Optimal two-level regular fractional factorial block and split-plot designs

Abstract

We propose a general and unified approach to the selection of regular fractional factorial designs, which can be applied to experiments that are unblocked, blocked or have a split-plot structure. Our criterion is derived as a good surrogate for the model-robustness criterion of information capacity. In the case of random block effects, it takes the ratio of intra- and interblock variances into account. In most of the cases we have examined, there exist designs that are optimal for all values of that ratio. Examples of optimal designs that depend on the ratio are provided. We also demonstrate that our criterion can further discriminate designs that cannot be distinguished by the existing minimum-aberration criteria.