FULL NAMES: DR. EKEKE, JOHN NDUBUEZE

DESIGNATION(S): Lecturer in Hospitality Management and Tourism

BRIEF PROFILE:

CONTACT DETAILS:

MOBILE:                  +234-7036252485

E-MAIL:                   jen_diagold@yahhoo.com,  john.ekeke@uniport.edu.ng

OFFICE BLOCK/ADDRESS: Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Hospitality Management and Tourism, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria

CONSULTING/VISITING TIME: BY APPOINTMENT

INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED WITH DATES

• University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus           2012-Date
• Imo State University, Owerri 2012-2015
• Abia State University, Uturu           2005-2007
• Abia State University, Uturu           1996-2001
• Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri           1987-1990
• Ndiakata Secondary School, Ndiakata                     1981-1986

QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED WITH DATES

• D Marketing
• Sc Hospitality and Tourism Mgt                                  (AR)
• Sc Marketing                                       2007
• Sc Marketing                                       2001
• SSCE                                       1986/93

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

ASM (Associate Member, Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria)

Member International Academy of African Business and Development (IAABD)

WORKING EXPERIENCE 

John Holt Plc, PHC, Rivers State, Costing Officer          1991-1994

John Holt Plc, Jos, Plateau, Sales Representative          1994-1996

John Holt Plc, PHC, Rivers State, Senior Account

Supervisor                                                                      2005-2006

Chukies Food Ltd, Marketing Officer                             March 08 to June 08

St. Paul’s University College Awka                                 Oct. 08-2012

WORK SCHEDULE

• Research
• Delivering of Lectures
• Administration and Invigilating of Examinations

PUBLICATIONS

Books

Kalu, S.E; Ekeke, J.N; Ogbuji, C.N & Obinna, I.P(2011) Retail & Wholesale Management in Nigeria.  Nimo: Rex Charles & Patrick Ltd

Journal  Publications

• Ekeke, J.N & Olise, M.C (2012) Globalization of  Markets  and  transforming Nigeria through  achievement  of  Vision 20-2020. ESUT Journal of Management Sciences.  7 (1) 156-178 (Nigeria),

• Melford, I.U & Ekeke, J.N(2012) Internet Marketing and the Nigerian Consumer: Prospects and Challenges. The University Advanced Research Journal 2012; 2 (July-Sept)   108-126 (Nigeria)

• Ekeke, J.N & Olise, M.C(2014) Leveraging on Destination Marketing to tap the Tourism potentials of Nigeria. The University Advanced Research Journal 2013; 2 (April-June)   76-87 (Nigeria)

• Ekeke, J.N., Mogoluwa, S.C & Kpunne, H.N ,(2014) Modelling the Components of the Service Brand. Journal of Business and Economics (JBE 20140137-2) ISSN 2155-7950 (USA) ).

• Ekeke, J.N, Uduji, J.I & Nnennanya, D(2015) An Empirical Investigation of brand credibility of selected service firms in Nigeria. Journal of Business and Value Creation (JBVC)  4 (1) (Nigeria).

• Ekeke, J.N., Eketu, C.A & Olori W.O (2015)Enhancing Qualitative Education through the conceptualisation and delivery of customer value in Nigeria. Advanced Journal of Higher Education Studies and Development(AJHESD) . 1 (April). (Nigeria)

• Olise, M.C, Okoli, M.I & Ekeke, J.N (2015) Factors Influencing Customers’ Patronage of Fast Food Restuarants. A Study of Selected customers of fast food in Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management. 111(11) 686-701. (United Kingdom)
• Ekeke, J.N., Olise, M.C. and Nneanya, Doris (2016) Leveraging Nigerian strengths for global competitiveness on creating and marketing of global brands through business clusters. Quarterly Journal of Contemporary Research. 3(1) 110-121 (Nigeria)
• Ekeke, J.N. and Olori, W.O (2015) Strategic planning and modelling of tourism planning in Nigeria.  Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies. 5(1&2) 37-49.

• Ekeke, J.N., Nwaiwu, J.N and Otobo-Sonari, V (2017): Entrepreneurial orientation and SME capacity building in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Sustainable Human Development Review. 9(1) 19-33.

• Ekeke, J.N., Olori, W.O. (2017): Environmental constraints and value creation in higher education  in Nigeria: The role of strategic planning. Sustainable Human Development Review. 9(1) 19-33.

