Which analysis technique is apt for examining how changes in variables affect project outcomes?

What-if analysis is specifically designed to examine how changes in variables can affect project outcomes. This technique allows analysts and decision-makers to simulate different scenarios by altering one or more variables and observing the potential impacts on results. It's particularly beneficial in project planning and management, as it helps in evaluating risks and making informed decisions based on various hypothetical situations.

By modeling different outcomes based on variable changes, stakeholders can understand the sensitivity of their project to specific inputs, which aids in strategic planning and resource allocation. This analytical approach provides critical insights that support forecasting and strategic decision-making.

In contrast, SWOT analysis focuses on identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, but does not specifically analyze variable changes. Performance appraisal evaluates an individual’s job performance rather than project outcomes. Flowcharting is a visual representation of processes and is useful for understanding workflows but does not inherently analyze the effects of variable changes on project outcomes. Thus, what-if analysis stands out as the technique that directly addresses the inquiry regarding the relationships between variable changes and their outcomes.