An educational methodology for the development of interdisciplinary, problem-solving skills was developed. Called the problem laboratory, the approach focuses on linking the student with the real problems of real organizations through specifically designed data bases. Students are presented with a brief problem statement and proceed to solve the problem by querying the data base. The problem laboratory approach has been found to be successful in two years of operation in an experimental setting. Some of the difficulties of operating this type of program on an experimental basis are described along with problems that must be solved before large scale expansion can occur. (Author/WH)