80
2 Analytical Properties
Precision and selectivity also bear contradictory relationships. Increasing the
latter by use of a separation technique (e.g. interference removal) complicates
the analytical process and decreases precision, similarly to the precision-sensitivity pair. Using a chemometric technique (e.g. signal subtraction, background
noise flltering) to minimize interferences increases the uncertainty (and decreases the precision) of the results. This is also the case with multideterminations based on mathematical algorithms.
Box 2.14
Here are some examples of contradictory relationships among analytical properties based on
the scheme and nomenclature used in Fig.2.18.
enhanced
Example
property or properties
Cost-effectiveness
The first step usually taken to cut laboratory expenses is
to reduce personnel costs. This results in a heavier workload for the personnel remaining and in slower delivery of
results (Fig. 2.18, A)
Expeditiousness
Increasing throughput entails raising costs (by investing
in new equipment or infrastructure) and/or compelling
personnel to work harder (Fig. 2. 18, C)
Personnel-related factors
If political or union trade pressure increases personnel benefits, then costs rise and throughput falls
(Fig. 2.18, E)
Cost-effectiveness and
If costs are to be cut and throughput boosted, the analytiexpeditiousness
cal process must be partly or fully automated. Automation
results in personnel dismissals and in the aSSignment of
greater responsibilities to those remaining, who thus
necessitate retraining (Fig. 2.18,B)
Expeditiousness and
For personnel not to work under stressing conditions
personnel-related factors
and the required throughput to be achieved, the analytical budget must be increased (Fig. 2.18, D).
Relationships among accessory properties
Productivity is bounded by an equilateral triangle whose edges represent a
balance among expeditiousness, cost-effectiveness and personnel-related factors. However, the triangle can be distorted by pulling one or two of its vertices
(see Fig. 2.18), i. e. by expanding one edge, thus sacrificing on two or one of the
accessory analytical properties. If expeditiousness prevails, then the process will
2 Analytical Properties
Precision and selectivity also bear contradictory relationships. Increasing the
latter by use of a separation technique (e.g. interference removal) complicates
the analytical process and decreases precision, similarly to the precision-sensitivity pair. Using a chemometric technique (e.g. signal subtraction, background
noise flltering) to minimize interferences increases the uncertainty (and decreases the precision) of the results. This is also the case with multideterminations based on mathematical algorithms.
Box 2.14
Here are some examples of contradictory relationships among analytical properties based on
the scheme and nomenclature used in Fig.2.18.
enhanced
Example
property or properties
Cost-effectiveness
The first step usually taken to cut laboratory expenses is
to reduce personnel costs. This results in a heavier workload for the personnel remaining and in slower delivery of
results (Fig. 2.18, A)
Expeditiousness
Increasing throughput entails raising costs (by investing
in new equipment or infrastructure) and/or compelling
personnel to work harder (Fig. 2. 18, C)
Personnel-related factors
If political or union trade pressure increases personnel benefits, then costs rise and throughput falls
(Fig. 2.18, E)
Cost-effectiveness and
If costs are to be cut and throughput boosted, the analytiexpeditiousness
cal process must be partly or fully automated. Automation
results in personnel dismissals and in the aSSignment of
greater responsibilities to those remaining, who thus
necessitate retraining (Fig. 2.18,B)
Expeditiousness and
For personnel not to work under stressing conditions
personnel-related factors
and the required throughput to be achieved, the analytical budget must be increased (Fig. 2.18, D).
Relationships among accessory properties
Productivity is bounded by an equilateral triangle whose edges represent a
balance among expeditiousness, cost-effectiveness and personnel-related factors. However, the triangle can be distorted by pulling one or two of its vertices
(see Fig. 2.18), i. e. by expanding one edge, thus sacrificing on two or one of the
accessory analytical properties. If expeditiousness prevails, then the process will