Proceedings of the 31st International Academic Conference, London

Dear Authors, esteemed Readers,

It is with deep satisfaction that I write this Foreword to the Proceedings of the IISES 31st International Academic Conference held in London, United Kingdom in May 29 - 31, 2017.

The conference particularly encouraged the interaction of research students and developing academics with the more established academic community in an informal setting to present and to discuss new and current work. Their contributions helped to make the conference as outstanding as it has been. 

In addition to the contributed papers, Jack Strauss from the University of Denver, United States delivered the speech "Do High Speed Railways Lead to Urban Economic Growth in China?".

These Proceedings will furnish the scientists of the world with an excellent reference book. I trust also that this will be an impetus to stimulate further study and research in all these areas.

We thank all authors and participants for their contributions.

Robert Holman
Conference Chair