What does sensitivity analysis primarily consider?

Sensitivity analysis primarily considers variability in outcome payoffs. It is a financial tool used to assess how different values of an independent variable impact a particular dependent variable under a given set of assumptions. By changing one or more variables and observing the changes in outcomes, decision-makers can identify which variables have the most significant influence on results.

This analysis is crucial for understanding the risks and uncertainties involved in forecasting and decision-making. It helps businesses and analysts evaluate how sensitive their models are to changes in parameters, ultimately guiding them towards more informed decisions. For example, a small change in cost estimates or sales forecasts can lead to significantly different profitability outcomes, making it essential to analyze the effects of such fluctuations.

Other aspects, like changes in alternative strategies or the risk tolerance of decision-makers, may play a role in the broader decision-making process but are not the primary focus of sensitivity analysis itself. Similarly, examining the consistency of input parameters is relevant but secondary to understanding how variability in those inputs impacts the outcomes.