• Otobo-Sonari, V Ekeke, J.N., Enesha, C.O (2017): Service quality as determinant of brand loyalty in the transportation sector of Nigeria. Journal of Journal of Business and value creation. 5(2) 79-89.
• Ekeke, J.N. and Otobo-Sonari, V.A. (2017):  Customer perceived value and modelling the components of the service brand: A Conceptual framework. Journal of Accounting and Business. 4(2) 14-34.
• Ekeke, J.N. and Otobo-Sonari, V.A. (2017):  Cultural tourism and entrepreneurial development in South-South zone of Nigeria. Journal of of Management and Social Sciences. 6(1) 45-58.
• Ekeke, J.N. and Sonari-Otobo, V.A. (2017): Entrepreneurial Capacity Building(ECB) and sustainable development in Nigeria: A Public-Private Partnership perspective. Journal of of Management and Social Sciences. 6(1) 128-137.
• Ekeke, J.N., Nwaiwu, J.N and Otobo-Sonari, V (2017): Improving occupational capacity for enhancement of socio-economic well being in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Journal Applied Sciences and Development . 8(1) 5-18.

Conferences Attended

• Ekeke, J.N & Olise, M.C:  Globalization Of Markets  And  The Achievement  Of Vision 20-2020 In  Nigeria- The Role Of Public Private Partnership Paper presented  at  UNIZIK, FMS 2011 International Conference, AWKA (November-December  2011)

• Ekeke, J.N & Onyike, I Role of strategic Marketing Communications in Policy Formulation  Paper presented at First International CONFERENCE on Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals,  Port Harcourt  ( August 2012).
• Ekeke, J.N & Olise, M.C: Leveraging Nigerian strength for Global Competitiveness on creating and Marketing global brands through Business Clusters. Paper presented at   UNIZIK FMS 2012 International Conference  AWKA (November-December  2012).
• Ekeke, J.N & Olise, M.C Leveraging on Destination Marketing to tap the Tourism potentials of Nigeria. Paper presented at International Academy of African Business and Development (IAABD) Conference. Ghana (May 2013)..
• Ekeke, J.N., Olise, M.C., Eketu. C.A and  Olori,. W.O Leveraging on Customer Perceived Value to model the components of the service brand. Paper presented at International Academy of African Business and Development (IAABD) Conference. Barbados  (May 2014).
• Ekeke, J.N., Eketu, C.A and Olori, W.O Enhancing Qualitative Education through the conceptualisation and delivery of Customer Value in Nigeria. Paper presented at Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES UNIPORT) Conference. Port Harcourt. (August 2014).
• Ekeke, J.N Attendance of Educators’ Conference by National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria on the Theme: The future  of Marketing Practice in Changing Technologies and Consumers’ Behaviour. Enugu  (December 2014).
• Ekeke, J.N,  & Nnennanya, D. Destination Marketing and harnessing of Tourism Potentials of Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. Ist International Conference on Deltas and Rivers  in Africa held in the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria October 14-16, 2015

EKEKE, JOHN. N

1. Entrepreneurial Capacity Building (ECB) and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Public Private Partnership(PPP) Perspective.                         

Hezekiah University Journal of Management and Social Science 6(1) 1-137.

            Ekeke, J.N.¹,  Otobo-Sonari, V²                    

Abstract

The paper was designed to examine  the role Public Private  Partnership(PPP). Could play in helping SMEs to enhance entrepreneurial capacity building in order to help  Nigeria  achieve sustainable development. With SMEs  suffering from stunted growth and the manufacturing sector contributing mere 3-4 percent to GDP in Nigeria due to lack of enabling environment, the paper argues that the public sector actors should see entrepreneurs as partners playing complementary roles in the developmental process of the country. This problem makes an alternative arrangement inevitable, hence the need for  the involvement of the private sector in the provision of enabling environment in Nigeria through the PPP framework especially in the area of  strategic financial re-engineering. Stakeholders in the Nigerian economy should therefore embark on strategic orientation with the aim of establishing a result oriented Public Private Partnership. The platform should be saddled with the responsibility to create an enabling business environment capable of stimulating an enterprise culture that can sustain   entrepreneurial capacity building of entrepreneurs.

2. Cultural Tourism and Entrepreneurship Development in South-South Zone of Nigeria

Hezekiah University Journal of Management and Social Science 6(1) 45-58.

