{"id":9080,"date":"2024-03-18T09:08:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T09:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/?page_id=9080"},"modified":"2024-11-26T03:53:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T03:53:00","slug":"about-the-hod","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/?page_id=9080","title":{"rendered":"About the HoD"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\r\n \t
\r\n <\/span><\/span>\r\n \r\n Dr. Zephania T. Opati – Ag. Dean School of Business <\/span>\r\n <\/span><\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n [vc_single_image image=”9087″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710830671972{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Thaisaiyi Zephania Opati has served as the Acting Dean and Senior Lecturer at the School of Business at Riara University since February 2024, where he has made invaluable contributions to the institution’s growth and development.<\/p>\n

A distinguished academic and professional in the field of marketing, Dr. Opati holds a PhD in Marketing from St. Paul\u2019s University, Kenya, an MBA in Strategic Marketing Management from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Maseno University, Kenya. He also serves as a Trainer of Trainers in Entrepreneurial Design Thinking at the University of Landau-Koblenz in Germany. Further enhancing his qualifications, Dr. Opati has obtained an International Computer Driving License from Maseno University and training in learner-centered pedagogical approaches at Riara University.<\/p>\n

Dr. Opati is an active member of both the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Academy of International Business, having contributed to the latter\u2019s African chapter electoral committee. He also serves as an external examiner for the University of the Witwatersrand and is a member of the Board of New Hope Outreach Ministries in Madaraka, Nairobi Kenya. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors, including receiving the Excellence Award as the top MBA student from the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia. He is also a prestigious Commonwealth Scholar, becoming the ninth Kenyan recipient of this award.<\/p>\n

Dr. Opati joined Riara University in 2015 as a Lecturer in Business Administration and has played a key role in the institution\u2019s growth. He served as Head of Department and Lecturer from May 2017 to February 2024. Alongside his work at Riara University, Dr. Opati has taught as an Adjunct Lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Egerton University, and the Institute of Advanced Technology, affiliated with Maseno University. He also began his career as a College Tutor at Carlile College Church Army in Nairobi.<\/p>\n

Dr. Opati’s professional experience extends beyond academia. He has worked as a Consultant and Business Writer for organizations such as Global Village Publishers, the Marketing Society of Kenya’s Sokoni<\/em> Magazine, and The African Executive. Additionally, he served as Programmes Manager for Marketing and Partnerships at Farm Concern International and worked as a Policy Developer for the United Nations Volunteer Program in Bangladesh. In 2023, Dr. Opati mentored two students who reached the finals of the Uni-Innovators competition, where they placed third and sixth. His mentorship played a pivotal role in securing additional funding and guidance for their projects, including a trip to Germany.<\/p>\n

At Riara University, Dr. Opati plays an active role in several key committees, including serving as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Quality Control Audit Committee, the Admissions Committee, and the Library Advisory Committee. He has also participated in ISO 9001:2015 training to support the university’s quality assurance initiatives. Dr. Opati has been ranked among Kenya\u2019s top researchers by the Kenya Scientist and University Rankings, according to the AD Scientific Index, and was selected as a Blended Learning Champion, playing a key role in Riara University’s transition to online education.<\/p>\n

Dr. Opati has authored two books: The Terrorist in the Boardroom (2014) and Personal Branding \u2013 King Solomon Way (2012), and has edited one book. He has contributed to several significant publications, including chapters in books such as Employing Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms in the Digital Lending Industry and The Why and the Wherefores: A Case for Consumerism in the Marketing of Digital Loans, co-edited with Dr. Martin Kang\u2019ethe Gachukia. His work also appears in journals and renowned publications such as Business Daily, The Marketing Society of Kenya \u201cSokoni\u201d <\/em>Magazine, The Diplomat East Africa<\/em>, The Africa Executive,<\/em> and Kenya Export Promotion Council Magazine<\/em>. His PhD dissertation focused on “Customer Dispositions, Enablers, and Sociocultural Factors Influencing Toothpaste Brand Loyalty among Millennials in Kenyan Private Universities,” and his MBA thesis examined the strategic fit of diversification for Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut\u2019s outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<\/p>\n

An active participant in conferences and workshops, Dr. Opati chaired the ICED24 Conference in June 2024 at UISU, centered on “The Elements of Ecosystems That Support Learning for the Future.” He has also presented papers at notable conferences such as the St. Paul\u2019s University Annual International Research Conference (SPUAIRC) in 2023, where he discussed consumer dispositions and the impact of consumer socialization on brand loyalty. Additionally, Dr. Opati has presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting Conference and JIBS Paper Development Workshop organized by the Academy of International Business (AIB) in Dubai, and the AIB Sub-Saharan Chapter conference at Lagos Business School in Nigeria.<\/p>\n

