For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU reviewing literature becomes the most confusing element of the project. This is especially true for students working on an ignou project for mcom, where academic rigor is expected, but the guidance isn't as clear. Students often ask if they should summarize their books, edit journal articles, or simply take notes of quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing how different approaches can impact the quality of the entire project.

A literature review is not a report of how much you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend the existing work related to your topic and how your research fits into it. IGNOU evaluaters pay close attention to the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to connect knowledge with research directions.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before composing anything, it is crucial to understand why the chapter exists in an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three primary functions.

First, it shows that the topic you selected has been studied earlier and has relevance to academic research. Second, it helps you identify any gaps or limitations from prior research. Thirdly, it serves as an outline of your research objectives and methodology.

Many students take this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous projects or online sources. This can result in lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU will require original content even when addressing existing research.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of a PhD thesis. However any explanation that is not basic is prohibited. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project the literature review should reflect postgraduate level understanding.

You'll be expected to read research papers, books Journals, reports, or even publications from the government that relate to your research area. The concentrate should be on studies that directly pertain to your research topic.

For instance, if your research is focused on the financial performance of banks and banks, then your literature search must focus on earlier research on financial ratios, the performance of banks, profitability analysis, and risk evaluation.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

One mistake that students often make is combining too many irrelevant sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For a project involving ignou mcom roughly fifteen to twenty quality sources are usually sufficient provided they are selected with care.

A good source is academic journals reliable books from well-known writers, RBI papers, official reports and university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.

Always choose studies that are recent, ideally from the last ten years. Other studies from the past may be considered only if they are foundational in nature.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

A well-organized chapter increases comprehension and makes a good impression. Instead of writing unstructured summaries, split the literature review into sensible sections.

You can organize the chapter based on themes, time period research methodology, or other variables examined. For instance, one section may examine studies that pertain to profits, whereas another may focus on liquidity, and a third focused on the efficiency of operations.

This structure helps evaluators understand that you're not copying content. You are actually studying it.

Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review

The style of writing is to be professional but easy. Avoid excessive language and jargon. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.

Every research you share should include the author name, year of study, methodological objective, main findings. Don't mention the findings in a way that is purely mechanical. Try to connect one study with a different one.

For example, after analyzing one study, you could mention how another author supported and/or refuted the findings. This comparative approach adds the depth of your ignou mcom project.

Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes

A common error is to compose the literature review in the form of the textbook chapter. Simply explaining concepts such as definition of accounting or the significance of management doesn't belong in this section unless it is directly connected to previous studies.

Another error is over-quoting. Your literature review should be written by you in the style of your personal words. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while copying indicates dependence.

Students should also make sure to link studies to their own research focus. The research you refer to should be in line with your research goals.

The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap

One of most important result of the study of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU MCOM Solved Project evaluations expect you to expose what researchers of the past missed and where further research is required.

After looking over several studies, you may observe that most studies were focused on large businesses as small businesses were neglected. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data, but the primary data was limited.

This void is the reason for your an ignou project. Without it, your project could appear monotonous.

Use of Citations and Referencing

When writing a review of literature, proper citation is essential. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however consistency is more important than perfect.

Each study covered must appear in the list of references at the end of the study. A lack of references may raise doubts as to the study's authenticity.

Don't use footnotes to review literature. The in-text citation is better and appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.

Length of Review of Literature Chapter

Students often inquire about how long the writing review must last. There's no definitive rule in the case of an ignou MCOM project, the chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred up to two thousand words.

The length of the discussion should be based on topics' complexity. A more broad subject requires more research, while a focussed topic requires less but more extensive discussions.

Inadequately long reviews and no analysis is not going to improve your marks.

Example of Literature Review Writing Approach

Instead of writing as this
Author A looked into the bank's performance, and found positive results

Write as this
Write as this: Author A carried out a study on banking performance using financial ratios, and concluded that profitability improved by a better management of assets. The findings were later confirmed by Author B who stressed the role played by operational efficiency when it comes to improving the bank's returns.

This strategy demonstrates an understanding and analysis that is essential to an MCOM project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get delayed or rejected due to the use of copied literature reviews. Even if you cite prior studies, the language you use must reflect the original.

Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. If you are able, modify your content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is better than perfect copied.

Final Review Before Submission

Before submitting your ignou master of commerce project, reread the literature review attentively. Verify that each research is relevant, if the flow is consistent, and whether the chapters flow naturally to your research objectives.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter give a rationale for why my research is necessary. If the answer is yes, your review on literature will be in the best path.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a literature review to complete an ignou mcom research project isn't easy at first Particularly for students returning to academics following a gap. But once you understand that it's about connection and analysis, rather than memorization, the project becomes manageable.

You should take the time to read, consider, and write with your own voice. Your effort is evident on the final piece and often is the difference between an average essay and a well-crafted one.