Deciphering Legal Frontiers: Perspectives and Challenges in Learning Business Law among Sri Lankan Management Undergraduates.

Abstract

Every management degree program in Sri Lanka has law components in its curricula. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the law subject is difficult for non-law undergraduates, especially management undergraduates. Consequently, the application of those legal principles in practice by management graduates is questionable. One reason may be the method of dissemination of legal knowledge. This study examines the learning experience and perceptions of management undergraduates who studied law/business law as a compulsory subject in their degree programs, to understand the pedagogical/educational approaches that can enhance students’ engagement in learning law. The paper adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with 46 management undergraduates and 34 management graduates in public universities in Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the key themes, patterns, and constraints from students’ perspectives. This paper identifies students’ experiences of learning law, including challenges such as the complexity of the legal language and the volume of syllabus contents, etc. It is suggested that the importance of adopting student-centered interactive learning approaches that not only enhance students’ engagement in learning but also deepen their understanding of business law concepts. This approach plays a vital role in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are indispensable for their professional development and success.