Better analysis using the models and simulations hierarchy

We review the hierarchy of models and simulations (M&S) that categorize analysis of conflict. We build on this M&S hierarchy to provide a framework to assess the tools, data, people, processes, and partnerships. The framework provides a means to assess the analytic ability of an organization, describes the resolution and scopes of the parts of the system (tools or people, for examples), or can characterize the scope, applicability, and rigor of a particular study. We examine the process of incorporating the results from a model at one level of the hierarchy into a model at another hierarchy level, either more-aggregate or higher-resolution. Firstly, we describe the process of incorporating results from more-aggregate models as inputs in a higher-resolution model, which is often done to set the context. Then, we present information on the process of using the results of higher-resolution models as inputs in more-aggregate models