Michael Mncedisi Willie

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Manager at Council for Medical Schemes,South Africa

Breast and cervical cancers are among the top five worldwide. Over half of untreated breast cancer patients die, compared to nearly 90% of cervical cancer patients. Early breast and cervical cancer screening can reduce mortality risk. This study examined breast and cervical cancer rates among South African medical scheme members. The study's second...

Marketing strategies are integral in influencing consumer behaviour and driving organisational success, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where consumer decision-making is complex. This study explores the relationship between marketing strategies, specifically promotional tactics, and consumer behaviour, focusing on healthcare. The primary o...

Background: The South African healthcare system faces significant challenges, including disparities in access to quality care, high out-of-pocket expenses, and inefficiencies. As the demand for affordable and accessible healthcare rises, service innovation has emerged as a critical solution for transforming healthcare delivery and improving outcome...

The dual burden of HIV and unintended pregnancies remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in high-prevalence settings. Integrating HIV prevention with reproductive health services offers a promising strategy to enhance health outcomes, yet misconceptions about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and its dual-use potential persist. H...

The size of antiretroviral (ARV) tablets significantly impacts medication adherence, particularly among populations with dysphagia, pediatric patients, and the elderly. Poor adherence to ARVs leads to virological failure, drug resistance, and increased HIV-related morbidity. This review emphasises the importance of reducing medication burden and si...

2 Abstract Purpose: This study investigates the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) packaging on patient experiences, particularly its relationship with perceived HIV stigma and adherence rates. It aims to explore how different packaging designs influence patient privacy, stigma, and treatment outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Resea...

This paper examines the dual role of research in business, highlighting its capacity to drive innovation while also presenting risks to organisational stability. It explores how research can challenge established practices, expose vulnerabilities, and lead to reputational damage, regulatory changes, and competitive threats. The discussion emphasise...

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between medication shortages and supply chain inefficiencies within the healthcare system, particularly in cancer care. Furthermore, it examines how logistical challenges, including delays and inadequate distribution networks, worsen the shortage of critical cancer medications, affecting patient access...

Purpose: This study explores the impact of adaptive strategies on healthcare systems, focusing on technological integration, regulatory adaptation, and workforce transformation to drive digital transformation and improve service delivery. Research Design and Methodology: By reviewing existing research and competing theories-Contingency Theory, Dyna...

Purpose: This study examines how digital marketing strategies, apps, social media, and e-mail marketing consumer engagement, retention, and trust within the health insurance sector. Research Design and Methodology: A case study approach was employed to analyze two health insurance schemes (Scheme A and B) using purposive sampling. Data collection f...

This review paper examines the diversity and characteristics of Spaza shops across various communities, emphasizing their socioeconomic and cultural importance. As informal retail outlets, Spaza shops are vital in addressing economic inequality by providing affordable goods and promoting local employment and entrepreneurship. The paper analyzes the...

This article explores the crucial role played by spaza shops, colloquially referred to as "tuck shops" or "convenience stores", in shaping the socioeconomic landscape of South African communities. These locally owned establishments are deeply interwoven into the fabric of neighbourhoods, serving as indispensable hubs for communities to access dai...

Background The scarcity of oncology specialists poses a significant challenge globally, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. This leads to delayed diagnoses and disparities in care. The shortage of oncology services disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and poorer outcome...

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between medication shortages and supply chain inefficiencies within the healthcare system, particularly in cancer care. Furthermore, it examines how logistical challenges, including delays and inadequate distribution networks, worsen the shortage of critical cancer medication, affecting patient access t...

Purpose: This study explores the strategic partnership between Isuzu and adventurer Nogwaja, examining how it enhances Isuzu's brand identity while deepening consumer engagement through influencer marketing. Research Design and Methodology: Using a literature review and case studies, a qualitative approach applies branding theories like Aaker's Bra...

Purpose: This review synthesises research on perceptions and misconceptions about epilepsy across various countries, exploring beliefs that attribute epilepsy to supernatural causes, contagion, or mental retardation. It hypothesises that these misconceptions contribute to the stigmatisation and social exclusion of individuals with epilepsy (PwE). R...

Medical scheme beneficiaries in South Africa are facing mounting affordability challenges as contribution increases for 2025 outpace headline inflation. This study examines the financial and demographic pressures influencing these increases, including rising healthcare costs, an ageing membership base, and the growing burden of chronic diseases. Me...

