For a majority of students enrolled at IGNOU review, reviewing books is the most confusing part of the project work. This is particularly true for students working on an ignou mcom project, where academic rigor is expected. However, instruction often feels limited. Students generally ask whether they must summarize books, amend journal articles, and simply collect quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and knowing that the difference can impact the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is not a document that demonstrates how much of the literature you've read. It is written to show your understanding of the available research on the subject you are researching and how your proposal fits within it. IGNOU MCOM project submission guide examiners are particularly interested in this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to connect the theory and research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before composing anything, it is crucial to consider the reasons this chapter is necessary in an ignou mcom project. Literature reviews serve three major purposes.
First, it shows it is clear that the topic you've chosen already has been explored and has a scholarly significance. Thirdly, it assists you identify any gaps or limitations from earlier research. Third, it provides a base for your research goals and the methodology.
Students often view this chapter as a formality and take content from other assignments or web-based sources. The result is usually low marks or project rejection. IGNOU is seeking original and unique writing even when discussing previous studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. On the other hand, very basic explanations are discouraged. For an ignou MCOM project, the review of literature must reflect the postgraduate understanding.
You're required to read books, research papers report, journals, and sometimes, government publications related to your field of study. The primary focus should be on research related to your area of study.
As an example, if the research is focused on the financial performance of banks In your literature review, you should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously on financial ratios, profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking, and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most frequent mistake that students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. Quality matters more than quantity. If you are looking to build an ignou mcom business, around fifteen to twenty quality sources are usually sufficient if they are well chosen.
An excellent source of information is academic journals and reputable books written by well-known authors, RBI books, public reports as well as university research papers. Websites with ambiguous authorship should be avoided.
It is always best to choose recent studies especially those from the past 10 years. Older studies can be included but only if it is foundational in the sense that they are fundamental in.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well organized chapter improves understanding and perception. Instead of composing random summaries, divide the literature review into logical sections.
You could organize the chapter by theme, time period research methodology, or other variables studied. For instance, one section could discuss research related to profitability, another may focus upon liquidity, while another focus on efficiency in operations.
This structure can help evaluators realize that you're not simply copying content, but you are analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be simple and academic. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary jargon. IGNOU favors clarity over complexity.
Each study you present should be accompanied by the name of the author, the year of study, the research objectives, methods, and most important results. Do not, however, list the findings in a way that is purely mechanical. Try to connect one study with the other.
For instance, when discussing one study, you may refer to how an author's findings were supported or challenged those findings. This comparative approach adds the depth of your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to write the literature review like the kind of chapter in a textbook. In explaining the basics of concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management do not belong in this section unless it is directly connected to earlier studies.
Another error is quoting too much. Your review of literature should be written in individual words. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas copying shows dependency.
Students should also make sure to link studies to their own research study. Each study you reference should be clearly linked to your objectives for your project.
Affiliation Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most important outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners expect you expose what researchers of the past missed or indicate where additional research is required.
After examining a variety of studies, you'll realize that most research focuses on large enterprises in contrast to small businesses being absent. The earlier studies also used secondary data but primary information were not sufficient.
This gap can be the motivation for your project ignou mcom. Without it, your plan could appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature A proper citation is necessary. IGNOU generally follows APA style, however consistency matters more than perfection.
Each study must be mentioned in the list of references at the end of the study. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Don't use footnotes to review literature. In-text citations are more efficient and is more professional in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the reviews of books should last. There isn't a set rule, but for an ignou to do an MCOM project the chapter typically runs from fifteen hundred between two thousand and a thousand words.
The length should depend on how complex the topic is. A broader topic requires more research, while a concentrated topic will require less but more extensive discussions.
Unnecessarily lengthy reviews with no analysis is not going to improve your marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A studied the performance of the banking industry and came to positive results
Write like this
In the year A, Author B performed a study examining banking performance using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability increased due to better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B who pointed out the role of operational efficiency when it comes to improving returns for banks.
This approach reflects an understanding and analysis that is valued in an ignou MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are stopped or rejected because of plagiarism in literature reviews. Although you may refer to earlier studies, the language needs to reflect your unique style.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. You can also rewrite your content to make it sound natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou mcom research, read through the literature review attentively. Make sure that each study is relevant, if it flows in a logical manner and if the chapter flows naturally towards your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter make clear why my research is necessary. If yes you're on the correct track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature as part of an ignou master's thesis could be daunting at first in particular for students who are returning to academics after a gap. But once you know that it's about analysis and connections rather that memorization, the work is easy to handle.
You should take the time to read, think and write in your own voice. The effort you put into it will show clearly on the final piece and often is the difference between an average submission and a solid one.