Are We Prepared as Management Undergraduates for an AI-Driven Future?

This study investigated the attitudes and perceptions of management undergraduates towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. Drawing on survey data from 185 management undergraduates across three leading public universities in Sri Lanka, the study examined the respondents’ perspectives towards AI along with seven distinctive domains of General Perception and Awareness, Comfort and Confidence, Education and Curriculum Design, Ethical Considerations, Impact of market jobs, Learning experience and Future Preparedness. Employing cross-sectional descriptive research design, an online survey using Google Forms was administered to collect data, covering seven sub-areas related to AI awareness and attitudes. Results indicated a moderate level of knowledge about AI concepts among management undergraduates, coupled with a significant gap in formal education and awareness about AI technologies within their academic curriculum. While many undergraduates expressed optimism about the positive impact of AI on their performance and the job market, there is a clear need for increased integration of AI topics into academic programs to enhance skills and knowledge of the undergraduates in this rapidly evolving field. Ethical considerations surrounding AI emerged as an important area of concern, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education on AI ethics within academic curricula. Accordingly, the study contributes valuable insights to the growing body of literature on AI in higher education and emphasizes the importance of addressing the evolving role of AI in preparing management undergraduates for the future.