This paper analyses Lucky Dube's brand repositioning, emphasising how his transition from Mbaqanga to reggae music enhanced diversity and expanded his global audience. Dube grew his fan base while staying true to his African heritage by embracing the political and social themes of reggae, singing in English, and collaborating with artists worldwide...

The process of selecting an optimal health plan is influenced by several decision-making theories, including Expected Utility Theory, Prospect Theory, Bounded Rationality, and Choice Overload Theory. These theories offer insights into how consumers assess trade-offs, perceive risks, and make decisions in complex environments. Expected Utility Theor...

Orientation Restricted medical schemes provide affordable healthcare through employer-sponsored plans but often limit members to a single benefit option. This model may not meet diverse healthcare needs, especially for those requiring specialised care, and faces financial sustainability challenges due to rising costs and demographic shifts. Researc...

Purpose: This study examines strategies to enhance training and development in healthcare management, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify and assess training needs, emphasizing customized approaches to address emerging demands. Research Design and Methodology: This study employed a qualitative...

Outsourcing has become a widely adopted strategy to enhance operational efficiency in the rapidly changing medical schemes sector. However, it also poses challenges in maintaining brand identity and differentiating between medical schemes and third-party administrators. This study examines the impact of outsourcing on brand extension and website de...

This study investigated how high-quality Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationships influence organizational performance, focusing on open communication, personal biases, and personality clashes in shaping these relationships and their outcomes. An empirical literature review was conducted by searching databases such as JSTOR, PubMed, and Google Sc...

Orientation: The dynamic global healthcare landscape requires ongoing adaptation and innovation. Service innovation (SI) is pivotal for healthcare funders and providers, particularly in medical schemes, where it significantly enhances the effectiveness of promotional strategies (PS) and improves market share (MS). Research Purpose: This study explo...

The health insurance sector has undergone a significant transformation due to the quick development of digital technology, and digital marketing techniques are essential for improving client retention, satisfaction, and engagement. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, digital platforms empower insurers to deliver personalised and readily acc...

This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies examining perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes toward epilepsy across various countries and populations. Misconceptions about epilepsy are widespread, with shared beliefs attributing the condition to supernatural causes, viewing it as contagious, and advocating for the segregation or isolation o...

In the healthcare landscape, particularly for non-profit schemes, aligning brand identity with organizational values is crucial, especially given the outsourcing of operational tasks. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating a comprehensive literature review and case studies to examine brand identity. It underscores the challenges o...

South Africa’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) framework reflects significant progress and persistent challenges. Despite efforts to expand public healthcare access, stark inequities remain, particularly in distributing resources between the public and private healthcare sectors....

The business sourcing model and various structural components, including sourcing models, significantly influence a company's performance and sustainability in various ways. Research has consistently shown that the structural characteristics of an organization have a notable impact on its performance outcomes. This study specifically investigated h...

This article explores the crucial role played by spaza shops, colloquially referred to as "tuck shops" or "convenience stores", in shaping the socioeconomic landscape of South African communities. These locally owned establishments are deeply interwoven into the fabric of neighbourhoods, serving as indispensable hubs for communities to access daily...

Research Purpose: This study investigates the complex challenges surrounding epilepsy management in African countries, focusing on stigma, socioeconomic disparities, and limitations in healthcare infrastructure. Motivation for the Study: In African contexts, epilepsy management is significantly hindered by cultural misconceptions, economic limitati...

Service quality is vital in determining customer satisfaction and loyalty across industries. This paper comprehensively reviews service quality as a mediator variable, synthesising existing literature on its theoretical underpinnings, empirical evidence, and practical implications. Traditional service quality dimensions like reliability and respons...

Healthcare access in South Africa is marked by deep disparities shaped by structural, economic, policy, and socio-cultural factors. The dual public-private system disproportionately allocates resources to private facilities that serve a minority, leaving public institutions overburdened. Increasing demand, particularly among the growing population...

Recent advancements in natural language generation (NLG) have revolutionized content creation, enabling artificial intelligence (AI) tools to produce coherent and seemingly authentic texts, including scholarly papers. While AI-generated content offers efficiencies in speed and volume, concerns over authenticity, ethical implications, and academic i...

