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 who are working on the IGNOU MCOM project report, http://1577-1772.com/, master's degree project in which academic depth is expected. However, guidance usually appears to be limited. Students usually ask whether they are required to summarize books or make journal articles more readable, or simply gather quotes. The truth lies somewhere between, and understanding that a distinction could alter the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is not written to show how much you've read. It is written to show that you are knowledgeable about the literature that is relevant to your area of study and how your project fits within it. IGNOU examiners examine the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to link concepts with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before composing anything, it is important to understand why this chapter is essential to an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three primary functions.
In the first place, it indicates that the subject you picked has been researched before and has relevance to academic research. Thirdly, it assists you identify any gaps or limitations from earlier research. Third, it provides an understanding of research objectives and methodological.
Most students view this section as a formality and copy content from previous projects or 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 on the scale of the PhD thesis. Additionally any explanation that is not basic is also discouraged. For an ignou MCOM project, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate level understanding.
You're expected to study books, research papers, journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining in your research topic. The focus should be on studies that directly link to the research area you are studying.
For example, if your project is focusing on the financial performance of banks If so, your literature analysis should include earlier studies regarding financial ratios bank performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most frequent mistake that students make is selecting too many unrelated sources. More important is quality than quantity. For an ignou project anywhere between fifteen and twenty quality sources are usually sufficient should they be selected carefully.
Some good sources are academic journals, reputed books by known creators, RBI books, public reports as well as university research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.
Always opt for recent studies particularly those that have been published in the last ten years. More recent studies can be added but only if it is foundational in nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well organized chapter improves comprehension and makes a good impression. Instead of writing random summaries, you can divide your literature reviews into sensible sections.
You can structure the chapter according to themes, time period methods, or variables that are studied. For instance, one chapter might focus on studies that relate to profitability, whereas another might focus upon liquidity, while another on operational efficiency.
This structure aids evaluators in understanding that you're not simply copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be simple but academic. Avoid a heavy use of language or unnecessary vocabulary. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Each study that you talk about must be listed with the author's name, the year of study, the goal, methodology, and main findings. Don't mention them in a formal manner. Try to connect one study with the other.
When you've discussed one study, you may be able to mention that another author's findings backed and/or refuted the findings. The comparative approach adds more the depth of your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is writing the literature review in the form of an academic chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management doesn't belong in this section unless it is directly connected to other studies.
Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your literature review should be written in the style of your personal words. Paraphrasing shows understanding, while copying indicates dependence.
Students should also make sure to link books to their own research topic. The research you refer to should be clearly connected to the goals of your project.
Affiliation Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the key result of reviewing literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU assessment committees expect you explain what the previous researchers missed and where further research is required.
After looking over several studies, you'll see that most studies focus on large organisations however small companies were neglected. In the past, studies utilized secondary data but primary information was scarce.
This is why it's the main reason for your ignou mcom project. Without it, your project may appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, however coherence is more important than perfection.
Every study to be discussed must be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. A lack of references may raise doubts as to the study's authenticity.
Beware of footnotes when writing a literature review. In text citations work better and is cleaner when used 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 set timeframe, but for an ignou for an mcom project, the length typically spans from fifteen hundred in length to 2500 words.
The length should depend on the complexity of the topic. A bigger topic will require more study, while a focused topic needs fewer 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 analyzed bank performance and discovered good results
Write as this
An author carried out a study on bank performance using financial ratios, and concluded that profitability improved by a better management of assets. This conclusion was later validated by Author B who highlighted the role of operational efficiency in boosting bank profitability.
This approach reflects an understanding and analysis that is considered important in an ignou mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects get deferred or even rejected due to duplicated literature reviews. Even if you refer to previously published studies, the style has to be distinctly yours.
Utilize plagiarism checking software if feasible and revise content until it sounds natural. A slightly imperfect sentence will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before you submit your ignou project, read the literature review attentively. Make sure that each study is relevant, if the flow is logical and if the chapter is logically linked to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify the reasons for my research. If yes your review on literature will be in the best track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review as part of an ignou master's thesis might be difficult at first especially for those who return into academics after a time off. When you understand that it is about analysis and connection rather than memorization, it is a lot easier.
Read, think, and write in your own voice. This effort will be evident into the final version of your work. This frequently makes the difference between two submissions: a standard one and a outstanding one.