Through his dedication to teaching, research, and mentorship, Dr. Opati continues to make meaningful contributions to the field of marketing and education.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ title=”Publications And Conferences”][vc_tta_section title=”Publications And Conferences” tab_id=”1718026442558-c477bf4b-773c”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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  • PhD Thesis<\/strong> ; Customer Dispositions, Enablers And Sociocultural Factors Influencing Toothpaste Brand Loyalty Among Millennials In Kenyan Private Universities, A Thesis Submitted To The School Of Business And Leadership Studies In Partial Fulfillment Of The Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy In Business Administration (Marketing) Of St Paul\u2019s University 2023<\/li>\n
  • Journal Article<\/strong> Customer enablers influencing toothpaste brand loyalty among millennial’s in Kenyan private universities. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 11 (1), 72 \u2013 87. Vol 11, No 1 (2024) http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.61426\/sjbcm.v11i1.2839. Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Conference Paper<\/strong> Presentation ; St. Paul\u2019s University Annual International Research Conference (SPUAIRC) 2023 from 25th to 27th October 2023. \u201dCustomer Dispositions Influencing Toothpaste Brand Loyalty among Millennials in Kenyan Private Universities\u201d Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Conference Paper<\/strong> Presentation ; St. Paul\u2019s University Annual International Research Conference (SPUAIRC) 2023 from 25th to 27th October 2023\u201dConsumer Socialization Moderating Effect on Customer Dispositions, Enablers on Toothpaste Brand Loyalty among Millennials in Kenyan Private Universities.\u201d Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Journal Article<\/strong> Consumer Culture Moderating Effect On Customer Dispositions, Enablers On Toothpaste Brand Loyalty Among Millennials In Kenyan Private Universities” In Strategic Journals Of Business & Change Management.Volume 10, Issue 4, 2023 Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Chapter ;<\/strong> Ethical New Product Development; A case of Digital Loans Products in Kenya. In Products for Conscious Consumers: A Marketing Guide to Develop and Sell Ethical Products Kemi Ogunyemi and Vanessa Burgal(Eds). Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Edited Book<\/strong> Impact of Mobile Payment Applications and Transfers on Business (Eds)IGI Global in Conjunction with Dr. Martin Kang’ethe Gachukia(PhD) Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Chapter ;<\/strong> Employing Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms in the Digital Lending Industry: Measuring and Managing Risky Consumer Behaviour (pp 43-70) . In Impact of Mobile Payment Applications and Transfers on Business IGI Global Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Chapter ;<\/strong> The Why and the Wherefores: A Case for Consumerism in the Marketing of Digital Loans (pp120-152). In Opati T. Z and Gachukia, M. W (Eds) Impact of Mobile Payment Applications and Transfers on Business (Eds)IGI Global) . Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Chapter<\/strong> “USA Economic Nationalism and Second Hand Clothes Industry in Sub Saharan Africa,” in International Firms\u2019 Economic Nationalism and Trade Policies in the Globalization Era 2019. Chandan, Harish C(Ed). Available at https:\/\/www.igi-global.com\/chapter\/usa-economic-nationalism-and-the-second-hand-clothes-industry-in-sub-saharan-africa\/221488 Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Chapter<\/strong> ; Characteristic of The African Buyer\u2019s Purchase Behaviour ,co-authored with Uchenna U and Olamide S. In Uchenna U and Kinoti A. M (Eds) Indeginuous Management Practices in Africa , A guide foe Educators and Practitioners. Advanced Series in management Vol 20,9-29. Emerald Publishing Limited .United Kingdom ). Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Conference Work shop<\/strong> ;Academy of Business(AIB )2017 Annual Meeting Conference and JIBs Paper Development workshop in Dubai<\/li>\n
  • Conference Paper<\/strong> Effectiveness of Advertising using Foreign Models at The 2016 Annual Conference Academy of International Business (A.I.B) Sub Saharan Chapter conference on August 17th \u2013 19th 2016. Africa\u2019s Competitiveness in the Global Economy in Lagos Business School Nigeria<\/li>\n
  • Conference Paper<\/strong> Presented a Paper at A.I.B Sub Saharan Chapter conference themed \u201cAfrica Rising\u201d at Riara University, Nairobi \u2013Kenya with Prof. Margaret Oloko, \u201cBranding from the cradle to the grave a reality or a myth?\u201d Jomo Kenyatta University of agriculture Development JKUAT(2014) Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Conference <\/strong>Attended and presented a paper Presented a paper on \u201cStrategic Branding to the adult \u2013becoming (children) with a long term perspective\u201d with Dr. Rahim Fauziah the 2nd international Conference of Marketing and Retailing (INCOMAR II) in Malaysia Peer Reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Published Book<\/strong> “The Terrorist in the Boardroom”(2014) Published by Spartan Think Tank Nairobi (Self- Published)<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Book Publishing<\/strong> “Personal Branding \u2013King Solomon Way” (2012) Published by Spartan Think Tank<\/li>\n