Citation metrics have become pivotal in evaluating academic research and influencing funding, promotions, and institutional prestige. However, the increasing emphasis on these metrics has given rise to unethical practices, notably citation cartels, which artificially inflate citation counts through collusive agreements among researchers or journals...

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are challenged to strategically deploy digital resources to secure competitive advantage. Drawing upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, this paper explores the intricate interplay between digital resources and organisational success. Through thematic analysis of empirical literature,...

Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory posits that the quality of the relationship between leaders and their subordinates significantly influences various aspects of the workplace, including employee satisfaction, retention, and overall performance. The primary purpose of this research is to analyse the effects of high-quality LMX relationships on job...

Service quality is vital in determining customer satisfaction and loyalty across industries. This paper comprehensively reviews service quality as a mediator variable, synthesising existing literature on its theoretical underpinnings, empirical evidence, and practical implications. Traditional service quality dimensions like reliability and respons...

Purpose: The present work examines the implications of the high-quality Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) model on the dynamics of leader-follower interactions. This paper rigorously analyses the model's constraints in dealing with behaviour, fairness, and mutual responsibilities in evolving organisational settings. Design/Methodology/Approach: An exten...

Purpose: This study investigated how high-quality Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationships influence organisational performance, focusing on open communication, personal biases, and personality clashes in shaping these relationships and their outcomes. Design/Methodology/Approach: An empirical literature review was conducted by searching database...

Service innovation is crucial in transforming healthcare systems, offering pathways to enhance patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of service innovation and its application within the healthcare sector, emphasising its impact on addressing contemporary challenges such as the rise...

Organizational culture plays a critical role in strategy implementation, shaping how collective values, beliefs, and behaviours influence strategic development and execution. This qualitative study examines effective cultural change strategies during strategy implementation in the healthcare and technology sectors, focusing on aligning organization...

Cervical cancer poses a considerable public health challenge in South Africa, necessitating effective screening programs for early detection and prevention. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening, posing challenges to disease management efforts. This study aimed to assess cervical cance...

The marketing arena experienced a profound shift, particularly highlighted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a considerable alteration of the industry’s competitive dynamics. This study explores the evolving marketing trends in the era of COVID-19, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on marketing strategies and practices. It emphasizes...

Obesity has become a global epidemic, intricately linked with metabolic dysfunction and posing significant health risks. This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the complex dynamics of obesity and metabolic disorders, focusing on adipose tissue as an active endocrine organ and its role in chronic inflammation and insulin resistance...

Marketing strategies and expenses are crucial for businesses' success and growth in today's dynamic marketplace. This paper explores the importance of targeted marketing efforts aimed at specific audiences and delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. However, challenges persist in the medical scheme sector, where transparency and spe...

Background This research addresses the intricate dimensions of reproductive healthcare by examining the complex interplay of medical, legal, and ethical considerations surrounding abortion. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (CTOP) of 1996 in South Africa aims to establish the circumstances and conditions under which a woman’s pregnancy may...

In today's digital age, children increasingly become addicted to smartphones and other electronic devices. This paper sheds light on the adverse impacts of prolonged screen time on children's physical and mental well-being. It also presents recommendations for parents to protect their children's future. Data from various studies are presented to un...

This paper thoroughly explores the foundational principles governing population and target population concepts within research methodology. It delves into the essential roles these concepts play in shaping the design and influencing the interpretation of research studies. Through an exhaustive analysis, it meticulously outlines the nuances that dif...

Purpose: This study analyses the prevalence of audit firm dominance within the South African medical scheme industry. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive approach utilised expenditure data sourced from industry reports and insights gained from industry professionals. Findings/results: The study revealed a significant dominance of two audi...

Background: Understanding the relationship between ageing and chronic diseases becomes crucial as global demographics shift towards an increasingly aged population. Aim: The primary objective of this review is to explore various theories of ageing and their implications for chronic disease prevalence in ageing populations. Methods: The study design...

Purpose: Cervical cancer poses a considerable public health challenge in South Africa, necessitating effective screening programs for early detection and prevention. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening, posing challenges to disease management efforts. Design/Methodology/Approach: Thi...

Oesophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and oesophageal cancer (EC), pose significant challenges to public health globally. While GERD is prevalent worldwide, EC remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with distinct geographical and demographic variations. This paper reviews the epidemiology, risk factor...

