Step 1: Understand the purpose of a Gantt chart.
A Gantt chart is a visual aid used in project management. Its primary goal is to represent the timeline and progression of tasks within a project.
Step 2: Analyze the components of a typical Gantt chart.
A Gantt chart typically has:
A vertical axis listing the individual tasks or activities of the project.
A horizontal axis representing the time scale (days, weeks, months).
Horizontal bars for each task, extending along the time axis to indicate the start date, duration, and end date of that task.
Milestones or dependencies between tasks might also be represented.
Step 3: Evaluate the given options based on the function of a Gantt chart.
(1) Financial performance: Gantt charts do not directly display financial data like revenue, expenses, or profits. Financial performance is tracked and presented using financial statements and reports.
(2) Project schedule: The core function of a Gantt chart is to visually represent the timeline of project tasks, their durations, start and end dates, and dependencies, which collectively form the project schedule.
(3) Market share analysis: Market share, the proportion of a market controlled by a particular entity, is typically visualized using charts like pie charts or bar graphs comparing different entities' shares. Gantt charts are not designed for this purpose.
(4) Employee productivity: While a project schedule might involve tasks assigned to employees, a Gantt chart primarily focuses on the timing and duration of those tasks, not directly on measuring or displaying individual employee productivity metrics.
Step 4: Conclude the primary display of a Gantt chart.
Based on its structure and purpose, a Gantt chart primarily displays the project schedule.