Negotiate budget with data to gain verbal approval and authorization. Simulation Details: Elevate Systems is a technology and operations company focused on developing enterprise-grade tools that streamline workflows and boost productivity. With 180 staff across Operations, Sales, Accounting, and Customer Service, the company’s core ERP and CRM systems are outdated and frequently crash, causing significant productivity losses. Recent successes, such as launching a new analytics platform and securing a major financial services client, have increased pressure to maintain operational efficiency. However, aging infrastructure and decentralized budget management have led to competing priorities and delays in critical upgrades. The company currently loses about $32,000 monthly due to inefficiencies, making system upgrades essential for achieving projected savings and maintaining its reputation for excellence. You take on the role of Project Lead at Elevate Systems, tasked with securing an additional $85,000 budget allocation to upgrade outdated systems that are causing operational inefficiencies. Your mission unfolds in two key steps: first, you will engage in a one-on-one chat with Operations Manager Sarah Chen to gather detailed productivity loss data and concrete examples of the impact on her team. Next, you will use this information to negotiate with Finance Director Alex Kumar via a voice/phone call, presenting a compelling case for the budget increase. You must address concerns about budget constraints and competing priorities, and propose creative solutions such as phased spending or cost-sharing to secure verbal approval and authorization for the upgrade. - Gather specific operational impact data from Operations Manager Sarah Chen through chat. - Present your findings and negotiate with Finance Director Alex Kumar via voice/phone call. - Address budget concerns and propose viable solutions. - Secure verbal approval and authorization for the additional budget allocation.