Some of the outstanding features include the analysis of failure data for both continuous and discrete probability from a finite population perspective, probability models derived from engineering considerations, an introduction to influence diagrams and decision making, and use of the operational bayesian approach. These examples, along with the use of real failure time data, will help the reader apply the techniques to real industrial situations. This book is largely self-contained relative to the background material required. Each chapter contains exercises, notes, references, and notation. Audience Readers should have had at least a first course in probability, some exposure to probability calculus, engineering, and physics.
Academic level is upper undergraduate or first-year graduate.
Spreadsheets are used extensively in the exercises. They are also useful for the graphical analysis of failure data contained in the book. About the Author Richard E. Barlow is a professor in the College of Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley.