College of Business Administration

GROUP MEMBERS:

Frelot
Jaldin
Smith
Sanchez

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

We live in a time that is dubbed "The Information Age." Seemingly, one who has access to timely and accurate information has the edge in this society. This framework of thinking has rapidly caught on after the invention and wide dispersion of the Internet as a global communication medium. Regardless of the vehicle of sharing information, either it be by the Internet, broadcast radio and television, etc., the traditional means that generations have used since the invention of the printing press are still very important for information sharing and learning. That means are--the book.

However, unfortunately, even in the age of the Internet and the so-called "Digital Revolution", vast numbers of people around the world do not even have access books, much less up-to-date books, and even much less or not at all, the Internet. Books are still the primary means by which society teaches and shares thoughts and ideas with its people, especially its children. Many people do not realize that even in this "great" country that we live in, the United States of America, do not have adequate access to current information. In order for everybody to have a shot at achieving the so-called "American Dream" the playing field needs to be level. This does not mean that everybody needs to become equal in means of material things in everyway, but should mean that everybody has a proper starting point to go forth at achieving their endeavors. For these reasons our group became acquainted with a local, San Diego group called Pazzaz Inc. to further the cause of providing up to date books for the community in which they serve.

Pazzaz Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1995. Its mission is to improve the academic performance and personal development of youths in grades 1-12 and above. It does this by offering innovative programs and implementation. Pazzaz Inc. offers a multitude of programs that are designed with the founders' vision in mind to contribute to the positive development of youth. Moreover, it offers to expose these youth to role models such as community leaders, politicians, business professionals, and others who epitomize personal success.

Our group members approached Pazzaz Inc. with a proposal, to help them in their efforts to collect books and other things for their tutoring programs. With enthusiasm, they accepted our offer, and we then contacted KB Books and FTX Bookstore in the college area and asked them if they were willing to participate in this charitable effort. They willingly accepted, and we instantly received a large quantity of books from FTX's, with a promise of a larger donation to come at the end of the semester. These organizations would donate these books to Pazzaz because in their book stacks there were books not sold due to overstocking, marketing misalignment or students didn't have any use for them anymore. This proved to be a win-win situation for both organizations since it 1.), allows Pazzaz Inc. to offer enriching books to its clients and 2.) clears the bookstacks of the bookstores and allowing them to make a write-off on their income taxes.

A charitable project of this kind can be thought of as an act of utilitarianism since, at least from our standpoint, this effort serves to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. It seems to be the case that the books in question are of little or no value to the bookstores, since they are mostly outdated editions that would not bring much profit to the stores if resold. However, those books can be of great importance and value to other people, and our action can therefore be viewed as a way of bringing supply and demand together, thereby producing the greatest good for the greatest number. It can also be thought of in the ethical framework of virtue theory, as it is 'the right thing to do' for people with the means and abilities to help others less fortunate. It could also be viewed as psychological egoism, since everyone involved on the 'giving end' can derive personal satisfaction and fulfillment from being able to make a contribution that in the end may serve a very important purpose. That purpose is to help inspire and educate children who, due to lack of resources, have not had the same opportunities as many others to excel in their education.

Our efforts in this projects provides for the replenishment of the Pazzaz Inc.'s supply of books. Although our effort was small and only confined to one organization, in one part of town, and in one city, we felt that our contribution shows what can be done by anybody. If everybody did the same and provided even this amount of effort we can greatly improve the potential of our fellow citizens.