Decision support concepts: Sensitivity Analysis in management science and spreadsheets is the capability to perform which type of exploratory evaluation?

Introduction / Context:
Sensitivity Analysis is a core feature of decision-support tools (for example, spreadsheets, DSS). It examines how outputs change when inputs vary, helping managers understand risk and key drivers before committing to actions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are identifying the commonly used term describing input variation experiments.
• Context includes budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and capacity planning.
• We seek the standard phrase used in DSS and spreadsheet software.

Concept / Approach:
“What-if analysis” lets users adjust assumptions (costs, volumes, rates) and instantly see new outputs. It contrasts with scenario analysis (bundles of assumptions) and goal-seeking (solve for input that achieves a target output).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define sensitivity analysis: vary one or more inputs and observe output change.Map common label: “what-if analysis.”Confirm that other labels are nonstandard or ambiguous.

Verification / Alternative check:
Spreadsheet help and DSS textbooks universally use “what-if” to describe sensitivity experiments like data tables and parameter sweeps.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• If-so / What-then / And-or: Not standard terms for sensitivity analysis.
• None of the above: Incorrect because “what-if analysis” is precisely correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Changing multiple variables simultaneously without tracking which driver matters most; failing to record baseline assumptions.

Final Answer:
What-if analysis