Chapter 13 12

The next day, Mary went to work with more enthusiasm than usual, although under normal circumstances, she would have been desperate enough.She spent the whole weekend burying herself in the table analysis, recounting the columns, comparing expenses, and making plausible inferences.Mary knew that what had happened could not be changed and that the work in front of her was the only thing she could do. Instead of apologizing to Scopa as she had planned, she avoided him as much as possible.Scoppa didn't seem interested in making contact with them either.He travels a lot and rarely shows up at the company.If there had been a chance for a better working relationship between the two of them, her stupid behavior that night had ruined it.However, perhaps it is better this way. Mary's analysis shows more and more clearly that Ofana will continue to suffer heavy losses in the next few years, and the future is bleak.

During this period, Rafael interviewed the employees of Ofana's various departments, and even began to be excited about the products developed by Ofana.In this regard, he is very similar to Constantine: he first saw the company's technological prospects.But what is inferior to Constantine is the lack of analytical ability, the inability to accurately judge risks, and the lack of comprehensive insight. Once, after he returned from an interview with a scientist, his eyes lit up.Wow, that's great!He said excitedly that they had mixed a locust-loathing compound.As long as there is this smell on the crops, the locusts would rather starve to death than get close to the food.Think about it, what does it mean to spread it over a large area?For tens of thousands of years, locusts have been one of the most serious disasters on the earth, seriously endangering the survival of human beings.So far none of the poisons have been effective.Now finally there is a way to stop them!Although the smell is unpleasant, the effect is not very stable.But Dr. Bergman said they will soon be able to solve this problem.

Mary suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.Have you analyzed the EU Africa aid plan yet? Now, that's not the most important thing.I tell you!They are about to make a breakthrough, which will fundamentally improve the human food shortage problem! You're referring to research project L3, right? That's right, Dr. Bergman said I've read the notes from the last time I adjusted my research plan.Mary interrupted him. The L3 research project still has a lot of problems.On the synthetic carrier, the drug properties stay too short, and no one knows how to solve this problem.In addition, just because it works in a small glass cabinet in the laboratory does not mean it will work where it is needed.Judging from the current situation, if the scent compound is placed on the scorching sun of the African continent, it will have to be sprayed about ten times a day to prevent the praying insects from sweeping up the harvest.

Raphael moved away from the subject.That's an operational detail, and they'll work that out.In addition, what you said just now does not just illustrate one point: no matter what, Ofana must have an experimental station in Africa. Mary suppressed her anger.Raphael, details like this have ruined some big companies.Even the problem of the short stay of the medicinal property on the carrier has not been solved, so there is no need to carry out a large-scale application test in Africa first.I think you should restrain your enthusiasm for technology and face reality.Also, I don't allow you to be lazy in your job.At five o'clock this afternoon, I am waiting for you to hand over a list of the specific terms and conditions of the EU's aid to Africa.

Do you know what the crux of your problem is, Mary?You have no imagination at all. Maybe!But your imagination is obviously too much. The next day, Mary had a pre-arranged date with Berrante.Mary thought it was just a brief interim report, and Berlant didn't count on conclusions.Still, she prepared charts that made it clear that Ofana's prospects were bleak. Just as she was about to step into Berrand's office, she froze at the door. Rafael behind her almost bumped into her, and almost dropped the laptop in her hand.Sitting at the small conference table, Scopa met her gaze with a calm demeanor.

Mary's heart beat faster.She thought she was only talking to Berrant himself!If she were to take out the analysis chart in front of Scopa, the situation would definitely change, but right now, she had no way out. Berrand has already stretched out his hand from a distance.Hello, Miss Ashe!This must be Mr. Grande.welcome!Scooper didn't say anything. They sit down.Dr. Scooper asked me if I could come to today's meeting.That way he can also answer questions directly.Berrant explained, you have no objection, Miss Ashe? Mary didn't hesitate for a moment.Of course not, on the contrary, I would like to know what Dr. Scoppa has to say about the conclusions of our analysis.

The look on Scopa's face seemed to know Mary's assessment well.Perhaps before the meeting started, he knew the conclusion, but he just temporarily asked Brandt to let him come and listen, so as not to warn Mary in advance. Mary opened her laptop on the table, found the diagram, and moved the screen so that both Berlant and Scopa could see it at the same time.Our task was to assess the future potential of Offana Corporation.She began by saying, Unfortunately, our first impression was that the potential of the company was not good. Skopa was expressionless, while Rafael's facial muscles were stiff.

