A satirical attack on fuzzy or faddish thinking. This manuscript originated as an email contribution to the Learning Organization listserve.

The work of George Miller and H. A. Simon is reinterpreted from the perspective of mathematical logic, showing substantive reasons for the conclusion that three is the 'magical number,' especially in system design theory. For the transparencies to accompany this lecture, see "The Magical Number Three--Plus or Minus Zero (transparencies)." Presented at the International Conference of Society for General Systems Research, 1-6 June 1987, Budapest, Hungary.

Paul Bugl, a professor of Mathematics at University of Hartford wrote this informative and positive review of Warfield's book The Mathematics of Structure (Palm Harbor, FL: AJAR, 2002).

A broad summary of Warfield’s “essential conclusions,” which he reached during his research on complexity. Provides definition, description, ways of measuring and suggestions for reducing complexity. Is similar to his seminar talk “The Great University.”

ABSTRACT: A mathematical basis is presented for possible use in evaluating more accurately the various elements which must be considered in group decision-making. The term "dimensionality" is given a new meaning, describing the limits of inter-relationship between the elements. The triangular "quad" figure is introduced as a method of graphic portrayal of hierarchically related element. Presented at IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man & Cybernetics, 14-17 October 1986, Atlanta, Georgia. See also, “Dimensionality.”

Managers, when confronted with large complex problems (problem situations), must be aware that the policy of, or a habit of, or a methodology of ideas and methods which work for simpler problems can become a disaster when applied to problem situations with complex origins, multiple root causes and unquestionably difficult solutions. See also, “Stalking the Killer Assumptions.” Presentation given 1 October 1998 at the Institute of Public Policy (TIPP) Colloquium, George Mason University.

A description of a new kind of flowchart, designed to incorporate not only events and activities but also decision and logic functions. DELTA charts can display a number of different options, as well as "loops" in project plans, at the research and development stage. A slightly modified version of this paper was later published in Battelle Monograph No. 1 “A Unified Systems Engineering Concept.”

Contains parts of the theory needed for writing ISM software. Techniques are introduced which are applicable to machine construction of digraph maps. 

Drawing on the planetarium analogy first used by Harold Lasswell, Warfield promotes his own concept of the "Corporate Observatorium" as a piece of real estate whose building interior can be loosely compared with that of the Louvre, in that it contains a variety of rooms, and facilitates rapid familiarization with their contents by the persons who walk through that property. Further analogy comes from the recognition of the importance of wall displays (with electronic adjuncts), large enough to preclude any necessity to truncate communications and tailored to help eradicate or minimize complexity in understanding, both broadly and in depth, of the nature of the large organization, its problems, its vision, and its ongoing efforts to resolve its difficulties. Comparison with a planetarium for envisaging a broad swatch of the sky is self-evident .See also The Corporate Observatorium (Abstract).

Contains part of the theory needed for writing ISM software. A description of a method for computer-assisted interpretation of graphical structural models, without requiring mathematical sophistication on the part of the working group using the model.