For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU studying literature can be the most elusive component of their project. This is especially the case for those who are working on an ignou MCOM project in which academic depth is expected, but the guidance seems to be a little sluggish. Students often ask if they are required to summarize books or rewrite journal articles, or simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and knowing that different perspectives can impact the quality of the entire project.
Literature reviews are not written to reveal how much you've read. It's written to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the literature that is relevant to the topic you're studying and how your project is a part of it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter since it showcases your ability to link theoretical concepts to research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, however, it is important to understand why this chapter is essential to an ignou MCOM project. Literature review serves three main functions.
It first shows that the subject you chose is one that has been studied in the past and has academic significance. Furthermore, it will help you recognize gaps or limitations in prior research. Thirdly, it gives you an outline of your research goals and the methodology.
Many students see this chapter as a formality and copy content from earlier assignments or other online sources. The result is usually the project being rejected or not getting marks. IGNOU does not require original writing 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. However, very basic explanations are also not recommended. For an ignou MCOM project, the review of literature should reflect a postgraduate level of understanding.
You're expected to study books, research papers, journals, reports, and occasionally, government publications that relate to your field of study. The study should focus on topics closely related to your research area.
As an example, if the research focuses on the financial performance of banks and banks, then your literature search should focus on prior research about financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is picking too many unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. For an ignou project anywhere between fifteen and twenty high-quality sources are often enough as long as they're carefully chosen.
A good source is academic journals highly regarded books by well-known the authors RBI papers, official reports as well as university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.
Always pick studies from recent years at least from the last ten years. Studies from the past can be considered only if the studies are fundamental in nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
An organized chapter improves reading comprehension and creates a positive impression. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide sections of the review in logical sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter in accordance with themes, time period methods, or variables the authors have studied. For example, one section may cover studies related profit, while another could concentrate on liquidity and the third focused on the efficiency of operations.
This structure assists evaluators to understand that you are not just copying content, but rather analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be simple and academic. Avoid overly complicated language and terminology. IGNOU is a firm believer in simplicity over clarity.
Each study that you talk about must include the author name, the year of study, the goal, methodology, and main findings. However, you shouldn't list the findings in a way that is purely mechanical. Make sure to connect one study with another.
When you've discussed an article, you can mention how another author supported or opposed those findings. This kind of approach can add depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common mistake is to write the literature review as a textbook chapter. It is important to clarify the basic concepts, such as understanding of accounting's definition or of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked in previous studies.
Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your literature review should be written in Your own voice. Reading from the source shows understanding, and copying implies dependence.
They are also often unable to link publications to their personal research field. Any study you discuss must have a clear connection with your objectives for your project.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the major outcomes of a review of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to explain what the previous researchers missed or indicate areas where further research is needed.
After discussing multiple studies, you'll notice that the majority of research was focused on large companies, while small firms were disregarded. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data, but the primary data were not sufficient.
This gap becomes the justification for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project will seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature it is important to use a proper citation. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, however the consistency is more important than perfection.
Every study to be discussed must be included in the reference list at the end of the project. The absence of references can raise doubts regarding authenticity.
Beware of footnotes when writing a literature review. In text citations work better and looks more professional in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the writing review must be. There isn't a set rule in the case of an ignou to do an MCOM project the chapter usually ranges between fifteen hundred and two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on topics' complexity. A bigger topic will require greater research, whereas a focused topic needs fewer but more in-depth discussions.
Writing excessively long reviews without analysis does not improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A did a thorough study of banking performance and found good results
Write as such
In the year A, Author B performed a study examining banking performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. The findings were later confirmed by Author B, who emphasized the role played by operational efficiency when it comes to improving return on investment for banks.
This method is based on the ability to analyze and comprehend, which can be valued in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are refused or delayed because of copy-pasted literature reviews. If you do refer to past studies, your language should be unique to your project.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if possible. You can also rewrite your content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou-MCOM project work IGNOU - m.shopinsanjose.com - project, go back through your literature review carefully. Verify that each research is relevant, if the flow of information is clear, and whether the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify the reasons why my study is required. If yes, then your study's literature reviews are on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review as part of an ignou master's thesis isn't easy at first in particular for students who are returning to school after a long hiatus. If you can realize that it's an analysis and connection, rather that memorization, the work is a lot easier.
You should take the time to read, think, and write in your own voice. That effort reflects clearly in the final work. It often makes the difference between an average project and a well-crafted one.