Your general problem isn't unique, and the solution isn't either. I wouldn't want to address this large problem using the contents of a post response on /. . Find a proven method for fixing this sort of situation that you can rapidly read and follow. Rather than writing out the various steps, grab a copy of the Visible Ops e-book (or some similar one), read it in a few hours (its short), and start addressing your environment chapter by chapter. With a documented plan of attack that has been used by many, getting management support should be trivial and you can hit the ground running fast.
http://www.itpi.org/?page=Visible_Ops