          Ekeke, J.N.¹ and Otobo-Sonari, V²  

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 Abstract

The study examined the relationship between cultural eent and entrepreneurship development in South-South Zone of Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, an exploratory   research design was adopted.  Data collection was done from a population of  25,048,139 from which  a sample of 400 residents of the South-South zone of the country were  studied via purposeful sampling technique. A 22 items questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection while the Spearman  order correlation analysis was the major statistical tool for testing the hypotheses.  The findings of the study showed  significant and strong empirical support for the role of  destination  marketing in the quest to harness the tourism potentials in the South-South zone of Nigeria. while  Cultural events (destination  product) proved to be an important antecedent to tourist inflows, emergence of business opportunities in the zone. The implication of the study calls on the government to institute   appropriate destination marketing and management platform with a view to achieving excellent professional and commercial practice in tourism destinations in Nigeria. Formation of Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) as an integral part of the tourism development master plan becomes imperative.

Key Words: Cultural events, Vision Destination Management,  Destination.                          

3. Customer Perceived Value and modelling the components of the service brand: A Conceptual Framework

University of Port Harcourt Journal of Accounting and Business4(2)14-34

Ekeke, J.N.¹,  Otobo-Sonari, V²                      

Abstract

The value that the consumer derives from a service brand is   a function of many factors which are  composed into Brand evidence and Brand hearsay. But the absence of customer perceived value in the Service Brand Verdict(SBV) model by Grace & O’Cass (2005) casts doubt  on the usefulness of the model in service marketing strategy development. This conceptual study makes contribution to knowledge by proposing a Service Brand Value and Loyalty (SBVL) model which can be empirically tested is recommended to guide further research involving  service branding dimensions and customer perceived value in service  contexts.

Key Words: Customer Perceived Value, Country of Origin Effects (COE), Service Branding, Competition, Brand Loyalty, SBVL Model.

4. Service Quality as Determinant of Brand Loyalty in the Transportation Sector of Nigeria.

Journal of Business and Value Creation 5(2) 81-92.

Sonari-Otobo, V.A¹ Ekeke, J.N.² &  Enesha, C.O   ³ 

Abstract

The study examined how two service quality dimensions (tangibility and reliability) influenced  brand loyalty in road transportation in Rivers State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, a descriptive research method was adopted. Population of interest was 140 passengers of the two branded transport companies with a sample size of 100. One hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered to respondents. Upon retrieval and data editing, seventy(70) copies were useful for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient was used for analysis with the aid of IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) Version 21. The study finds that tangibility and reliability significantly influences customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. It was recommended that brand managers should constantly appraise the service quality dimensions to ensure their capability to deliver value at all times to the delight of their target customers.

Key Words: Service Brand, Tangibility, Reliability, Customer Loyalty

5. Improving Occupational Capacity for Enhancement of Sustainable Socio-Economic Wellbeing in The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: The Role of Corporate Social Action.

              Journal of Applied Sciences and Development 8(1) 5-18.

         Ekeke, J.N.^*1,  Nwaiwu, J.N. (Ph.D.)² and Otobo-Sonari, V.¹                        

Abstract

Natural resource exploitation by multinational corporations (MNCs) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has led to environmental degradation and abject poverty for the host community, rather than improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the host community. The study situated the sustainable socio-economic development of the Niger Delta region within the context of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of the actors in the oil and gas industry. Findings showed that corporate social actions of the MNCs and the intervention programmes of the three tiers of government in the Niger Delta region are at best a failure when measured against the indices of socio-economic development, hence the protracted agitation for resource control and endless crises in the region. The study recommended a paradigm shift in CSR design, planning and execution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria to a workable and inclusive approach for improvement of occuptionl capacity for small and medium enterprise (SME) development and growth.   

Keywords: Corporate social action, Standard of living, Occupationl capacity improvement, Value and wealth creation, Small and medium enterprises development and growth

6. Strategic Planning and Modelling of Tourism Planning Process for

         Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies

          Ekeke, J.N.^*1,  Olori, W.O (Ph.D.)²

 Abstract

With a mere direct contribution of NGN757.3bn(1.6% of GDP) to national Gross domestic Product (GDP) in 2013 in Nigeria, (WTTC 2014), the travel and tourism sector has maintained an abysmal performance when compared with some African countries like Kenya. The objective of the paper is to leverage the development of the tourism potentials in Nigeria on a strategic planning framework which integrates the collaborative effort of stakeholders in the tourism supply chain with a view to achieving destination competitive advantage for Nigeria. Based on collaboration theory, this conceptual paper proposes a strategic planning framework for the continuous progress of tourism sector in Nigeria. The managerial implication of the study calls for a collaborative effort of stakeholders in the tourism industry towards building a desirable ‘destination product’ for tourists’ attraction and satisfaction in Nigeria, with its attendant consequences of positive socio-economic effects.

