A stochastic ordering of partial sums of independent random variables and of some random processes

Abstract

In this paper we first prove an arrangement-decreasing property of partial sums of independent random variables when they are partially ordered through the likelihood ratio ordering. We then apply a similar argument to obtain a stochastic ordering of random processes via a comparison of their parameter functions, with special applications to Poisson and Wiener processes. Finally, in Section 4 we present some applications in reliability theory, queueing, and first-passage problems.