For a majority of students enrolled at IGNOU review, reviewing literature is often the most difficult aspect of their project. This is especially true for those working on an ignou project for mcom, where academic rigor is expected, yet guidance frequently isn't available. Students usually inquire if they should summarize their books, write journal articles in a different way, or simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and understanding that a difference could affect the overall quality of the project.
A literature review is not intended to demonstrate the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how much you comprehend works that are currently being done on your area of study and how your project fits in. IGNOU assessors scrutinize this chapter as it shows your ability to link ideas with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, is vital to understand the reason this chapter is necessary in an ignou MCOM project. The literature review serves three main functions.
First, it demonstrates that the subject matter you've chosen was studied before as well as having a relevance for academic studies. Thirdly, it assists you identify gaps or limitations in previous studies. It also provides an overview of your research objectives as well as your method of study.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality, and copy content from their previous projects or other sources online. This approach usually results in the project being rejected or not getting marks. IGNOU requires original work even when presenting existing work.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. At the same time simple explanations are also discouraged. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project, the review of literature will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
You will be required to read books, research papers report, journals, or even publications from the government that relate to your field of study. The study should focus on topics that directly pertain to your area of study.
For example, if you task is to study the financial performance of banks In your literature review, you should include earlier studies that dealt with financial ratios, bank performance, profitability analysis and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One mistake that students often make is selecting too many non-related sources. More important is quality than quantity. For an ignou project about fifteen to twenty solid sources are typically enough should they be selected carefully.
The best sources are academic journals, reputed books by known names, RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, as well as university research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.
Always pick studies from recent years most likely from the past 10 years. Other studies from the past may be considered but only if it is foundational in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well organized chapter improves the readability and impact. Instead of writing short summaries that are not organized, divide chapters of a literature analysis into logical sections.
You can structure the chapter using themes, period as well as the methodology or variables to be studied. For instance, one section could focus on studies related the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate on liquidity, while another one on operational efficiency.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see the difference between copying content, you are actually analysing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be scholarly but straightforward. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary language. IGNOU values clarity over complexity.
Each study you analyze should be listed with the author's name, year of study, objectives, the methodology used, and main findings. However, do not list them in a logical manner. Try to connect one study with the other.
When you've discussed the findings of one study, you could describe how another researcher supported or contradicted those findings. This sort of comparative approach will add greater depth to your project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to write the literature review in the form of an academic chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like what accounting is and the meaning of management are not needed in this article unless they are directly linked to studies that have been done previously.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your review of literature should be written by you in your own words. Writing in a paraphrase shows comprehension, whereas using copying can show dependency.
Students are also prone to not linking literature with their own research topic. Any study you discuss must have a clear connection with the research goals.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
The most important outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU reviewers expect you to clarify what research earlier researchers did not or where more research is required.
After examining a variety of studies, you'll realize that most studies focus on large organisations as small businesses were left out. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data, but the primary data was limited.
This gap is the basis for your project ignou mcom. Without it, your plan could appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
In writing a review of literature, proper citation is essential. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, but consistency matters more than perfection.
Each study mentioned must be listed in the reference list at the end of the project. A lack of references may raise doubts as to the study's authenticity.
Avoid footnotes for literature review. In text citations work better and looks more professional in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often inquire about how long their literature reviews should last. There's no set timeframe, but for an ignou MCOM project, the chapter generally ranges from fifteen hundred between two thousand and a thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on what the topic's difficulty. The more expansive topic requires the most research, whereas a focussed topic requires less but deeper discussions.
Unnecessarily lengthy reviews with no any analysis doesn't increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A analyzed bank performance and came across positive results
Write it like this
For example, author A conducted a study on the performance of banks using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability improved due to better asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B who highlighted the importance of operational efficiency in boosting returns for banks.
This strategy demonstrates understanding and analysis, which is valued in an ignou mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects are blocked or rejected because of copy-pasted literature reviews. Even if you refer to previously published studies, the style you use must reflect the original.
Utilize plagiarism checking software if possible, and modify content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou-mcom research, read through the literature review thoroughly. You should determine whether the research is relevant, whether you can follow the logic of the review and whether the chapter is logically linked to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter make clear the reasons why my study is required. If the answer is yes, it's on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review for a IGNOU MCOM Project Help Online mcom project is not easy at first, especially for students returning to school after a break. Once you realize that it's more about connecting and analysis than memorization, the project becomes easier to manage.
You should take the time to read, think, and write in your own voice. This is reflected in the final work. It can make the difference between one that is average and a powerful one.
