For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU The review of studies can be the most challenging section of the work. This is particularly true for those working on an ignou-mcom project where academic rigor is expected. However, guidance usually can be difficult to find. Students frequently ask if they need to summarize books, refret journal articles or simply gather quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing that a difference could affect the overall quality of the project.
Literature reviews are not intended to demonstrate how much you've read. It is written to show how well you know the literature that is relevant to your subject and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU examiners examine this chapter since it showcases your ability to link theory with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before beginning any writing, it is crucial to consider the reasons this chapter is essential to an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three main purposes.
First, it demonstrates that the subject you chose has been researched before in the academic world and is relevant to research. The second is that it assists you to discover gaps or issues in previous studies. In addition, it can provide an outline of your research objectives and your methodology.
A majority of students view this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous projects or even from online sources. This can result in poor marks or even project rejection. IGNOU will require original content even when presenting existing work.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of a PhD thesis. Additionally those who write merely to explain their ideas are not permitted. In an ignou project the literature review should reflect an understanding of postgraduate levels.
The expectation is to look over research papers, books, journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining to your research area. The study should focus on topics related to your research area.
In this case, for example, if your project focuses on the performance of financials of banks, then your literature review should examine earlier research concerning financial ratios financial performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is combining too many irrelevant sources. It is the quality that matters more than the quantity. For an ignou project about fifteen to twenty good sources can be found If they're chosen with care.
A good source is academic journals well-known books written by renowned authors RBI documents, Government reports and university level research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always pick studies from recent years that are from the last ten years. It is possible to include older studies only if they are foundational in the sense that they are fundamental in.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter enhances quality of reading and impression. Instead of writing random summaries, you can divide an overview of literature into sensible sections.
You may organize the chapter in accordance with themes, time period as well as the methodology or variables the authors have studied. For instance, one section could discuss research related to the financial performance, while another may focus on liquidity, while another is focused on operating efficiency.
This format helps evaluaters understand that you're not copying content but analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Avoid excessive language and use of jargon. IGNOU is a firm believer in simplicity over clarity.
Each research study you write about should include the name of the author, the year of study, the objective, methodology, as well as principal findings. However, do not list them in a linear manner. It is best to connect one study with a different one.
For instance, when discussing one study, you may highlight how another author's study supported the results or countered them. This sort of comparative approach will add an additional dimension to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common mistake is to write the literature review like a textbook chapter. It is important to clarify the basic concepts, such as what accounting is and the meaning of management are not needed here unless directly linked to studies that have been done previously.
Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written in your own words. Writing in a paraphrase shows comprehension, whereas using copying can show dependency.
Students also forget to link literature with their own research topic. Any study you discuss must have a clear link to your project objectives.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of important results of a review of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU examiners expect you clarify what research earlier researchers did not or indicate where additional research is required.
After discussing multiple studies, it's possible that research focused on large firms however small companies were ignored. Some studies have used secondary data, but primary data was limited.
This gap serves as the rationale for your Ingou MCOM project. Without this, your project could appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When writing a review of literature It is vital to have a correct citation. IGNOU MCOM project synopsis generally follows APA style, but consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
Each research study should be included in the reference list at the end of the project. Any missing references cast doubt on the authenticity.
Beware of footnotes when writing a literature review. In text citation works better and is more professional in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the book review needs to last. There's no rule of thumb however, for an ignou for an mcom project, the length usually spans from fifteen cents between two thousand and a thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on topics' complexity. A broad topic will require more research, while a focussed topic requires less but more extensive discussions.
A review that is too long and without analysis will not help improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A has studied bank performance and came across positive results
Write like this
For example, author A conducted a research study on banking performance using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability improved by a better management of assets. This was later validated by Author B and Author B, who emphasised the importance of operational efficiency in improving bank earnings.
This type of approach shows the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is essential to an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects get denied or delayed because of review of literature that has been copied. However, even if you use previous studies, the language ought to be uniquely yours.
Use plagiarism checking tools as you can and then rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before you submit your ignou project, go through the literature review carefully. Find out if the study you are reviewing is relevant, if you can follow the logic of the review, and whether the chapters naturally connect to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain what my study needs to be done. If the answer is yes then this review of literature is definitely on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review for an ignou project could be daunting at first in particular for students who are returning to academics after a gap. When you realize it's more about connecting and analysis than memorization, it is easy to handle.
Be sure to read, think and write in your unique voice. This is reflected in your final product and can make the difference between one that is average and a impressive one.