Key Words: Tourism, sustainable Development, Stakeholder Theory, Destination Marketing, Strategic planning.

7. Leveraging on Destination Marketing to tap the Tourism potentials of Nigeria.

The University Advanced Research Journal 2013; 2 (April-June)   76-87 Ekeke, J.N &             Olise, M.C

ABSTRACT

This paper examined how destination marketing could help in harnessing the tourism potentials in Nigeria. Analytical research design was employed, wherein secondary data were obtained from credible sources such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization(UNWTO). The major finding of the  paper was that tourism is not making significant contribution to the economic development of Nigeria despite her rich potentials in this regard. The implications of the paper called  for a paradigm shift in tourism marketing  management in Nigeria which requires the development a Public-Private Partnership framework with a view to adopting destination marketing programmes for the Nigerian tourism industry

KEY WORDS. Destination Marketing, PPP, Sustainable Development, Tourism.

8. An Empirical Investigation of brand credibility of selected service firms in Nigeria.

Journal of Business and Value Creation (JBVC) 2015;  4 (1) 193-211.

Ekeke, J.N, Uduji, J.I & Nnennanya, D

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the influence of brand credibility on customers’ repurchase intentions in service brand context. Based on signalling theory, a survey research design was adopted with 14 items questionnaire as the major instrument for data collection while the regression analysis was the major statistical tool for testing the hypotheses. The sampling units were members of a university staff club and customers of a fast food restaurant in a university community. The findings of the work showed  significant and strong empirical support for the role of brand credibility on brand functions (i.e., information efficiency and risk reduction) and in turn on customers’ repurchase intentions. The implication of the study calls for appropriate creation and delivery of brand value with a view to establishing its credibility in the minds of the customers as well as prospective consumers of the service brand.

Key Words: Brand Credibility. Service Brand. Risk Reduction. Information Efficiency. Repurchase Intention

9. Enhancing Qualitative Education through the conceptualisation and delivery of customer value in Nigeria. Acceptance Letter Attached.

Advanced Journal of Higher Education Studies and Development(AJHESD) 2015. 1 (April). 235-242

Ekeke, J.N., Eketu, C.A & Olori, W.O

            Abstract

 The paper attempts to explore the importance of conceptualisation of customer value for revitalising or enhancing qualitative education in Nigeria. Customer value is considered central to achieving customer satisfaction in exchange  relationships. The exploratory study strives to situate qualitative education within the context of proper customer orientation in the education delivery chain. The survey gathered information through observation, indirect interviews and experiences from stakeholders with convenience sampling of respondents. The findings show that developments in Nigerian educational system are largely incongruent with emerging  expectations of stakeholders. The implications of the study calls for a paradigm shift in nurturing Customer Perceived Value(CPV) as antecedent to creating an enhanced and powerful academic service brands in Nigeria.

Keywords: Service Brand. Quality Education. Customer Value. Service Dominant (S-D) Logic. Nigeria.

10. Factors Influencing Customers Patronage of Fast Food Restaurants: A Study of Selected Customers of Fast Food in Anambra State, Nigeria.

International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management. 111(11) 686-701.

Moses C. Olise, Moses I. Okoli*, Ekeke, John. N

ABSTRACT

This study examines factors influencing customers’ patronage of fast food restaurants: A study of selected customers of fast food in Anambra state, Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and the linear regression model. Findings revealed that  service quality, atmospheric quality, perceived value, environment, consumer demographics and modernity are significant factors influencing the behaviour of consumers towards patronising the fast food restaurants. To attract more patronage, the study recommends that fast food restaurants operating in Anambra state, Nigeria should endeavour to improve on their Service Quality, Atmospheric Quality, Perceived Value, Environment, Consumer Demographics and Modernity.

