🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the lack of a systematic framework for identifying critical input variables and conducting sensitivity analysis under uncertainty in complex simulations, particularly in military decision-making contexts. The authors propose a unified sensitivity analysis framework that integrates local and global methods—including variance-based, derivative-based, screening, and uncertainty quantification techniques—and strategically maps these approaches to specific decision objectives such as factor prioritization, fixing, variance reduction, and mapping. Innovatively, the framework introduces a “sensitivity audit” mechanism to enhance traceability of model assumptions and promote responsible model usage. By providing a structured guide for high-dimensional, complex simulation systems, this work significantly improves model interpretability, transparency, and the credibility of decisions derived from such models.
📝 Abstract
Sensitivity analysis is an important component of simulation-based decision support because it helps analysts determine which inputs most strongly influence model outcomes under uncertainty. This paper organizes the broad sensitivity analysis literature into a coherent framework for use in complex simulation settings, with particular attention to military applications. We review major classes of methods, including local and global approaches, variance-based techniques, screening methods, derivative-based methods, and uncertainty quantification tools, and relate them to common analytical objectives such as factor prioritization, factor fixing, variance reduction, and factor mapping. The paper also discusses sensitivity auditing as a complementary perspective that emphasizes transparency, assumption tracking, and responsible use of models in decision-relevant settings.