For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU and IGNOU, the study of literature is often the most difficult component of their project. This is especially true for those working on an ignou mcom assignment, in which academic depth is expected, but the guidance isn't available. Students usually inquire if they should summarize their books, rewrite journal articles, or simply collect quotations. The reality is somewhere between, and understanding this distinction can alter the overall quality of the project.
A literature review is not a document that demonstrates how much material you have read. It is written to show how well you understand the prior work on the topic you're researching and how your project fits within it. IGNOU examiners examine the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to connect the theory and research direction.
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 reviews serve three primary purposes.
In the first place, it indicates that the topic you selected has been researched before in the academic world and is relevant to research. Additionally, it can help you discern gaps or deficiencies in previous studies. In addition, it can provide an outline for your research objectives and methodology.
Students often view this chapter as a formality, and copy content from their previous projects or from online sources. This is a common practice that results in lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU does not require original writing when addressing existing research.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. While doing so those who write merely to explain their ideas are not permitted. When a ignou mcom project is being developed, the review of literature will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
You will be required to read research papers, books and reports, as well as journals as well as government publications that are related to your topic. The concentration should be on the studies related to your research field.
In the case of example, if your project is focusing on the financial performance of banks the literature review should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously on financial ratios, efficiency of banks, profitability analyses, and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most frequent mistake that students make is to select too many irrelevant sources. More important is quality than quantity. For an ignou-mcom project in the range of 15 to 20 solid sources are typically enough for a good selection.
An excellent source of information is academic journals well-known books written by renowned names, RBI publications, government reports, and university research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent especially those from the past ten years. The older studies may be included only if they are fundamental in the nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
An organized chapter improves perception and readability. Instead of writing random summaries, you can divide the literature review into clear sections.
You can arrange the chapter by theme, time period as well as the methodology or variables investigated. For instance, one section might discuss studies on the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate on liquidity and another focus on efficiency in operations.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you're not copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary terms. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Every study you review should include the name of the author as well as year of study, methodological objective, the main findings. But, don't list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one research with a different one.
For example, after analyzing some study, you can be able to mention that another author's findings backed or disputed those findings. This kind of approach can add the depth of your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to write the literature review as a textbook chapter. Explaining basic concepts such as the definition of accounting or the meaning of management are not needed here unless directly linked to earlier studies.
Another error is overquoting. Your literature review should be written in your own words. Writing in a paraphrase shows comprehension, whereas copying implies dependence.
Students should also make sure to link sources to their own research subject. Each study you reference should have a clear connection the goals of your project.
The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap
One of most important results of a review of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU Project MCOM; perm.movius.ru, assessment committees expect you reveal what previous researchers did not know or if further research is needed.
After examining a variety of studies, you will notice that the majority of research focused on large firms but small companies were ignored. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data but primary information was not enough.
This is a reason for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without it, your work will appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing a review for literature The proper citation of the source is essential. IGNOU generally supports APA style, but consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
All studies 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 are more efficient and is cleaner when used in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the book review needs to be. There's no rule of thumb however, for an ignou to do an MCOM project the chapter usually spans from fifteen cents -two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on the level of complexity of the topic. A more broad subject requires more research while a concentrated topic will require less but deeper discussions.
Writing unnecessarily long reviews without analysis will not help improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A researched the performance of the banking industry and came to positive results
Write this way
For example, author A conducted research on bank performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B, who emphasized the role of operational efficiency in enhancing the bank's returns.
This type of approach shows 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 are denied or delayed because of copy-pasted literature reviews. If you do refer to previous studies, the language will have to match your own.
Utilize plagiarism checking tools when possible. Then, rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is more effective than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting an ignou mcom project, go back through the literature review attentively. Make sure that each study is relevant, whether it flows in a logical manner and if your chapter will naturally lead to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this article explain the reasons why my study is required. If the answer is yes your research paper is right on track.

Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review to complete an ignou mcom research project may feel challenging at first particularly for students returning back to their academics after a period of. When you realize it's focused on connection and analysis rather than memorizing information, the task is easy to handle.
Do your best to read, think and write in your unique voice. Your effort is evident on your final product and often can be the difference in your average work and a well-crafted one.