The Government has published a report outlining 30 ways it can ensure major public sector IT projects go to plan - and to budget.

Among them, the report recommends that:

• civil servants view IT projects as part of a "whole process of business change" and not just a separate "add-on".
• one person is made responsible for the management of project, to "streamline decision-making and banish confusions".
• Government manages its suppliers far more effectively. It's recommended that before contracts are signed suppliers must produce "detailed plans covering resources, timescales and technology".
• key staff are trained.
• projects will be reviewed.

These recommendations are so radical it could be years before ordinary businesses catch-up and adopt this new heightened way of thinking.

Who'd have thought it, getting a proper job before you appoint a contractor and actually having people in charge who know what's what. Brilliant. Quite brilliant. ®