RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE CONTEMPORARY MARKETPLACE: THE USE OF THE CROSS-POLLINATION CLASS PROJECTS IN THE UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOM.

In light of the current emphasis on adequate preparation of college graduates for the 21st century marketplace, this action research study recounted and examined two experiential cross-pollination team-oriented projects, incorporated into the classroom at a small (1100 students), private university's marketing educational program. Tailoring traditional discipline-related classes [Marketing and Advertising], two inter-class team projects were devised and executed with the intent of fostering the improved development of the participating student's business skills. While the results are anecdotal, this report interpretively concluded that a cross-pollination class approach added a practical and engaging experience which improved student competencies demanded in the challenging contemporary job market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]