John N. Warfield papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

John N. Warfield papers, Collection #C0016, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University.

Summary

Extent:
98 linear feet (99 boxes)
Creator:
John N. Warfield, 1925-2009
Abstract:
The John N. Warfield papers consist of materials from Warfield's long and distinguished career, including papers authored and co-authored by Warfield, presentations, videotapes, audiotapes, and correspondence.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

John N. Warfield papers, Collection #C0016, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University.

Background

Scope and content:

The John N. Warfield papers consist of materials from Warfield's long and distinguished career, including papers authored and co-authored by Warfield, presentations, videotapes, audiotapes, and correspondence.

Series 1 consists of textual materials such as unpublished papers, correspondence, lecture notes, and project reports. These materials were donated between 1999 and 2006.

Series 2 is comprised of audiovisual materials including filmed lectures and workshops.

Series 3 contains transparencies and other teaching materials.

Series 4 consists of materials deposited after January 2007.

List of Acronyms in the John N. Warfield Collection

AAAS - American Association for the Advancement of Science

ACAC - Academic Computing Advisory Committee

ADH - Advanced Decision Handling, Inc.

AI - Artificial Intelligence

AIO - Americans for Indian Opportunity

AIIM - American Institute for Interactive Management

AIO - Americans for Indian Opportunity

AIS - Association for Integrative Studies

APT - Analytical Power Train (Ford Motor Company)

ASC - American Society for Cybernetics

C3P - Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Aided Engineering, Product Information Management

CAD - Computer Aided Design

CAM - Computer Aided Manufacturing

CAE - Computer Aided Engineering

CIM - Center for Interactive Management

CIMI - Cent for Interactive Management India

CIT - Center for Innovative Technology

DSMC - Defense Systems Management College

FMC - Ford Motor Company

IASIS - Institute for Advanced Study in Integrative Sciences

IIT - Institute for Information Technology

IM - Interactive Management

IPAC - International Programs Committee

ISM - Interpretive Structural Modeling

ISSS - International Society for Systems Science

ITESM - Instituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

ITRC - Information Technology Research Council

NCMS - National Centre for Manufacturing Services

NGT - Nominal Group Technique

NMFS - National Marine Fisheries Service

NSF - National Science Foundation

OPMS - One Page Management Systems

ORSA - Operations Research Society of America

PIM - Product Information Management

PIP - Process Improvement Plan

SGSR - Society for General Systems Research

TCS - Tata Consulting Services

TIPP - The Institute of Public Policy

UNI - University of Northern Iowa

The documents in this series consist of a number of published and unpublished papers spanning Warfield's entire career. There are also correspondence, lecture notes, and project reports. Materials were donated before 2006.

Biographical / historical:

John N. Warfield was educated in mathematics and electrical engineering. He worked in eight universities and in three industries. Early on, he concentrated on teaching but later focused his energies on research. His publications include books on computers and complexity reflecting his development of systems science, incorporating a system for managing complexity. Understanding complexity, Warfield discovered, depended on a theory of thought about thought merged with empirical evidence of human behavioral pathologies and the application of design concepts in groups. Warfield's scientific research emphasized adherence to established criteria for scientific work, drawing inspiration from numerous well-known scholars, most especially Charles S. Peirce. Other scholars adopted his theories and methodologies, applying his research results in many locations and on many projects, invariably involving complexity. Their work provided ample and significant empirical evidence to support hypotheses and theories developed through his scientific endeavors, verifying the theoretical foundations of his scientific investigation. He also applied the results of his research to all levels of education with special attention paid to the shortcomings of higher education and requirements for adapting it to modern necessities.

Acquisition information:
Donated in 1999 and subsequent donations.
Processing information:

Processed by David Houpt in 2008-2009.

Arrangement:

Organized into four series:

  • Series 1: Textual Material, 1943-2001 (Boxes 1-51)
  • Series 2: Audiovisual Materials, 1978-2000 (Boxes 51-71)
  • Series 3: Transparencies and Other Teaching Materials, 1979-2005 (Boxes 72-88)
  • Series 4: Additional Materials Deposited After 1/2007, 1931-2009 (Boxes 89-99)