Critical indices determine when a task falls along a critical path during a simulation. Critical tasks are tasks that fall on the critical path - a sequence of tasks that determines the total time for the project. When you add uncertainty to a project, tasks may or may not be critical depending on the values sampled during the simulation. In the case of linear regression the input data will be fitted to a line. Multiple regression tries to fit multiple data sets to a planar equation that could produce the output data set.
Stepwise regression is a technique for calculating regression values with multiple input values.
It is true that other techniques exist for calculating such regressions, but the stepwise technique has been shown to perform well with large numbers and inputs since it removes all variables that provide an insignificant contribution from the project. Monte Carlo or Hypercube sampling, Correlation Matrix, Convergence Monitoring, Summary Graphs, Histogram functions, Area, and Cumulative Graphs. It can also generate Multiple Summary and Overlay Graphs and Full Statistics Reports. It is also provided with a 270 page manual. Palisade also have an upgrade policy, and quotes available for network, volume, and academic pricing.