ABSTRACT
The introductory chapter builds the theoretical foundation of the book—providing an updated understanding of social protection systems and their role in addressing the increased vulnerability arising from globalization and economic transformation. The chapter provides some answers to the question of why social protection systems have not delivered the expected results of poverty reduction and protection of the most vulnerable, arguing that operational inefficiencies are a significant factor in the failure of social programmes and proposes the concept of the social protection engineer. Highlighting the necessity to consider the entire ecosystem of social safety nets (SSNs), throughout the entire process of planning through to delivery, and monitoring of cash transfer and social protection programmes. The chapter provides a theoretical framework for addressing the case management problem in social protection programmes and the external monitoring of the programmes’ long-term effectiveness by introducing the design and implementation of cash transfers
