Conditions for universal optimality of block designs

Abstract

Kiefer (1975) introduced the criterion of universal optimality and provided a sufficient condition for a design being universally optimal. The condition requires maximum trace and complete symmetry from the information matrix of a design. In many instances, this condition cannot be achieved. In this paper, Kiefer's condition is generalized and applications are found in the justification of universal optimality over the class of binary block designs.