Hi Tobyker, the vehicle licensing IT system had a bad start. I worked for the IT supply company and was friendly with the Project Manager.
He was called to a Parliamentry enquiry to account for the problems.
He took with him a stack of A4 'day books' which he filled in as progress/ problems on a daily basis. Every time a question was put to him he referred to his notes and gave an answer. Our company came out squeaky clean with every problem laid squarely at the governments feet.
They changed their minds so often, I do not think they realised the implications.
We refused to re-tender for the work when the contract ended.
I have dealt with government departments myself e.g. Dept Trade and Industry. A computer upgrade to a new system. Twenty people sitting round a table too many to make a decision! Their end proposal was to close down for two weeks and then a gradual build up to full speed.
We were to re utilise existing peripherals so not a lot of physical work apart from installing the new computer, which had a space next to the old one.
My proposal was to do the change over during a 4 hour maintenance period and hand back the new up graded system for tea time.
This is what we did and it all worked seemlessly. I am sure at least 10 of the people around the table had that as their star item on their own CV's afterwards!
So even before I was a Project Manager myself I have kept a 'day book'. Worth its' weight in gold!
On one occasion I went in to work at a client's site and found a factory of 300 workers sitting idle. The knives were out and blaming us. I had agreed certain things with the computer manager and written them down, this would account for the situation and provide a safety net. He had decided after I left not to do this.
Next morning I walked in, then the M.D. arrived, the computer manager lied through his teeth, the M.D. looked at me, I opened my day book and said perhaps you should read this.
He did, the guy left the company shortly afterwards. A new manager was appointed and it was peaceful ever after.
I still keep notes on model boat building and photos of what I am doing. All changes to my house are photographed before and after, saves any arguments and of course interesting to look back on.
The guy I mentioned at the beginning was the only role model I ever used at work. Our acquaintence started when I found out he was a qualified "Yacht Master" and I was doing the course modules.
regards Roy