What does a network diagram provide that differentiates it from a Gantt chart?

A network diagram is primarily designed to illustrate the relationships and dependencies between tasks in a project. It visually represents how tasks are interconnected and the sequencing required for project completion. This level of detail regarding task dependencies is essential for understanding the critical path and identifying tasks that can be executed simultaneously or those that must be completed before others can start.

In contrast, a Gantt chart emphasizes the timeline of a project, displaying tasks along a linear timeline. While it can indicate when tasks begin and how long they extend over time, it does not provide the same depth of insight into how tasks are interrelated or the specific dependencies among them. The clarity of task dependencies in a network diagram aids in project planning and management, especially for identifying potential bottlenecks or scheduling conflicts.

Other options like resource allocation and financial projections are not the primary focus of a network diagram. A network diagram does not inherently show a timeline or resource management like a Gantt chart would, reinforcing that its key differentiator is the detailed depiction of task dependencies.