Final answer:
A project manager often begins with creating a Gantt chart, which is a visual tool that lays out the project timeline, tasks, and dependencies in a manner that is easy for all stakeholders to understand and follow.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the onset of a project, a project manager is often responsible for creating a comprehensive visual representation that allows all stakeholders to understand the scope and structure of the project. One of the foundational tools that fulfill this requirement is a Gantt chart. This type of chart is helpful because it presents the project timeline, depicts tasks, their durations, and dependencies among them, thus facilitating clients and investors, who may not be conversant with sophisticated project management software, to grasp the project's entirety quickly.
The Gantt chart works by showing the start and finish dates of individual tasks within a project's timeline. Each task is represented as a horizontal bar whose length reflects the duration of the task. This visualization allows for easy tracking of progress and helps in identifying bottlenecks which can then be addressed promptly. A Gantt chart serves as an important communication tool in the project management field, making complex information accessible to various stakeholders.