Bertrand looked at her thoughtfully.Please continue. Mary opens the first chart.You see, in the previous period, compared with the whole market, the ecological anti-pest market performed quite well, and only Ofana's performance declined.In other words, O'Fana lost to the opponent in the market competition. Scopa waved his hand.This is nothing new!This is just driving backwards.However, how can the past explain the future and represent future turnover? Of course you are right.Mary replied, I just want to explain, according to the current situation, what necessary adjustments the company needs to implement urgently.We investigate the future potential of those products that are still in development.Although the direction of some products is optimistic, according to our estimation, they are still far from the mature stage of the market.The only product listed is Roberlis Oil.But in the chaotic market, the surplus space of this product is getting smaller and smaller.On the whole, we believe that the strength of Offana's product portfolio is quite weak.

nonsense!Scoppa exclaimed that sales of Roberlis oil had fallen only because competitors were now dumping them cheaply.We will find a way.It may take some time for our new products to come to the market, but please don't forget that in many ways, our research level is far superior to similar products on the market! I can attest to this.Rafael interrupted and said, according to my impression of Ofana, Ofana is indeed the leader in the research and development of odor-resistant pest products. Mary gave him a sharp sidelong glance.You may be ahead of your peers in basic research.But Ofana's fundamental problem is that he doesn't have enough cash to bring existing research projects to market and successfully launch them into the market.It is estimated that in the next few years, the profits of Roberlis Oil will continue to decline.According to our estimates, it will take at least five years for new products to gain sufficient sales.In other words, the company will still be in serious losses for a long period of time.According to our preliminary estimates, you have to invest at least 10 million euros in Ofana.

Berrand nodded seriously.Rafael looked at the table in embarrassment, at least he stopped interrupting. Scopa stared at Marie for a long time.Your analysis is indeed powerful, he said quietly, but short-sighted.Yes, we do need more capital to get the product established in the market.We will continue to lose money in the next few years, which is also true.His voice was sharp, but it was a big mistake to say that the company had no future!The products we are currently developing will change the world in the medium term!His eyes were shining brightly.Roberlis Oil is just a small start for us, showing how the product works.In the future, human beings will use our products to fight famine, eradicate pests, and even defeat diseases.Olfactory anti-pest is likely to be a key project in the 21st century!