Key words: Fast Food Restaurants, Customers Patronage, Regression Model

11. Entrepreneurial Orientation and SME Capacity Building in Niger Delta Region        of Nigeria

Sustainable Development Review 9 (1), 19-33

Ekeke, J.N., Nwaiwu, J.N Sonari-Otobo, V,A                       

Despite the Local Content Law provisions, entrepreneurial orientation and capacity seem lacking among the people who ought to build indigenous SMEs needed to appropriate the Law for the intended improvement of the socio-economic wellbeing of people of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. This suggests that people of the area are yet to appreiate how the Local Content Law could help in the socio-economic development of the area, and will impair the realisation of the aim of the Law. This study examines how entrepreneurial orientation could help capacity building in indigenous SMEs in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria within the context of the Local Content law provisions. Based on extant literature and indirect observations, the conceptual study found that the indigenous SMEs are not availing themselves of the opportunities created by the Local Content Law when measured against the objectives of the law. The study argues that eentrepreneurial orientation of indigenous SME owners is needed to enable them acquire strapping risk-taking propensity for aggressive, competitive and innovative strategic decision making capabilities. Implications of the study calls for a deliberate effort towards building an enterprising culture amongst Niger Delta indigenous SME owners with a view to enhancing their entrepreneurial activities and by so doing contribute to the sustainable development of the region through the Local Content Law.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial orientatition, Entrepreneurial capacity, Business development support services, SME development

12. Environmental Constraints and Value Creation in Higher Education in Nigeria: The Role of Strategic Planning.

Sustainable Development Review  9 (1) 73-90

Ekeke, J.N.^*1,  Olori, W.O (Ph.D.)²

 Abstract

The relevance of the environment in value creation and appropriate education(AE) is yet to gain the recognition it deserves even in Nigeria’s education industry. The paper examines the role of environmental constraints in limiting value creation in higher education in Nigeria. Guided by extant literature and critical analysis of the educational environment in Nigeria, the study observes that higher propensity of parents’ involvement in examination manipulation and malpractice and course  selection for their children, grade sorting, poor infrastructure, etc are all environmental factors hindering value creation in higher education in Nigeria. The implication is that human capital development in general and in specialized technological areas will continue to experience great difficulties. The paper argues for strategic planning by higher institutions of learning and attitudinal value reorientation by stakeholders as a panacea towards effective and efficient human capital development in Nigeria.

Key Words: Environmental constraints, Value Creation Appropriate education, Human capital development.

13. Service Quality and Customer Perceived Value  in selected Banks in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Journal of Business and Value Creation (JBVC) 2016;  5 (1).

Ekeke, John. N, Moguluwa, Shed. C Ph.D, Adame, Doris

Abstract

The study examined how service quality influenced customer perceived value in retail banking operations in Rivers State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, a descriptive research method was adopted, with data collected from a sample of 100 current customers of six commercial banks operating within the University of Port Harcourt, through a convenience sampling technique.  The survey research design adopted SERVQUAL  with 17 items  as the major instrument for data collection while the multiple  regression analysis was the major statistical tool for testing the hypotheses. The findings indicated that all the dimensions of service quality had a positive and significant influence on customer perceived value and customer satisfaction in retail banking. Customer perceived value was also found to influence customer satisfaction positively and significantly. The implication of the study places a strategic demand on bank managers and policy makers to; first of all determine how and what value to create and deliver to the customer at all times, invest on the service quality dimensions that add value to its target audience. In addition, value creation and delivery in the banking industry should be made an organization-wide process with benchmarks set, monitored and evaluated in a market oriented environment.

14. Key Words: Service Brand, Customer Value, Service Quality, Customer Value Proposition.

Leveraging Nigerian Strengths for Global Competitiveness on creating and Marketing of Global Brands through Business Clusters.

Quarterly Journal of Contemporary Research 3(1) 110-121

Ekeke, J.N, M.C. Olise and Nnennanya, Doris

ABSTRACT

This paper brought into focus, the quest to gain  competitive advantage in the global marketplace by African nations in general and Nigeria in particular.  The truth is that globalization has changed the intensity of competition at the global level thereby creating a gap between rich and poor nations of the world who cannot compete. The objective of the  of the conceptual paper  was  to   determine how the creation of global brands   through business clusters in Nigeria, taking cognizance of Porter’s Diamond Advantage can enhance the achievement of competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The  findings traced Nigeria’s  global competitive disadvantage in the globalised world economy  to a conspiracy of factors such as infrastructural decay, policy inconsistency, lack of adequate funding, power inadequacy, multiple taxation, dislocated tariff regime, massive importation, forces of globalization, etc. The analysis of the findings showed   variously that there is indeed great relationship between business clusters and achievement of competitiveness. The implications of the study notes the  need for a paradigm shift in economic management in Nigeria; the government in Nigeria to note that business clusters have the potential to enhance the competitiveness of nations; policy makers to note that the time to craft a new industrial policy to reflect the realities of global competitiveness is now.