Determinants of Undergraduates' Academic Performance: Special Reference to the Faculty of Management Studies in Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Education serves as a cornerstone for developing human capital, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic growth. In Sri Lanka, the government’s provision of free education has been instrumental in promoting a knowledge-based society. Nevertheless, the undergraduate pass rate at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, particularly within the Faculty of Management Studies, remains below a satisfactory level, necessitating an examination of the underlying determinants of academic performance. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the factors influencing academic performance among management undergraduates at the Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Drawing on existing literature, five main determinants (personal, psychological, institutional, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors) were examined. Employing an explanatory research design under the positivist paradigm, the study utilised a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a sample of 327 management undergraduates selected through convenience sampling and analysed using multiple regression techniques. The findings revealed that psychological and personal factors were the strongest predictors of academic success (β = 0.469, p < 0.05; β = 0.269, p < 0.05), while institutional, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors exhibited positive but weaker effects. These results underscore the significance of psychological well being, motivation, and personal attributes in shaping academic achievement. Accordingly, it is recommended that universities implement structured programmes such as time management training, counselling services, and peer mentoring while cultivating a supportive learning environment to enhance students’ academic outcomes.