His words had a muffled resonance.For a while Mary even felt that she was really too narrow-minded.Rafael seemed to feel the same way.In my opinion, O'Fana should be thought of as a start-up similar to an Internet company.Consider the example of Youtube!When that company was acquired by Google at a sky-high price of 1.6 billion euros, it only had a turnover of several million euros and was at a serious loss.He said. Mary turned white with anger.Rafael's loss of position will eventually destroy Berlant's trust in the task force.How can you compare like this! Maybe not.Rafael said, but this example illustrates that a company's performance and profits alone cannot show its value. A smirk formed on Scopa's lips.Presumably, he believed that he had the chance to win.And this victory is attributed to the big fool Rafael. Mary didn't say anything for a moment, then opened the next chart.From here, we can see the expenditure structure of Offana at different stages in the product life cycle.A major part of Roberlis Oil's capital budget goes to marketing and sales.In other words, its favorable market position is piled up with money.Another place to spend money: field stations in Africa.Putting aside the question of whether it is worth testing in the wild just for a few products that are still in the research stage, the cost of this experimental station is really disproportionately high.She gave Raphael a warning look.Our proposal is to cut the marketing expenses of Roberlis oil, close the African experimental station, and reduce the cost significantly.If these two points can be achieved, Offana's expenditure will be reduced by 40%, and the company will gain profits from this, and will steadily launch new products into the market in the next few years.Whether the new product is really making huge profits as expected can only be seen in due time.The Oppenheim Corporation cannot invest too much at this time in any way.She almost said the word send money. Scopa jumped up.I will not play this game with you!He said loudly, I will not let my company be trapped by money!Cutting the marketing budget for Roberlis oil is tantamount to capitulation, surrendering the market to competitors, and rendering oneself useless.We must keep the African experimental station in order to obtain part of the EU's African aid funds.This, I have clearly told you in the past! Dr. Scoppa, we have investigated the relevant regulations and distribution clauses of the European Union, and we have not found any basis for setting up a field experiment station in Africa, so that Offana can directly or indirectly benefit from it.Really, Raphael? Rafael shook his head awkwardly. I don't want to hear any more!Skoppa yelled, anyway, you have completely denied Ofana's team, and my coming here is completely unnecessary.But don't think we'll let you ruin the business we've built over the years! He got up and walked out angrily. When the door closed behind him, Berrand smiled knowingly.Honorable Miss Ashe!He says you've messed him up.He nodded to Raphael again.good idea.In a meeting like this, it's a good idea for one to play a good role and the other to play a bad role. Raphael blinked in bewilderment.This is indeed my opinion. He wanted to continue speaking, but suddenly realized Mary's aggressive gaze, and quickly stopped what was on his lips. I warn you, Berrant went on, don't underestimate Dr. Scoppa.He is a well-respected scientist, and you know his character.I don't want to antagonize him at work, and I don't want to hear scandals.Miss Ashe, I beg you not to confront him again. I'm just stating our opinion on this.Mary defends herself, you understand Copeland's principles. That's right, says Berlant, but please don't forget that even though Offana has no prospects, we still want to find a buyer for it.There is nothing wrong with cutting spending to make the numbers look better.But we can't destroy this company, otherwise we might as well close it now. Mary swallowed her words: Maybe that's the best solution.In your opinion, what is the next step? Berrand thought about it.I will take your opinion into consideration.He said, I have always suspected that they are throwing money into Africa.I'm still hesitant to take the step of closing down the experimental station there.I mean, at least on the face of it, this experimental station gives Ofana a big leap over the competition. We can go over and find out.Raphael interjected. Brandt and Mary looked at him unexpectedly.What's the use of that.Mary turned around, we need at least a week before we can It might be a good idea.Berrand interrupted her, fly to Uganda and see the experiment station for yourself!Take a look at what's going on there with the eyes of a potential buyer, find out what's really going on there, and tell me if it adds value to Offana beyond the surface.Then, we meet again. Tell me, are you crazy?As they drove the rental car through the center of Frankfurt, toward the southern district, Marie did not want to hold back her anger.What do you want to do?I had a meeting with Berrand, and you turned my back on me! Rafael was taken aback, as if he only now realized what a good thing he had done.I Not only did you nearly ruin the conversation, you ruined the project!Skoppa must have gloated and laughed secretly to himself.Fortunately, Berrand thought it was a trick of yours.Count us lucky.Why one is playing a bad face and the other is a bad face, it's ridiculous! When Copeland recruited me, BobCopeland once told me that the corporate code is that truth trumps politics.Rafael argued, full of grievances. What Bob told me is: the most important thing is the concerted efforts of the team! Well, well, you're right, I was too rash.Sorry, really. Rafael's reaction made Mary helpless.For a moment, she didn't even know how to respond.All right!She said, but I don't want this to happen again, understand? Understood.Rafael replied, anyway, Scopa is already against us now, and he will use all means to hinder our work. If he wants to, let him try it!If he dares to touch half a figure on the account, I'll call Berrand. Didn't Brandt say that we don't want to confront Scopa head-on, he still needs Scopa.I think it makes sense for him to do so.My suggestion is that we apologize to Scoppa. Apologize?Why?Because we tell the truth? Because we denied his team in full first without his consent.I mean, we should at least give him a chance to express himself before we talk to his boss. Mary knew in her heart that Raphael was right.In her blind enthusiasm for work, she completely forgot one thing: there is more to a business consultant than just analyzing numbers.To change a company, you have to win people over to change.In this regard, she was terrible this time, and she didn't even communicate with Rafael beforehand.She also naively thought that she had grasped all the situation and could talk directly to Brandt.This project, she has done a mess so far, it is not worthy of the performance that a project manager should have, let alone a partner. After returning to the office, Mary immediately began to prepare for the trip to Uganda.She had no interest in flying to Africa, thinking it was a waste of time.But Berlant's words were very clear.She just wanted to get this over with. The experimental station is located in the most southwestern part of central Africa, near the small town of Kisoro.She didn't understand why the experiment station had to be set up in such a remote place.It would take two days just to get there.You have to take a flight to Nairobi first, then change planes to Entebbe (Esebbe), where you charter a small charter flight to Kisoro.Two days to fly, two days to stay, and two days to fly back, will consume the working days of each person in a week. Raphael poked her head over Mary's shoulder from behind as she wrote to Copeland's General Services.Have you booked my ticket too? Mary looked up at him calmly.I will go by myself.she says. Rafael showed disappointment on his face.Why?I mean, it was my idea after all. That would take a full week of work!Mary said unhappily that the travel expenses are not made of paper!I bet, toss a game, the result is nothing.The less time we waste on this the better! I'm sure it's not a waste of time.My intuition tells me that this field experiment station is extremely important to Ofana.They must be doing something in the tropical jungle over there.I have a feeling that if we don't find out what's going on, next time we meet with Berrante, Scorpa's going to have a lot of fun with us! intuition!Feel!Rafael is really not suitable to be a business consultant.Mary must note this in his comment.That comment alone would put his future at Copeland in jeopardy.But it was to Copeland's benefit, and perhaps his own, to do so. Rafael, intuition alone won't work.The only proofs are facts. Rafael refused to let it go.Please, Mary, let me go with you.Two pairs of eyes are always better than one.Also, I've done a lot of digging into various research projects here, and I've talked to a lot of people.I believe I can assess more accurately what this Berger is doing than you can. Mary thought what he said was just an excuse. Of course he wanted to take risks, so he wanted to go to Africa with her.Isn't the purpose of his coming to Copeland just to get in touch with new things?That's what he said.On the way, you can always look out the window!He has never been to Africa. Mary wondered how he would be judged.He must not be staying in Copeland for long, and perhaps in exchange, it would be fair to grant his wishes this time, since O'Fana is responsible for the travel expenses anyway.In addition, it might be better not to let Raphael stay with Scopa.He is too naive and easily manipulated by Scoppa.Maybe Scopa would lure him into doing something stupid. All right!She made up her mind. Thank you Mary!