Last essential steps

Regardless, whether you have a conceptual model with complicated interactions hidden in the mathematical equations of your solution or a numerical model with a gazillion numbers, you will need to transfer your findings into something others can understand.

Model interpretation therefore can be seen as a two-step process:

First, you need to understand your own model results. We covered aspects of this challenge throughout the course like interpreting activity and price variables or discussing the results of the model exercises. By digging into your model results, performing sensitivity analyses, testing the robustness, and figuring out what drives your results, you will get the elements needed for a good result presentation.

Second, you need to transfer this understanding into a consistent storyline linking back to your original problem. You will have to convince others that your model is a credible representation for your research question and that your findings provide added value. The four phases of modeling help you to structure your story.