Sequential methodologies for comparing exponential mean survival times

Abstract

Sequential methodologies are derived for comparing arbitrary number of exponential mean survival times when the loss function is squared error plus the cost of sampling. From the theoretical point of view, we have given derivations of the asymptotic second-order expansi6n of the. risk function and bias associated with the proposed sequential estimator. We have noted, via computer simulations, that these expansions lead to useful guidelines even for small as well as moderate sample sizes.