Akira Ishikawa is the Dean of Graduate School of International Politics, Economics and Communication in Aoyama Gakuin University. Dr Ishikawa is the author of several English books which include Future Computer and Information Systems 1986 and Global Information Network 1995. He is also the author of many Japanese books which include the Fifth Generation Computer and Corporate Strategy 1988, Why do Meetings Fail? 1995 and World Number One Companies in Japan 1999. Dr Ishikawa has been given several honors including the Book of the Year Award, the Outstanding Scholarly Contribution Award and the Man of the Year Award.

• "The information industry" converting "change" into a "chance"; the birth of "item by item" management and the information system; secrets of 7-Eleven Japan's excellent ability in new product development; the innovative distribution system of 7-Eleven Japan; analyzing the robustness of 7-Eleven Japan according to personality and organization; the fifth integrated information system connecting chain stores utilizing satellite communications; the convenience store industry changing with the times; progress in the unification of the retail and banking sectors.