For a majority of students enrolled at IGNOU reviews of literature can be the most confusing section of the work. This is particularly true when working on an ignou mcom project, where academic rigor is expected. However, guidance often seems to be a little sluggish. Students usually inquire if they have to write a summary of books, make journal articles more readable, or simply take notes of quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding that difference can change the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is NOT written to illustrate the quantity of information you've read. It is written to show how much you comprehend prior work on the topic you're studying and how your project fits within it. IGNOU examiners examine this chapter since it showcases your ability to link ideas with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before composing anything, it is crucial to consider the reasons the chapter exists in an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three principal purposes.
First, it shows that the subject matter you've chosen has been studied earlier and has relevance to academic research. Additionally, it can help you determine the gaps or shortcomings in previous studies. Thirdly, it establishes an outline of your research goals and methods.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality, and take content from other assignments or online sources. This practice usually leads to negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU will require original content even when discussing studies that are already in progress.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. At the same time extremely basic explanations are also not recommended. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment the literature review should reflect postgraduate knowledge.
You are expected to review books, research papers Journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining to your topic. The study should focus on topics relevant to the area of your study.
If, for instance, your research is focused on the financial performance of banks, then your literature review should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously related to financial ratios, performances of banks, profitability studies and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One common mistake students make is selecting too many non-related sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. For an ignou-mcom project anywhere between fifteen and twenty sturdy sources is usually sufficient in the event that they are carefully selected.
Good sources include academic journals well-known books written by renowned author, RBI publishing, state reports and university level research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent, ideally from the last 10 years. More recent studies can be added only if they are foundational in their nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter enhances quality of reading and impression. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide your literature reviews into sensible sections.
The chapter can be organized in accordance with themes, time period methodologies, or the variables examined. For instance, one chapter may cover studies related profitability, whereas another might focus on liquidity, and a third one on operational efficiency.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you are not just copying content but analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be scholarly but straightforward. Avoid heavy language and unnecessary terms. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Each study you discuss should contain the name of author, the year of study, the objective, methodology, as well as major findings. However, don't list them in a formal manner. Make sure to connect one study with a different one.
For instance, after discussing one study, you could be able to mention that another author's findings backed or contradicted those findings. This comparative approach adds depth to your ignou MCOM project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is writing the literature review as an academic chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like how accounting works or the meaning of management isn't appropriate here unless directly linked to earlier studies.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your review of literature should be written by you in one's own terms. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas the copying of your review shows dependency.
Students may also not link works to their research field. Any study you discuss must have a clear connection with your goals for the project.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
One of important result of reviewing literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU assessors require you to show what earlier researchers missed or where further study is needed.
After looking over several studies, you'll find that a lot of studies focused on large corporations, while small firms were left out. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data, but primary data was scarce.
This gap can be the motivation for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project could seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature it is important to use a proper citation. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but quality is more important than consistency.
All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes in literature reviews. Citation in text is more effective as it appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the writing review must run. There's no definitive rule but, for an IGNOU MCOM project topics (kraidruzei.ru) MCOM project, the chapter generally ranges from fifteen hundred or two thousand words.
The length should be determined by the subject's complexity. The more expansive topic requires more study, while a narrowly focused subject requires less but more in-depth discussions.
Writing lengthy reviews that are not needed without analyses does not increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A analyzed bank performance and came across positive results
Write as this
An author conducted a research study on bank performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability increased by a better management of assets. This conclusion was later validated by Author B who also emphasized the importance of the efficiency of operations in enhancing bank profitability.
This approach emphasizes understanding and analysis, which can be valued in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get blocked or rejected because of copied literature reviews. However, even if you use past studies, your language is yours.
Utilize plagiarism checking tools when possible, and modify content until it sounds natural. A slightly imperfect sentence will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou master of commerce project, reread the review of literature carefully. Be sure to check if each study is relevant, if the flow is logical, and whether it is linked naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify why my study is needed. If yes, then that literature study is in the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature as part of an ignou master's thesis could be daunting at first particularly for students returning to academics after a gap. But once you recognize that it's an analysis and connection, rather than memorization, the project becomes easier to manage.
You should take the time to read, think, and write in your own voice. This is reflected in the final draft and frequently makes the difference between an average submission and a solid one.