Estimation of the Guarantee Time in a Two-Parameter Exponential Failure Model

Abstract

**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: There are available several classical point estimators of the guarantee time (location parameter) in a two-parameter exponential failure model. For the purpose of making a pairwise comparison of the estimators, a two-fold technique is introduced which essentially examines (a) the "odds" in favor of an estimator being closer to the true value than is a competing estimator and (b) an estimator's average closeness given that it is closer to the true value as well as given that it is not. Closeness to the true value is measured through an absolute error loss function. Joint consideration of these concepts is discussed and shown to form a basis for determining which of two estimators is preferred in a given situation.