Background: The scarcity of oncology specialists poses a significant challenge globally, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources, leading to delayed diagnoses and disparities in care. The shortage of oncology services disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and poorer outcomes....

Orientation: The decision to enroll in a medical scheme is a complex process influenced by various factors, including economic considerations, demographic characteristics, and external events. Research purpose: This study examines the factors influencing member movement in medical schemes from 2017 to 2020, shedding light on the dynamics that drive...

Purpose: This study analyses the prevalence of audit firm dominance within the South African medical scheme industry. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a comprehensive approach utilising expenditure data sourced from industry reports and insights gained from industry professionals. By amalgamating these sources, audit firm dominance w...

Oesophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and oesophageal cancer (EC), pose significant challenges to public health globally. While GERD is prevalent worldwide, EC remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with distinct geographical and demographic variations. This paper reviews the epidemiology, risk factor...

The rise of food delivery apps has ushered in a new era in the way we consume meals, bringing both unprecedented convenience and concerns about their impact on obesity. These digital platforms, exemplified by industry giants like Uber Eats and DoorDash, have transformed the dining experience from a trip to the kitchen to a simple click on our smart...

The emergence of antibiotic resistance presents a serious worldwide health challenge, rendering previously effective treatments ineffective and imposing significant hurdles on global healthcare systems. This comprehensive examination delves deeply into the intricate realm of antibiotic resistance, investigating its mechanisms, catalysts, and reperc...

Background: Understanding the relationship between ageing and chronic diseases becomes crucial as

This study delves into the healthcare landscapes of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the extended BRICS+6 (Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt) nations, examining their progress towards achieving UHC. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analyses and qualitative insights to c...

In the intricate landscape of healthcare governance, Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for Medical Schemes play a fundamental role as a vital platform for transparent communication between administrators and members. Beyond formality, these meetings serve as a nexus for sharing critical updates, financial reports, and strategic plans. AGMs are crucial...

This study delves into the complex challenges faced by health insurance providers, particularly within the medical schemes sector, as they strive to develop effective marketing strategies. Emphasizing the pivotal roles of customer engagement, service quality, and marketing in shaping patient experiences and organizational success, the research unde...

Prenatal and neonatal care are vital components of maternal and infant healthcare, encompassing a continuum of services aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their newborns. Prenatal care involves regular check-ups, medical assessments, and guidance by healthcare professionals to detect and address potential issue...

Strategizing effective marketing initiatives while considering their cost-related factors requires a targeted approach aimed at specific markets. The alignment of strategies with the intended markets is crucial to achieve desired outcomes. Research consistently emphasizes that successful marketing strategies should revolve around offering customers...

The proliferation of food delivery apps has reshaped the way individuals access and consume meals, presenting both convenience and challenges to public health. This review explores the multifaceted impact of food delivery apps on obesity. While these apps offer unparalleled ease of access to a diverse range of dining options, they also make high-ca...

In recent years, the healthcare industry has witnessed a significant transformation in the realm of medical transportation. The emergence of on-demand ambulance services facilitated by E-hailing platforms has disrupted traditional models of patient transport. This paper explores the revolutionary impact of E-hailing platforms on medical transportat...

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected elderly people, threatening their health, well-being, and social interactions. This comprehensive review uses extensive research and authoritative sources to examine COVID-19's significant effects on older adults. Older adults, especially those over 60, are at higher risk of severe COVID-...

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between aging, chronic diseases, and the application of mathematical reliability theory. With global demographics shifting towards an increasingly aged population, understanding the impact of longevity and the growing prevalence of chronic ailments is paramount. We explore various the...

This book is an extensive and perceptive manual designed to empower new fathers as they embark on the thrilling adventure of parenthood. Tailored explicitly for first-time dads facing the unique challenges of their baby's initial six months, this resource is indispensable. Taking you through the journey of the first six months of fatherhood, this b...

The healthcare sector is undergoing rapid and profound transformation, driven by advancements in technology, shifting patient requirements, and a complex regulatory environment. Within this dynamic landscape, healthcare managers assume a pivotal role in ensuring the industry's adaptability and success. To effectively respond to the evolving demands...

This beautifully crafted collection of stories, poems, and reflections delves deep into the inner world of women, exploring their joys, struggles, passions, and triumphs. With eloquent prose and poignant verse, this book captures the essence of womanhood in all its complexity. Each page resonates with the universal themes of love, resilience, ident...

