Title: Experimental design selection: guidelines for practitioners

Authors: Martin Tanco, Nuno Costa, Elisabeth Viles

Addresses: TECNUN, University of Navarra, Paseo Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian, Spain. ' Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Setubal, Campust do IPS, Estefanilha, 2910 Setubal, Portugal. ' TECNUN, University of Navarra, Paseo Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian, Spain

Abstract: Choosing the appropriate experimental design is critical to the application of design of experiments (DoE), as an inappropriate experimental design is sure to compromise experiment results. Although picking the right experimental design may seem an easy task for an expert in DoE, this activity is complicated for novice users. Therefore, we have highlighted key points and presented guidelines to help practitioners select appropriate experimental designs. Three case studies illustrate the application of these key points in the selection of an experimental design.

Keywords: case studies; design of experiments; DoE; experimental matrix; factorial designs; key points; planning experiments; practitioners guidelines; statistical tools; design types; experimental design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2009.023698

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2009 Vol.4 No.3, pp.283 - 302

Published online: 08 Mar 2009 *

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