What does sensitivity analysis best describe?

Sensitivity analysis best describes a method used to evaluate how the different variables in a model can affect outcomes or results. This process is especially useful in financial modeling, forecasting, and risk assessment. By systematically changing one variable at a time while keeping others constant, practitioners can gauge the sensitivity of the outcome to that specific variable. This can reveal which variables have the most significant impact on results, helping stakeholders make informed decisions based on potential changes in those variables.

The other options involve different concepts. Customer relationship management pertains to strategies and technologies for managing interactions with customers, preparing a budget deals with estimating future financial performance, and competitive analysis focuses on assessing competitors' strategies and market positions. These alternatives do not capture the essence of sensitivity analysis, which is specifically focused on understanding the impact of variable changes on a given output.