To assess the feasibility of constructing developmental relationships as a relevant mentoring model for the diploma in business & social enterprise

This thesis arises from a personal conviction that education transforms not only the intellect, but can inspire a change of heart and values, towards the betterment of self and society, and that the process of mentoring offers this transformational potentiality. Hence, the concept of mentoring is examined and expanded beyond that of the traditional mentor, to "developmental relationships" which recognises the different significant individuals that could potentially influence the development of a mentee. This notion forms the basis of the construction of a mentoring model in this thesis. Situated within the diploma in Business & Social Enterprise at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic of Singapore, the research adopts the qualitative case study approach. The aim of the study is to explore in an evidenced fashion the feasibility and efficacy of constructing a mentoring model based on developmental relationships; this could, I argue, enable students from the course to integrate formal learning with experiences encountered beyond the classroom setting. Social entrepreneurial traits were highlighted as some of the desirable attributes of a graduate from the course, which could be nurtured by the proposed network of developmental relationships. The thesis discusses findings from focus groups and interviews conducted with management, faculty, students and business partners (particularly social entrepreneurs), that would help shape the construction of the model. I conclude by reviewing the ways in which the proposed mentoring model offers a unique multi-dimensional mentoring approach, capable of being implemented in a flexible manner, to accommodate a diversity of learners.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo