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Sensitivity Analysis Simulation

In this hands-on Sensitivity Analysis Simulation, participants evaluate how changes in key inputs impact financial outcomes. They learn to pinpoint high-impact variables, test assumptions, and support better business decisions with data.

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Sensitivity Analysis Simulation Overview


The Sensitivity Analysis Simulation immerses participants in the role of financial analysts or decision-makers tasked with evaluating major business initiatives - such as product launches, capital investments, or market expansions. Their mission: identify critical drivers, run impact tests, and recommend the most resilient path forward.

Participants model scenarios in which individual variables - pricing, volume, cost of capital, or exchange rates - are adjusted to assess how sensitive the business outcome is to each one. Through this process, they learn to isolate high-impact levers, strengthen forecasting accuracy, and build a data-backed case for action.

Designed by financial analysts and corporate strategy experts, this simulation develops key skills in quantitative reasoning, assumption testing, and stakeholder communication. It’s ideal for finance students, analysts, consultants, and professionals in planning or investment roles.
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Sensitivity Analysis Simulation Concepts


Participants apply sensitivity analysis to real-world decisions, gaining fluency in key concepts, including:
  • Driver-Based Modeling: Identifying the most influential input variables

  • Sensitivity Tables: One-variable and two-variable impact tables

  • Tornado Diagrams: Visualizing variable impact hierarchies

  • What-If Analysis: Testing risk exposure across different assumptions

  • Decision Impact: Linking assumptions to KPIs such as ROI, margin, NPV, or earnings

  • Scenario Comparison: Contrasting sensitivity results with scenario-based approaches

  • Communication of Results: Presenting insights clearly to decision-makers

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Gameflow

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What Participants Do


Participants step into the role of business analysts or investment leads. Each round begins with a high-stakes brief - for example, entering a new market, setting a product price, or approving a capital investment. Participants then:
  • Identify 3 - 5 high-impact input variables

  • Adjust each variable independently across defined ranges

  • Track and compare how each change affects key outcomes

  • Use visuals (tables, charts) to summarize variable impact

  • Recommend where to focus attention, mitigate risks, or seek further data

  • Communicate insights in a memo or presentation to senior stakeholders

  • Iterate and refine decisions as new data or constraints emerge

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Learning Objectives


By the end of the simulation, participants will be more confident in:

  • Building and interpreting sensitivity tables and tornado charts

  • Understanding which variables have the biggest impact on financial outcomes

  • Using sensitivity analysis to strengthen forecasts and investment cases

  • Supporting business decisions with data, not guesswork

  • Communicating assumptions and trade-offs clearly and persuasively

  • Distinguishing between sensitivity and scenario analysis (and using both effectively)

  • Responding to stakeholder questions about uncertainty and risk

  • Making data-driven recommendations under pressure

The simulation cultivates confidence in financial modeling, quantitative storytelling, and decision support.

How the Sensitivity Analysis Simulation Works


The simulation can be delivered individually or in teams, and is ideal for classrooms, bootcamps, or corporate training.

1. Receive a Case Brief Participants are given a business decision, model, or investment plan - along with base-case data.

2. Identify Key Input Drivers They determine which variables (e.g., sales volume, cost, interest rates) matter most to the decision.

3. Run Sensitivity Tests Participants use simulation tools (and Excel) to systematically vary one input at a time and observe the financial impact.

4. Interpret Results They summarize which variables had the biggest effect and what thresholds or breakpoints emerge.

5. Make a Recommendation Based on insights, they advise whether to proceed, pause, or gather more information - framing both the upside and risk.

6. Respond to Stakeholders Further rounds introduce board feedback, new constraints, or alternate assumptions to test further.

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Why This Sensitivity Analysis Simulation Works


Sensitivity analysis is one of the most underused tools in business - even though it’s critical for managing risk and planning smartly.

This simulation teaches participants to think like analysts and decision-makers. It goes beyond formulas to help learners build intuition for how businesses respond to change. It also improves their ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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Frequently Asked Questions


  • Is prior Excel or modeling experience required? Not necessarily. The simulation provides guided support and can be tailored for different skill levels.

  • How is this different from scenario analysis? Scenario analysis tests combinations of inputs. Sensitivity analysis tests one variable at a time to isolate its specific impact.

  • Can this be used in corporate finance or valuation courses? Yes. It's particularly useful for investment decision-making, capital budgeting, and business planning.

  • Are visual outputs included? Yes. Participants work with and interpret sensitivity tables, tornado charts, and break-even points.

  • Is this suitable for teams? Yes. Teams can collaborate on driver selection, analysis, and final presentations - mirroring real-world settings.

  • How long is the simulation? It can run in 3 - 4 hours for a short course or be extended into a full-day workshop with multiple rounds.

  • Can I use real industry examples? Yes. The simulation can be adapted for sectors like energy, consumer goods, tech, or finance.

  • Are stakeholder communication tasks included? Yes. Participants must summarize and defend their analysis to a mock leadership team.

  • How is performance measured? By the logic of the analysis, clarity of interpretation, realism of recommendations, and communication quality.

  • Does it integrate into finance or data analytics tracks? Absolutely. It works seamlessly in courses or trainings focused on analytics, FP&A, or investment analysis.

Assessment


Assessment is based on:
  • Accuracy and clarity of sensitivity tables and charts

  • Appropriateness of variable selection

  • Strength and realism of recommendations

  • Clarity in summarizing results for decision-makers

  • Responsiveness to new data or feedback

  • Written and/or verbal communication (e.g., investment memos, board briefings)

Professors and corporate trainers can customize the format to include peer review, individual performance metrics, and reflection exercises.

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Enquire

Webinar 24 Nov 2025 00:00

Join this 20-minute webinar, followed by a Q&A session, to immerse yourself in the simulation.

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Private Demo

Book a 15-minute Zoom demo with one of our experts to explore how the simulation can benefit you.