Resolvable designs with two blocks per replicate are studied from an
optimality perspective. Because in practice the number of replicates is
typically less than the number of treatments, arguments can be based on the
dual of the information matrix and consequently given in terms of block
concurrences. Equalizing block concurrences for given block sizes is often, but
not always, the best strategy. Sufficient conditions are established for
various strong optimalities and a detailed study of E-optimality is offered,
including a characterization of the E-optimal class. Optimal designs are found
to correspond to balanced arrays and an affine-like generalization.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/009053606000001253 in the
Annals of Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aos/) by the Institute of
Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org