Contains part of the theory needed for writing ISM software, giving techniques for correcting structural defects (e.g. non-regular hierarchical structures) when using Interpretive Structural Modeling. The paper was included as part of Warfield's GRAILS proposal (ADA Syntax Study and Recommendations: A Proposal to the Software Productivity Consortium, Part 1, and A Graphically-Integrated Language System: A Proposal to the Software Consortium, Part 2), as an appendix.

This article is a review of the intellectual history presaging development of a management system using structural graphics to display group generated results in Interactive Management (IM) Workshops. Tony Perino and John Warfield co-authored this article, which is a greatly altered version of Warfield's first paper by the same title written 1996.

This is a short, fully annotated list of works by 33 authors whose writings contribute to essential knowledge needed to understand and take advantage of the Warfield program for dealing with complexity. This paper was used as a handout to accompany a talk Warfield gave to the AAAS Fellows meeting (American Association for the Advancement of Science) in Washington, D.C. on 13 May 1997.

Contains part of the theory needed for writing Interpretive Structural Modeling software. The mathematical theory of how to eliminate overlap among concepts using Translatable Graphics, Structural Types, Problem Definitions, Block Representation of Sets, and Mapping Theory, can be helpful in replacing a set of overlapping goals with a set of relatively independent goals when constructing a usable planning or policy decision.

Warfield’s data on individual reactions to group problems has revealed a phenomenon he calls Spreadthink, e.g, there exists a consistent lack of commonality of viewpoint, no matter what the group, no matter what the problem. The disparity in attitudes among individuals is so great as to produce ineffective group decision-making unless further education and understanding takes place between group members. Presented at 16th Annual Meeting, Assn. for Integrative Studies, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 30 September…

This paper addresses the need for a change in how people work with complexity. This change is described as "Framebreaking and Remodeling." The term "Underconceptualization" is used to capture the essence of what is wrong in design, development and operation of large-scale systems. Presented at the Conference on Mutual Uses of Cybernetics & Science, University of Amsterdam, 27-31 March 1989. This conference paper submitted in 1989 is free of typo errors seen in 1991 published…

This paper illustrates how self-interaction and cross-interaction matrices can be used to portray interactions among several sets that can be important in program planning. It is a precursor to the development of interpretive structural modeling, in that the unwieldiness of the matrices, the need for directionality in relations, the need for computer assistance in keeping track of the information, and the need for a more easily read graphical portrayal all became apparent in working with…

Discussion of a model exchange strategy in the domain of complexity. The abstract states that the “overall effectiveness must take into account factors that are not well-treated exclusively by matrix models. Some of the other types that (also) have limited but valuable utility include: algebraic models, prose models, various ill-defined graphical models (often understood only by very small practitioner sets) and prose-graphic structural models.” Originally presented 28 September 1999 at the MIT Design Structure Matrix…

Information from Dr. Scott Staley's work at Ford Motor Company is used to describe a real-life application of an Information System Design. The paper is a Ford Motor Company Case Study which shows the design foundation of the C3P system. To view the full copyrighted abstract please use this link.

Discussion of the concept of "due process" in design as a way to identify and monitor responsible management practices, which would lower the rate of catastrophic design failures. Warfield calls for the creation of a basic design science, with standards and practices for large-scale system designers that could become well-defined and legally enforceable over time. Prepared for ASME Conference, Boston, MA, 17-20 August 1987. See "Dual-Basis Design (Transparencies)" for the transparencies developed to accompany talk.…

Collection of materials for a paper Warfield planned to write to discuss the next stage beyond Interactive Management, a stage of management which he had termed Work Program of Complexity. Includes a comparison between Interactive Management and the Work Program of Complexity, an outline of Warfield’s 3 February 2004 Presentation “The Work Program of Complexity,” and a description of 14 tangible and 5 intangible results a corporation could expect from using Warfield’s Work Program of…

Likely part of an intended book manuscript. Discusses Warfield’s economic research and the ways in which Interpretive Structural Modeling could assist international organizations operate more effectively. See also, “Principal Subsystems (Dimensions) and Legacy Organizational Structures.”