  • Thesis<\/strong> ; MBA Thesis \u201cAssessing the Strategic Fit of Diversification of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut 500 food outlets in Kuala Lumpar Malaysia. (2010)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Articles in The Diplomat East Africa \u2013 Village Publishers” tab_id=”1718026442558-94785d82-2c19″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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    • \u201cResuscitating Uchumi – Japanese Keirestu Way\u201d, The Diplomat East Africa July Edition 2011<\/li>\n
    • Truly Asia is Malaysia Epic Mantra\u201d pg 42, Obama Enforcer .Diplomat East Africa, January February 2010 available at https:\/\/issuu.com\/svengvp\/docs\/diplomat_east_africa_vol_1<\/li>\n
    • Uchumi Supermarket Surprise Turn around The Diplomat East Africa August Edition 2012<\/li>\n
    • When profits Fall, Rethink your Business pg 42-43 . Going for Broke The Diplomat East Africa July Edition 2013 vol 032<\/li>\n
    • Economic costs hosting world cup\u201d The Diplomat East Africa April Edition 2013<\/li>\n
    • Lessons from Malaysian Airways Tragedies The Diplomat East Africa July Edition 2013<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Marketing Society Magazine Sokoni Articles” tab_id=”1718027560361-3987af54-ff5e”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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      • The Magic of Truly Malaysia\u201d MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine, Rescuing a Brand in Crisis June\/July 2014 pg18-19<\/li>\n
      • A Brand in Crisis A marketers Nightmare \u201d MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine, Rescuing a Brand in Crisis June\/July 2014 pg 20- 21<\/li>\n
      • \u201cCan Kenya\u2019s Image recover from Bruising by ICC Trials\u201d MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine, Marketing Goes Pink What Spurs Women’s Supremacy in Marketing November 2011 pg12-13<\/li>\n
      • \u201cWhat Spurs women\u2019s supremacy in marketing,\u201d MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine, Marketing Goes Pink What Spurs Women’s Supremacy in Marketing November 2011 pg14-15<\/li>\n
      • \u201cUsing Corporate to brand a Country ,MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine New KCC Managing Director hits th ground Running June\/July Ed 2011 pg .20-21<\/li>\n
      • \u201cThe Branding System\u201d MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine The MSK Warrior Awards January 2008 pg 40-41<\/li>\n
      • \u201cThe Branding Personality and Leadership MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine, Big Wins For Banks Marketing June 2008 pg 40<\/li>\n
      • “Healing the scars\u201d, MSK \u201cSokoni\u201dMagazine Behind the Spin edition Magazine February 2008 pp.12-13<\/li>\n
      • Embracing an Experience Economy The MSK Warrior Awards January 2008 pg 26<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Africa Executive” tab_id=”1718027626912-478312ff-cdb1″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \u201cBrand Kenya: Government Must Involve Citizenry 27 – 03 June 2009 https:\/\/africanexecutive.com\/article\/read\/4391<\/li>\n
        • \u201cFighter Brands: Knee-Jerk Reactions? (29 – 06 May 2009) http:\/\/www.africanexecutive.com\/modules\/magazine\/articles.php?article=4322<\/li>\n
        • \u201cInformed Branding Scales Heights (29 – 05 September 2007) http:\/\/www.africanexecutive.com\/modules\/magazine\/articles.php?article=2506<\/li>\n
        • Kenya Export Promotion Council Magazine<\/li>\n
        • \u201cKenya Exchange rate- Impacts on exports EPC Magazine (Export News) issues No.4 2006<\/li>\n
        • “Opening up Sudan Beckons Kenyan Investors for Export” News Sojourn in the US EPC Magazine issues No.5 2006<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9087″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710830671972{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Thaisaiyi Zephania Opati has served as the Acting Dean and Senior Lecturer at the School of Business at Riara University since February 2024, where he has made invaluable contributions to the institution’s growth and development. A distinguished academic and professional in the field of marketing, Dr. Opati holds a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9080","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9080","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9080"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9080\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9274,"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9080\/revisions\/9274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sob.riarauniversity.ac.ke\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9080"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}