To write the MBA project for IGNOU already requires a lot of effort. Topic selection, data collection, analysis formatting and viva preparation provide students with a lot of work for months. There is also the subject of reference. The reference section is where many students feel lost, not simply because it's difficult but because nobody can explain it in a clear manner.
Most IGNOU MBA projects fail not due to inadequate research, but rather due to inappropriate or careless reference. Examiners notice references immediately. They make sure that sources are authentic, properly cited as well as formatted with consistency. A lack of a reference section raises doubts as to the authenticity of whole project.
This guide explains how write references for the IGNOU MBA project in a simple and practical way, free of academic terms.
How important are references in your IGNOU MBA project
References show that your research is based on genuine knowledge, not mere imagination. They prove that you've gone through books, journals, reports, and reliable online sources.
IGNOU expects MBA students to show
understanding of current research
Capability to connect theory to practical
Understanding of authentic sources
When references are missing or poor written, the entire project looks rushed or copied. Even good content suffers because references reflect seriousness.
Reference section vs Bibliography
Many students are using these terms interchangeably but they're not exactly the same.
References are only those sources specifically cited in the project's chapters.
Bibliography can include additional information that can help you comprehend the topic, but was not directly referenced.
For ignou mba project website MBA projects, it's safer to use the reference section. You should ensure that every source mentioned is cited in the document.
What referencing style should you make use of for IGNOU MBA
IGNOU generally follows the APA style when it comes to management project. Although they don't apply penalties for minor formatting mistakes for consistency, they must be consistent.
The APA style is based on the author name, year of publication Title of the Publisher or the journal URL if online
Don't mix different styles in the same project. That is one of the most common mistakes students make.
How do you include references in the correct order?
The reference list should be included at the end of the project, following the conclusion but before the annexures.
Rules to be followed
It is recommended to arrange references alphabetically, starting with the author's surname.
If no author is present, use the organizational's
If there is no date in the database, use n instead of year
Use consistent spacing and font
Never recite references without being specifically required by your guide.
How do you write book references for IGNOU MBA project
The books are widely regarded as reliable sources with regard to theory, and especially the chapters on.
Format
Author surname, initials. Year. Title for the novel. Publisher name.
Example
Kotler, P. 2017. Marketing management. Pearson Education.
If the book has more than one authors, include them together in the same way as described in the book.
Avoid using notes from guides or teaching materials. Examiners easily detect unofficial sources.
How to write journal articles? references
Journal articles are highly valued for MBA projects, especially when it comes to studies of literature.
Format
Author surname, initials. Year. Title of the article. Journal name volume number issue number page range.
Example
Sharma, R. 2020. Employee engagement and productivity. International Journal of Management Studies, 8 2, 45 to 58.
You must ensure that the journal's names are properly written, not shortened.
How do you write references to websites correctly?
Internet sources are acceptable provided they are trustworthy.
Utilize
the government sites
Annual reports from companies
Online business portals with a reputation for fraud
Scientific journals
Avoid blog sites that lack an Autor or authority.
Format
Author or Organization. Year. Title of the webpage. Name of the website. URL.
Example
Reserve Bank of India. 2022. Framework for monetary policy. RBI Official Website. https://www.rbi.org.in
Don't copy and paste link tracking pages that are long. Use neat URLs.
For reference to company reports and annual reports
For MBA projects, the company's data is usually derived off annual reports.
Format
Company name. Year. Title of report. The name of the publisher.
Example
Tata Motors Limited. 2023. Annual report. Tata Motors Limited.
If accessed online, add your URL to the bottom.
How do you cite references in the project's content
References need to be included in the chapter, not just at the end of chapters. They should be included in the chapters as references.
Text APA reference format
Author surname year
Example
It is said by Kotler 2017, consumer behavior is affected by both social and cultural factors.
For authors with multiple authors
The first author should be the surname followed, then et.al. and the year.
Do not cite too much. Refer to references only when research or theory is discussed.
Common mistakes that students do in IGNOU MBA references
Using Wikipedia as an example of a source. Copying references but not using the source. Mismatched citations and reference list Uncongruous formatting Journal names are fake and not published for several years
This can reduce credibility and can lead to revisions to the project.
What number of references are enough?
There's not a standard number, but for MBA projects, MBA assignment
the minimum number of 20 to 30 reference points is deemed safe
Include in the mix journals, books, and reports
Do not inflate the reference list artificially
Quality matters more than quantity.
Practical suggestion to manage references easily
While working to complete your research
You should keep your own reference book
Keep track of sources as you create chapters.
Make sure you save references for the final day of your project.
Last minute referencing always leads to errors.
Final thoughts
Referencing references on an IGNOU MBA project is not focused on memorizing templates. It's about honesty transparency, and consistency. If your references are formatted correctly and are consistent, they help you improve your work and demonstrate that your work is based upon real understanding.
Consider the reference section part of your research, not a formality. The examiners can tell if you have put in the effort, and references that are clean leave an impression of positivity.