title: Software systems to control sensitivity studies of Monte Carlo simulation models.
abstract: Studies of the sensitivity of Monte Carlo models to changes in the values of their features involve repetitive simulations. Subsequent displays and analyses express variation in simulated outcomes as a function of change in location in multidimensional feature space and provide feedback via inputs for future simulations. A software system has been designed to control execution of the interacting programs required, reducing the need for human intervention. Assumptions about the goals and operation of the system as a whole are isolated within a program which executes component packages using interprogram control and communication mechanisms. The latter allow component programs to operate independently of the sources of data or the execution environment: they may be used separately, or in software systems, such as for sensitivity analysis of a Monte Carlo epidemic model. The methodology contributes to modularity at the level of executable programs and to the plausibility and efficiency of sensitivity studies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Computer Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Seaholm
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009874:Operations Research; D012984:Software