You secure funding for a critical Midland Tech project. Simulation Details: Midland Tech is a mid-sized technology firm specializing in supply chain optimization and enterprise analytics. With 250 professionals and an annual revenue of $50 million, the company relies heavily on long-term contracts with enterprise clients, which make up 70% of its income. Midland Tech has built a reputation for delivering tailored solutions, such as "VisionSync," a collaborative platform that boosted client productivity by 25% and earned industry recognition. However, the company faces stiff competition from Innovatech Solutions and NexaCore Systems, both of which leverage advanced AI and automation tools to reduce costs and accelerate innovation. Currently, Midland Tech is developing "VisionEdge," a next-generation analytics tool critical to fulfilling contractual obligations with its largest client, who contributes 20% of the company’s annual revenue. The stakes are high, as failure to deliver the product on time or meet performance benchmarks could result in financial penalties, loss of revenue, and reputational damage. Tight budget controls, enforced by Finance Director Robin Chen, add further pressure, requiring teams to justify every expenditure with clear evidence of return on investment. You will step into the role of a Department Manager tasked with securing an additional $250,000 in funding for the "VisionEdge" project. This funding is essential to address unforeseen technical challenges and ensure the product meets strict contractual obligations. Your primary interaction will be with Robin Chen, the Finance Director, who is known for her cautious, data-driven approach to budget approvals. To strengthen your case, you will consult Marina Ortiz, the Senior Project Analyst, to gather resource allocation forecasts and metrics that demonstrate the long-term return on investment (ROI) of the project. Your mission is to advocate for your team’s needs by presenting a compelling argument to Robin. You must emphasize the risks of project failure, including financial penalties, client dissatisfaction, and reputational harm, while showcasing the strategic importance of "VisionEdge" to the company’s financial stability and market positioning. Success hinges on your ability to persuade Robin that the requested budget increase is not just an expense but a critical investment in Midland Tech’s future. - Consult Marina Ortiz to gather data and forecasts that support your argument. - Engage in a one-on-one conversation with Robin Chen to present risks, consequences, and ROI. - Persuade Robin to approve the $250,000 funding increase by addressing her concerns and aligning your request with the company’s strategic goals.