This book isn't just about surviving as a single parent—it's about thriving. The book celebrates the remarkable strength and determination of single parents while acknowledging the moments of vulnerability that arise. Whether you're a single parent seeking guidance or a supporter looking to better understand the journey, this book offers a guiding...

This book delves into a captivating collection of stories and experiences that traverse the full spectrum of human feelings. From the soaring heights of joy and love to the depths of sorrow and longing, this emotional odyssey takes readers on a transformative voyage through the labyrinth of the human soul. With each turn of the page, discover the p...

Cultural transformation is a pivotal factor in successfully executing strategic initiatives within organizations. This study sought to explore a range of strategies and methodologies for effectively managing cultural change while implementing strategic plans. By synthesizing current academic literature, this research investigates the essential elem...

The focus of the article is to distinguish between these two concepts and highlight their importance in various fields such as social sciences, public health, and market research. It explains that the population refers to the entire group or set of individuals or elements that share a common characteristic, while the target population represents a...

Misleading advertising is an extensively researched topic in marketing and consumer behaviour, encompassing practices that contain false information or omit crucial details. Such practices can lead consumers to make poor decisions and harm their trust, attitudes, and purchase behaviour. Misleading advertising can affect various industries, leading...

This review provides insights into the role of GPs as gatekeepers in the South African healthcare system and emphasizes the importance of reimagining and reevaluating their role within the context of evolving healthcare reforms and the changing dynamics of medical schemes. The findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on optimizing the gatek...

This review provides insights into the role of GPs as gatekeepers in the South African healthcare system and emphasizes the importance of reimagining and reevaluating their role within the context of evolving healthcare reforms and the changing dynamics of medical schemes. The findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on optimizing the gatekeep...

In a world where genuine connections have become increasingly elusive, it is crucial to understand and embrace the concept of love languages. Love languages refer to the unique ways in which individuals express and receive love. By recognizing and aligning with these languages, we can revolutionize our relationships, fostering deeper emotional conn...

"Untangling Knots: Navigating the Journey of Divorce" is a guidebook specifically crafted to offer support and guidance to individuals who are facing the complex challenges of divorce. Drawing upon a diverse range of sources, including personal interaction with lived experiences and real-life stories, this book provides practical guidance on variou...

In exchange for monthly premiums, medical schemes are private organizations that provide healthcare coverage to their members. Regulatory bodies, such as the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS), establish the regulations and guidelines for medical scheme operations. As of December 2021, medical schemes covered approximately 15%, or nearly 9 million in...

E-hailing services for ambulance transportation have emerged as a groundbreaking solution to enhance access to urgent medical attention and streamline patient transfers between healthcare facilities. Utilizing technology similar to ride-sharing giants like Uber and Lyft, these on-demand ambulance services connect users with nearby ambulances via mo...

This study assessed the effects of marketing activity and expenditure on organisational performance (OP) (financial measures) in the South African health care market. The study considered two underlying theories, being the resource- based view and dynamic capabilities theory (DCT). Furthermore, an empirical review of research variables identifie...

The escalating prevalence of chronic conditions presents a multifaceted public health challenge with substantial clinical and economic implications. The growing number of individuals living with chronic conditions calls for heightened attention and concerted efforts to address this pressing issue.

Cultural change plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation of strategic initiatives within organizations. This paper aims to explore various strategies and approaches that can be employed to effectively navigate cultural change during strategy implementation. By synthesizing existing literature, this study examines the key factors and be...

The escalating prevalence of chronic conditions poses a significant public health challenge, impacting both clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. The rising number of individuals living with chronic conditions necessitates increased attention and collective efforts to address this pressing issue. Recognizing the prevalent chronic conditions in wo...

This brief explores the importance of adapting marketing strategies in response to the shifting trends caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented circumstances have significantly altered consumer behaviors, preferences, and market dynamics. Consequently, businesses need to navigate these changes to remain competitive and relevant. The paper...

This review explores the expenditure on marketing in South African medical schemes, which provide healthcare coverage to members in exchange for premium payments. The marketing services offered by these schemes aim to raise awareness, communicate value propositions, target specific demographics, educate, and inform, engage members, and ensure compl...