Bayesian and non‐Bayesian inference of Weibull lifetime model based on partially observed competing risks data under unified hybrid censoring scheme

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, a competing risk model is analyzed based on unified hybrid censoring scheme (UHCS). It is assumed that the latent failure times follow Weibull distributions with a common shape and different scale parameters. The maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) and approximate confidence intervals (ACIs) of the distributional parameters are obtained. Sufficient conditions under which the MLEs exist (uniquely) have been studied. Further, the Bayes estimates are obtained with respect to symmetric and asymmetric loss functions. The non‐informative and informative prior distributions are considered for computing the approximate Bayes estimates. Furthermore, the highest posterior density (HPD) credible intervals have been obtained by using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method with the Gibbs sampling technique. The coverage probabilities for each confidence interval are computed. Then, hypothesis testing has been implemented using likelihood ratio statistic. A Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to compare the performance of the proposed estimates. Finally, two real data sets are provided to illustrate the estimates.