RTS, a computer program for the experimental set-up and interpretation of ruggedness tests

A computer program is described for the experimental set-up and interpretat ion of ruggedness tests. The implemented strategy was based on a number of case studies and contains both recommended designs and minimal designs. The minimal designs reduce the number of experiments, but they cannot be stati stically interpreted based on the interaction or dummy factor effects. The use of randomization tests as an alternative statistical interpretation met hod for the significance of the effects was examined. Some of the minimal d esigns are expandable to designs with characteristics similar to those of t he recommended designs. The program is designed to facilitate the selection of the designs and the interpretation of the results and to prevent or det ect problems such as drifting of responses. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.