. 

Any bottlenecks with the project can be identified in advance and solutions can be discussed and implemented. A bottleneck occurs when limited resources are available to complete the set tasks leading to inefficiencies.  

Progress can be tracked and monitored easily by checking what should be completed and in progress on any given day as they are represented on a timeline. Where targets are unmet, managers can easily identify tasks that are behind schedule.

Gantt charts act as a useful communication tool for all parties involved in the planning and execution of a project. They are easy to read and interpret so managers, workers, suppliers etc can quickly see what they should be doing and how that fits in with the overall project.

Managers can assess the viability of a project compared to other options. Gantt charts can provide clarity on the investment in time and other resources which can help a manager assess the risks and benefits of undertaking a project compared to other options.

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