A calculus for factorial arrangements (Q1188562)

\textit{R. A. Fisher} introduced the notion of factorial designs and factorial experimentation in 1935 in his famous book ``The design of experiments'' [JFM 61.0566.03]. Since then numerous authors have made contributions to the design and analysis of factorial experiments. These lecture notes concentrate on the tensor calculus introduced by \textit{B. Kurkjian} and \textit{M. Zelen} [Bull. Inst. Int. Stat. 39, No. 2, 509--519 (1962; Zbl 0126.15103), Ann. Math. Stat. 33, 600--619 (1962; Zbl 0109.38002); Biometrika 50, 63--73 (1963; Zbl 0114.35202)]. Specifically the authors say in their introduction: ``The calculus, which involves the use of Kronecker products of matrices, is extremely helpful in deriving characterizations, in a compact form, for various important features like balance and orthogonality in a general multifactor setting. In turn, these characterizations lead to useful general construction procedures for designs with desirable properties. Recently, it has been seen that the calculus is helpful even in possibly non-orthogonal situations. Furthermore, as recent results reveal, the calculus enables a unification of the classical construction procedures. The fact that a major part of the work on (complete) factorial designs since the 1970 s has been in or around the calculus further demonstrates its importance''. The eight chapters are: 1. Introduction. 2. A calculus for factorial arrangements. 3. Characterizations for balance with orthogonal factorial structure. 4. Characterizations for orthogonal factorial structure. 5. Constructions I: Factorial experiments in cyclic and generalized cyclic designs. 6. Constructions II. Designs based on Kronecker type products. 7. More on single replicate factorial designs. 8. Further developments. A good survey of developments since the 1970's is presented. Although the book is more-or-less self-contained prior knowledge in experimental design and analysis is required for fruitful reading of the material. The literature list is extensive with over 16o references. I believe that these lecture notes are suitable for a graduate course (as long as supplemental exercises are provided) or a seminar series. These lecture notes also belong on the shelf of anyone engaged in research in the design and analysis of factorial experiments. I do hope that the authors will come out with their work in final book form containing many more examples and exercises as well.